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From Barren Lands to ‘Crimson Orchards’: How Nature Healed This Beautiful Home

20th April 2021Posted in SaffronStays DiariesTagged getaway in Nashik, igatpuri, Nashik, nature villas near me, private villa, private villa in Nashik, private villas near Mumbai, saffronstays, SaffronStays Crimson Orchards, villa in Nashik, Villas in Nashik, villas near Nashik, Wineries in Nashik

The field of medicine and the role doctors play in our lives comes with inadvertent pressure and stress – something we’re gravely observing through this pandemic. Saving the lives of patients is, after all, not a bed of roses, but a bed that sees a lot more pain, panic, and a range of emotions. It’s to break free from this stress that a family of doctors embraced nature. The cool fresh air, gentle peace and relaxing solitude on, a vast parcel of land in Nashik was what they turned to. Today, Crimson Orchards, a 3-bedroom villa in Nashik environed by vineyards across 22 acres, stands testament to the healing power of nature.

SaffronStays Crimson Orchards, Nashik — Nestled amid vast vineyards

The Idea of a Stressbuster…

Dr Pawar and his wife Neelima, the hospital administrator have a lovely story to share. Since her role was far more stressful, managing both the hospital and the family, Dr Pawar figured her love for farming could be her much-needed break. The family invested in a land that had just one tall tree, which Mrs Pawar soon developed as her ‘home away from home’ and started with the idea of having her own grape plantations here. She knew it would mean a lot of work and odd working hours, but when you do something you love, does it really matter if you have to wake up at 3 am to maintain a harvest?

To ensure that the plantation flourished, Mrs Pawar doubled down her efforts.. During harvest season, nearly 50 people would gather to help around. Their routine was to have breakfast at 5 am and start pruning the leaves, followed by a lunch break and finishing up by 4 pm. The idea to build a roof and restroom for all the workers planted the first seed of the now standing Crimson Orchards. A space for those who toiled hard to turn a barren land into the flourishing vineyard it is today.

With an Indo-European style of construction, and white brick stone walls highlighting the minimal aesthetic of hand-picked handicrafts, the family’s ‘home away from home’ was ready. Every nook and corner of this villa was planned with creative inputs from each member of the family. Some of the paintings that decorate the walls were handpicked auctions, while others were painted by family friends. A large part of the interior decor is DIY (Do-It-Yourself). The most quirky addition being the lamps and stools – made of buckets that cattle in rural areas would drink water out of.

What’s More? There’s A Cafeteria On Site…

While the surrounding greenery is pleasing and soothing, if you still miss interacting with people other than your family, there is a cafe on the premises, situated 3.5 acres away from the main villa. Not only does it maintain the privacy of guests who reside in the villa, but it can also double up as a workspace since it is equipped with Wi-Fi. It serves as a hangout spot for locals, for those who come around for treks, and for those who wish to escape the city for a little while. There’s no better way to end a workday than to open a red overlooking the vast vineyard.

An Experience For Everyone to Cherish

After realising how just a weekend here could wash away all their troubles, the Pawars decided to open their little piece of Nirvana for friends and family. Having curated a space that sparked comfort from every corner, anybody on the lookout for a calming cottage, close to Mumbai and Pune can turn to this stunning estate.

Catching a sunset over the best vineyard in Nashik, with a view of the tranquil Gangapur dam from the terrace, a verandah space that lends itself as the perfect arm-chair for star-gazing… Crimson Orchards mesmerises you with the natural canvas it offers. Oh, and how can we forget, a special dinner set-up amid the vineyards? Why lament over skipping Napa Valley when you can experience the wine-n-dine set up to close to home?.

As the daughter of the family expressed, “Just cutting off from the chaos, staying here, overlooking the vineyards, listening to the chirping birds, just being with nature was an inspiring experience to appreciate the little things in life.” The two daughters now look after the property, but Mrs Pawar is also actively involved in maintaining the space, ensuring that it is as comfortable as it could be, for every visitor.

When you seek rejuvenation, joy, and gratitude, it is estates like these that envelop you with a serene, calming effect – like a warm hug on a cold winter evening. You know a stay at this 3-bedroom private villa in Nashik can be your respite once we are set to travel again… With a glass of the home-grown Zinfandel or Sauvignon Blanc in your hand!

For More Details:
Website: Book Now (LINK: https://www.saffronstays.com/view/crimson-orchards-3-bedroom-vineyard-villa-in-nashik-near-sula-vineyards-QafdUOUkAmI2i2NX)
Call: 022-68110811
Queries: book@saffronstays.com

Home-cooked Meals in Private Villas Turn Staycations Into Good Food Diaries

8th April 2021Posted in Local culture, Local food, SaffronStays DiariesTagged home-cooked meals, homemade food, Local food, maharashtrian food, organic farm, private villa, Private villa in Karjat, private villas, Private villas in Karjat, private villas near Mumbai, private villas with home-cooked meals, private villas with homemade food, Staycation, Traditional Food, veg only villas near Mumbai, vegetarian meals

Every one of us has a favourite food joint with certain memories attached to it. Be it a fancy restaurant or a street-side stall, our taste buds mark familiarity when we gorge on our stipulated favourites. Now with the mini-lockdown order in Maharashtra putting strict restrictions on restaurants and street food stalls, you might not visit them for a while. But who needs a restaurant when you can have a fully-serviced private villa experience with lip-smacking food? At SaffronStays, we lay equal emphasis on serving fresh home-cooked meals, handmade with love by a trained team of chefs. Be it picking organic produce from the farms you stay around, or specially curated cuisines made as per your preferences, your vacations in our safe villas will make the heart and tummy full!

Authentic Farm-To-Table Experience

SaffronStays Sanvina Farm, Karjat — Fresh farm-to-table local meals.

With a growing trend to switch towards organic foodstuffs, there is very little guarantee of our products being truly organic in the cities. But in private villas that craft a farm stay experience, guests can pick fresh seasonal veggies, spices, and fruits for consumption from these farms. Private villas in Karjat like SaffronStays Sanvina Farm boasts of over 2000+ trees like mango, pineapple, lychee, phalsa, mulberry, and cherry masalas like tamarind and vegetables. So straight from the farm (subject to availability) on your plate? Yes sir!

At One Tree Farm, another private pool villa in Karjat, children can go lemon picking in the paddy fields around. Fresh lime juice in these sweaty summers will ensure you feel refreshed from the first sip!

Savour Local Home-Cooked Meals

No matter which destination you go to, always make it a point to taste the local specialties, at least for a couple of meals if not all. The distinct flavours of a place, cooked by chefs who ace at these recipes, savouring local specialties is a part of digging into our multi-cuisine culture. So while you can always have jam and toast for breakfast, opt for some spicy Misal Pav instead.

At our private villas in Alibaug, we would recommend you try the authentic Konkani preparations by chefs on site. Our in-house chef at SaffronStays Little Paradise in Murud serves Konkani meals with a Bengali twist! Munching on some fried fish while sipping on your cocktails on a beachfront, you’d truly immerse in the atmosphere.

At SaffronStays Gardenia in Kihim, we recommend home-cooked meals like Popti Chicken and Veg Popti made by our chefs. If you feel like eating chaat in the evening, that can be arranged too.

SaffronStays Masaya, Alibaug — A delicious spread of homemade food.

One need not limit their meals in Alibaug to Konkani or seafood specialties, especially if you prefer a vegetarian diet. SaffronStays Masaya is a veg-only villa in Alibaug with an in-house chef specialising in authentic Rajasthani and North Indian cuisine. There’s an organic garden of various herbs and spices which are seasonally used in food preparations. So flavourful vegetarian meals will satiate your taste buds.
For those very particular about their food preferences, we even have several veg-only villas.

Multi-Cuisine Menu and Curated Meals

While looking for authentic food experiences around Mumbai and Pune, you’re bound to be served with Maharashtrian specialties. But that’s just one part of our extensive menu options.

Cream of Tomato Soup with Croutons, Spaghetti, Pepper Chicken, Palak Paneer, Paratha, Dal and Rice, followed by a bowl full of Fruit Salad. Oh, and did we say barbecue? Are you feeling full just by reading this range of variety? Yes, you can savour it all! At SaffronStays Constellations, a complex of three pool villas in Lonavala, a multi-cuisine menu welcomes the guests. Chinese, continental or simple Indian food, you will end up licking your fingers with these delicious preparations from our trained staff of cooks.

SaffronStays Parsi Manor, Matheran — Special meals at Parsi Manor, Matheran

What if we told you we have a provision for a special heritage meal experience as well? If you want to savour recipes that have roots in history, visit SaffronStays Parsi Manor, a colonial heritage villa in Matheran. Upon request, a menu of authentic Parsi dishes is served to the guests. Dhansak, a traditional Parsi recipe by our in-house chef is a guest favourite.

Fine Dine in Finer Views

One of the major reasons we have trouble selecting a place to dine at, is we wish to make it an experience of lovely ambiance or great view on the side. But in our private villas at idyllic locations, every meal will feel a fine-dine with finer views.

SaffronStays Reva Infinity, Karjat — Lunch set-up by gushing river!

If gushing water and chirping of birds is the only kind of sound you prefer while eating, SaffronStays Reva Infinity in Karjat can arrange for dining set-up right by the Tez river. The onsite home cook can make some yummy Baingan Bharta, Chicken Shukha, Chicken Masala, Mix Vegetable, and Veg Kolhapuri.

SaffronStays Aatman, Mahabaleshwar — Dinner set-up under a canopy of tree

We go the extra mile to add the perfect views to homemade food with some of our set-ups. SaffronStays Aatman in Mahabaleshwar has three dining spaces to choose from! Under the canopy of a large Jamun tree, even simple home-cooked meals turn special.

Virginia Woolf rightly puts it, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well if one has not dined well.” So the next time you stay with SaffronStays, be rest assured you are going home feeling too well!

Holi Weekend Getaways: Celebrate The Festival With Colours of Nature

19th March 2021Posted in SaffronStays DiariesTagged Holi Getaways Near Mumbai, Holi Weekend, Holi Weekend Getaways, Holi Weekend Getaways Near Mumbai, pool villa in lonavala, Private Pool, private villa, private villas, private villas near Mumbai, saffronstays, Villa with pool for getaway near Mumbai

Holi, one of the most colourful festivals in India, is around the corner. The very mention pops colours in your mind, doesn’t it? It was probably the only festival we celebrated in its truest essence last year before going into lockdown. This year, Holi marks a three-day holiday and we get it if you are checking destinations for the Holi weekend getaway. Given that we are still grappling with a pandemic, having safe celebrations is a must! Instead of celebrating with real colours, there’s a chance to ring in Holi 2021 safely within the colours of nature at beautiful private villas around the city.

Holi Weekend Getaways Near Mumbai

Celebrate In The Greens of Nature

The colours of spring are showing, but have you had the time to pause and observe? On this Holi weekend getaway visit places encapsulated with natural greenery and its blooming colours.

At SaffronStays Sanvina Farm, a private villa in Karjat you get to experience an authentic farm stay around 2000+ trees of fruits and vegetables. Every shade of green is a walk into these organic farms on a vast 10-acre estate. If there’s a seasonal bloom or ripe fruits, you get to closely observe the true colours of nature. So leave behind the colours and play with colourful flowers instead!

Another beautiful property like SaffronStays Green Acres, spells out its abundance of greenery. This 7-bedroom plush private villa in Alibaug is perfect for a celebration of a large group. Even showers in every room have a small garden next to them, so you’re well embraced in greens.

Splash Into The Blues of Water

SaffronStays Foresta By The Lake, Kamshet

Just being around water, be it a pool, lake or river feels refreshing in the scorching summer heat. Just like the colour blue which conveys calmness, spending your long weekend in our beautiful private villas around Mumbai will bestow similar emotions.

A sprawling 70-acre resort all to yourself, SaffronStays Foresta By The Lake in Kamshet is surrounded by water on three sides! And there’s so much to do here — you could go for a leisurely swim in the lake, play in the pool or take a picnic by the lakefront. Outdoor games on the multipurpose court or a variety of indoor ones, your Holi weekend getaway will not let you miss out on the colours!

If you’re looking at closer options to spend your Holi weekend, like at private villas in Lonavala, then SaffronStays Serene Gardens is ideal for a friends and family getaway. This home is located about 5 mins away from the Indrayani river. Take a stroll by the riverside in the evening or trek up the hill to enjoy pleasing views of mountain valleys.

Capture The Reds and Tangerine Sunsets

SaffronStays Horizon 360°, Mahabaleshwar

A scene of sunrise and sunset puts on a colour palette that’s hard to define, but always enticing to capture on our phones. Leading busy lives, watching a sunset is barely on our routine, but places that put on a spectacular show of these daily events will make you appreciate them more.

Putting out the best display of nature’s colours is SaffronStays Horizon 360° in Mahabaleshwar with its strategic location and design. This private villa flaunts a 360-degree view of both sunrise and sunset, so you can watch the sky turn a canvas, painting you scenes with its brightest colours.

To truly spend this festive long weekend just among your immediate family, escape to SaffronStays Mango Huts By The River in Pali. These earthy 2-bedroom cottages within mango plantations have little network accessibility. So you get the much-needed quality time for your famjam. Don’t forget to take your perfect family picture silhouette against the tangerine shades of the setting sun.

Colourful Private Villas That Match The Vibe

A colourful place imbibes an impression with its aesthetic, like a carefully coloured painting. Some of our private villas will charm you with artistic corners, contemporary art, carefully-selected decor items. Spending your Holi weekend getaway here will make your celebrations colourful in every frame!

If there’s one home that’d fit in all the above categories, SaffronStays El Parque in Alibaug would be it! This private pool villa serves a fusion of colours in its decor. Rainbow pattern imitated on its steps, contemporary art on walls of every room, and vibrant furnishings give this home a desired pop of colours. To add to its charm is a private pool, a British-themed pub on the first floor, and a playground for the kids with badminton nets, hammocks, camping chairs. If you want to have an ultimate Holi weekend getaway party, this private pool villa near Mandwa has it all.

White is a colour that brings out contrast so well, something that you can see at SaffronStays Elfreda in Vikramgad. This white brick studio cottage follows a pastel and floral theme through its mosaic tiles and handcrafted decor. There’s beauty on the outside with a garden path, gazebo, natural pond. If you wish to turn your Holi weekend into a romantic getaway, then we can also arrange for a special candle-lit set up outside.

SaffronStays Roselle, this pet-friendly villa in Lonavala, brings in a feel of spring with its floral interiors. Be it the cushion covers or the bougainvillea on the fence outside, this home is blooming with colours. Not to miss, the plush yellow sofa that sits in the living room, adding just the pop of colour and attractive aura. Your Holi weekend getaway pictures from here will be colourful even without any real colours on you.

This Holi, leave behind the colours and yet immerse yourself in the enchanting hues of nature.

How Private Villas Add a Charm to Intimate Celebrations

12th March 2021Posted in SaffronStays DiariesTagged alibaug villas, best venues for celebration, celebration at saffronstays, Intimate Celebrations, Intimate Wedding Celebrations, luxurious stays, luxury villa, private villa, private villas, private villas near Mumbai, rustic homes, saffronstays, SaffronStays Homestays, SaffronStays hospitality, Staycation, Villas in Lonavala

We learned one of the greatest lessons in 2020- gratefulness for every moment of our life. As things start looking a little brighter this time around, we eagerly look forward to celebrating life in itself. It need not be a birthday or occasional party, but the idea of relaxing, taking time off to rejuvenate feels desirable. A cherry on the cake of your celebrations is when you truly make an experience of it. Celebrating in private villas or homes is a step up over hotel rooms or banquet halls because they provide a well-curated experience just for you. And we have many such reasons for you to come, celebrate with SaffronStays…

Unparalleled Privacy

SaffronStays Arrivée — Unparalleled privacy in spacious villas!

An entire place to yourself, with nobody else to pry on what you do, what you wear or how weirdly you laugh. You can do the embarrassing dance moves by the private pools or flaunt your sporty side on gaming lawns, our private villas near Mumbai, Lonavala, or Alibaug all are equipped with various facilities for guests to choose from. While you enjoy, our chefs and caretakers on site will ensure you get the best hospitality.

Safe and Sanitised Villas

SaffronStays Horizon 360° — Regularly sanitized villas

It’s become a norm to check on the hygiene standards and practices being followed whenever you book a place for a vacation now. All our private villas and homes are regularly sanitized and keep up with the safety protocols as per the Govt. So be rest assured that your safety is also our concern, that we fully address.

Intimate Celebrations Stay Intimate

The premise of having small, intimate gatherings is to only have people that you really want by your side. When booking private villas for wedding-related events, it gives a space and time to personally bond with your people, instead of the rushed hi-hellos and plastered smiles.

With SaffronStays, you can choose an occasion — pre-wedding party, roka, wedding to reception and leave it to us with the arrangements to make it a memorable one for you! Don’t stress over what can go wrong, when you can focus on what to make right- a choice to select private villas for your intimate celebrations. You will cherish your special moments when you exactly remember how happy you felt in them.

Freedom of Choice

SaffronStays Parnakuti, Nashik — Relax in a way you wish to!

You have a lot of free time on your hands when you are being taken care of by someone else. There’s no worry about what’s cooking for breakfast or lunch, or what tasks need to tick off the routine. In spacious villas, one can have the ‘Me-time’ or ‘Us-time’ as you desire, by the pool, walking on the lawn, playing games, or curl up with a book in a cozy corner. You have the flexibility to spend your time as you want, something that you cannot do at your own home at times. That essence of being free of restrictions or responsibilities even for a day or two is so engrossing.

The Foodie Experience

Farm-to-Table food experience at Sanvina Farms

The food you eat during your vacation is also very much a part of your memories. How many times have Dal Makhni or Chicken Masala Curry from fancy hotels tasted distinctly different? But when you’re staying at private villas like ours, where chefs have their own specialties infused with local tastes, food also becomes part of an experience. Have a preference for veg-only homes? We got that too! From coastal style curries at beachside homes in Alibaug, to farm-to-table experiences at private villas in Karjat, your stay with us also serves you some delectable dishes.

Home For Every Vibe Tribe

SaffronStays Over The Valley, Mahabaleshwar

What is your vibe for celebrations? Taking a nature’s retreat, cousins’ reunion, family staycation, work with a view, girls getaway or occasions — we have luxurious private homes that match it. Wake up to sunrise views over mountain valleys at beautiful villas in Lonavala or to the sound of sea waves by staying at a beach-facing private villa in Alibaug, go organic farming in rustic homestays around Mumbai or plan a workation from WiFi-equipped private homes. We have pet-friendly homes around Mumbai and Pune, so a getaway with your pooch, why not?

Celebrate You!

Kamal Farms by the River, Karjat — SaffronStays Kamal Farms by The River, Karjat

Last, but not least — celebrate you for being you! We all have seen difficult times, dealt with extra pressure, crumbled even but here we are again. Owe up to that, to give yourself a celebration you deserve. With the whole place to yourself in private villas, you need not have a show-and-tell, but a quiet celebration of just your family. Go all out with your favorite playlist or elusively finish that self-help book that you’ve been putting away.

Be grateful to you, your loved ones, celebrate life with SaffronStays, and let us be the gracious hosts to add the feathers on your party hats!

6 Valentine’s Day Getaways To Celebrate Your Love

3rd February 2021Posted in Maharashtra, Pool Villas, SaffronStays Diaries, Weekend getawaysTagged pet friendly villas, Private Pool, private villa, private villas, SaffronsStays, Valentine's Day Celebrations, Valentine's Day Getaway, Valentines Day, weekend getaway near Mumbai

Come February and there’s an ambience of romance everywhere for Valentine’s Day. This time, take a Valentine’s Day Getaway as a celebration of love, of not just couples, but a reiteration of an endearment shared between families. The ties of love connect us differently with every member of the family, but how often do we talk about celebrating them? On Valentine’s Day, explore the idea of love within families – with grandparents, cousins, kids, BFFs, pet companions and of course, your significant other with a feeling of togetherness!

Celebrate Galentine’s Day With Your Girl Gang

SaffronStays Roselle in Malavli — SaffronStays Roselle, Malavli

Who needs a boo when you have your babes? Valentine’s Day is essentially for the couples, but what’s a better combination than your girl gang clinking glasses of mimosas? Honour the truest friendships you share with your girl friends with a Galentine’s Day outing. Make it riveting by setting a theme or planning a pamper sesh for all of you together.

Roselle, a 3-bedroom private villa in Lonavala is a perfect place to ring in this celebration. The floral-themed cushion covers spark a refreshing elegance while the bright-yellow plush couch is an exquisite backdrop for your ‘girl squad’ pictures. Make the blooming bougainvillea your photo-booth setting as you hug your best-friends for always being there. You don’t have to worry about the food too, as the trained chef will serve you some authentic dishes. The villa exudes a motherly comfort, just as the care you have for your girl gang right beside you!

Add Some Privacy to your Date Nights

SaffronStays Little Paradise in Murud — SaffronStays Little Paradise, Murud

If you are a hopeless romantic and advocate of clichés, eternalize your love with a getaway with your partner this Valentine’s Day. Take the run-of-the-mill candle-light dinner date, and add a gentle sea breeze caressing you while you dig into the best hand-crafted spread of your vacation dreams? The perfect way to end the evening? A stroll on an almost-private beachside, long conversations in the lawns or a movie night under the stars – you pick!

At SaffronStays Little Paradise, 3 beachfront chalets in Murud, you can watch the sun set into the horizon as you cuddle with a cuppa in hand, or catch the sunrise from the white wooden swing in the courtyard. Rekindle your romance by giving all your undivided attention to the love of your life, while we pamper you on your holiday.

Go on a Long Drive With Cousins in Tow

We never acknowledge the fact that our siblings and cousins are the first friends we make in life. This Valentine’s Day, plan a long drive with your cousins and celebrate the bond of this underestimated familial love. Having your own private villa to unwind without the prying eyes of the ‘elders’ is a luxury not many of us grew up with, but you can certainly enjoy it now on your getaway.

Visit SaffronStays Mega Farms by the River in Igatpuri, a modern villa overlooking a placid river. Sit out in the verdant lawns and forget the problems back home as nature’s tranquil presents itself as a solution you need right now. Some bonds run deep and you will only strengthen them as you share your stories with the ‘big brother/sister’.

Speak, Read and Learn Love With Children

Valentine’s Day may not have anything to do with children, but it is to do with love, an emotion that children need to learn, reflect and grow with. Envisage the curiosity of your little ones by spending a day out, speaking in the language of love, understanding what they like, and teaching them how to communicate it.

If you are thinking of kid-friendly places with a host of activities, SaffronStays Aranya Vilaas in Kamshet is an ideal spot for both day trips or an overnight stay. The children can enjoy swings by the fish pond or splash around in the shared infinity pool. There’s an option to play a cricket match on the lush green lawns here, or enjoy a game of cards with the view of Sahyadri valley from the balcony. Alternatively, you can also go out on a trek to Visapur fort, bond over lessons of history and fuel up an interest for more such getaways. Sounds like an ideal getaway for the full fam!

Reminisce the Love of Togetherness With Family

SaffronStays Foresta By The Lake in Kamshet — SaffronStays Foresta By The Lake, Kamshet

Do you recall the last time your whole family sat together and gave uninterrupted time to each other? 2020 may have taken that away from our festive celebrations too, but picture this – a whole resort to yourself, grandparents watching their grandkids running around the lawns, brothers sitting in gazebos, turning pages of their childhood diaries, the ladies not worrying about what’s to be cooked.

It is not a description of a typical famjam from the Barjatya movies, but something that you can enjoy at SaffronStays Foresta by The Lake. An expansive villa in Kamshet spanning across 70-acres has everything you would ask for on a private family vacation. Be it playing board games, soaking in the pool or taking a stroll by the picturesque Andre lake, instill the strength of love and bonding of togetherness shared by a family. Watch elderly members smile heartily as everyone comes together to celebrate. Aren’t their smiles, we strive for? Sounds like a Happy Valentine’s Day getaway to us.

Take Your Pooch on a Pawsome Vacation

SaffronStays Sanskriti in Kashid. — SaffronStays Sanskriti, Kashid

Talking of love, how can we miss out on the unconditional one that comes in the form of our four-legged companions. Take your pooches along on a vacation this Valentine’s Day weekend and watch their tails wag non-stop.

SaffronStays Sanskriti located in Kashid will give your doggos enough space to run about the lawns, lie lazy in the mud and ask for more belly rubs. This 4-bedroom villa boasts of the finest antique collection, that will give you a south-Indian vibe right in Kashid. This home will be a perfect haven for a pet-friendly outing, paw-someness or unlimited licks by your happy pet, guaranteed.

The SaffronStays X Series Life: Luxury Beyond Limits

11th January 2021Posted in SaffronStays DiariesTagged best luxury hotel, best luxury resort, india's best hospitality, luxebook, luxury villa, private villa, saffron, saffronstays, Villa

When seen from a global traveller’s eyes, luxury ceases to exist in Italian marble flooring, 1000 thread count sheets and butler services. Instead, it manifests itself through thoughtful hospitality and unparalleled privacy – where boasting of a holiday isn’t through sharing a family photo in the Maldives but instead, reminiscing every memory created from unmatched experiences.

The letter ‘X’ is often used to describe a variable of infinite significance, and an ‘X-Factor’ bestowed upon something that starkly differentiates it as even better than the best.

So when a seasoned traveller, someone who has seen the world and its beauty, wants for something that money can’t buy, he deserves this ‘X’ Series – a collection that only the most discerning eye can appreciate.

SaffronStays launched its X Series Estates – a curated collection of ultra-luxe estates with indulgent experiences – with the promise to deliver something that the 5-star luxury hotels of India could hold a candle to. So, what is the X-Series Life?

X By The Beach, Alibaug

Recently featured in Condé Nast Traveller’s ‘20 beach breaks to kick off 2021’, X By The Beach is a private luxury estate in Alibaug that sits right on Mandwa beach. Along with green-hued lawns, 5 lavish bedrooms and a mini-theatre, this beauty also has a private swimming pool that treats its guests with mesmerising beach views under a coconut canopy.

Drive your way into Alibaug and know that you’re getting closer to this beach haven when tar roads change to seaside sands. You know you’ve found a gem for the view is not something that you see every day. As quoted by Ashwin, who welcomed 2021 with his family and friends here, “It feels like you’re in a private resort in Malaysia.” There is something for everyone here – French windows that invite the outdoors inside, cosy spaces for quality tête-à-tête and a gentle beach breeze that visits you every now and then. This is the kind of home where your kids will love running on the dewy lawns all day long, as you grab a pool-side drink, crafted to perfection.

What compels guests, like Deepti Gubbi who celebrated her 40th birthday, to choose this beachside gem, to celebrate their milestone events here is the warm and hand-crafted hospitality service. The well-trained chef promises to send lip-smacking indigenous and international meals your way until you happily slide into a food coma. At the same time, the staff readily goes out of their way with meticulous detail to give you an untainted staycation experience – it’s the kind of holiday that is only beginning to give stiff competition to one in the Tajs and JW Marriotts of India. As one of our guests, Nihir Shah says, “We wanted to go to a private space that promised great service. From the barbeque under the stars to the breakfast in the lawn, the hospitality simply touched us… This is not available anywhere else! It is what we wanted, and it (justifies) the reason why we spent so much at By The Beach – we paid for what we wanted.”

See More Photos, Tariff & Availability here

Arrivée, Alibaug

The X-Factor that bestows the crown on Arrivée as the gem of the X Series is sheer magnanimity. With an eagle’s eye view over the entire coastline of Alibaug, staying at Arrivée is like ruling over a whole kingdom below you. The 8 acres of the estate itself pale in comparison to the visual ownership that the breezy pool deck provides – a yon orange Sun casting a saffron glow over the woodland as it dips into the Arabian Sea; and a brooding mansion that transforms into an opulent palatial hideaway as the sky turns black.

Mumbaikars hop over to Alibaug ever so often, it’s termed the Hamptons of Bombay. But to find a gem that ticks everyone’s boxes, and also offers a novel experience is what Arrivée stands for. A temple for the serene-hearted and a theatre for the cinephile, a private infinity pool with a view to die for and a deck that’s ideal for a digital detox – it’s that rare, exclusive find that Netflix would make shows about. From 8-80, there’s something for all your family members. A quick match on the enclosed cricket pitch or a swim over the coastal city, a short movie in the theatre or a session in the Jacuzzi… you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Meals are a hearty affair in this home. A day at Arrivée starts with a breakfast spread on the alfresco community table, with billowing drapes and calming greens for company. You saunter in for a lunch of cuisines crafted to perfection, that waft you off to sleep. A candlelight dinner under the stars or overlooking the ‘Baug before you retire for the night. They say manners maketh a man, and to that, we say meals maketh a holiday.

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Green Acres, Alibaug

Eternalised by the surreal presence of the ‘Bollywood’s Dancing Queen’, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Green Acres in Alibaug is a home that breathes modesty and offers luxury. The conqueror of hearts, young and old, this luxurious estate in Alibaug embeds itself on a 10-acre land. Lush greens surrounding this glamorous abode offer you the perfect opportunity to take a breath of fresh air – metaphorically and literally. Strategically designed into two split-level wings to give its guests a 270° view of its surroundings, this home is a place ‘Where Families Bond’ through shared laughter and warm memories. The joy of all joys is that even years later when nostalgia hits over a cup of tea, this home will manage to rekindle a sense of belongingness – such is its geniality.

Widespread lawns generously lay before the pool deck; and while there may be many estates in Alibaug, none that match the openness of Green Acres. You can arrange a hearty brunch on the greens on a sunny day and pop champagne by the pool as dusk sets on. And if the mood is to delve into the art of doing nothing, kick back on the deck and let the euphonious melodies of nature amuse you.

It’s a certainty that draws the guests in. There’s an elevator that makes it wheel-chair accessible and ideal for all ages, while the private theatre ensures that there will not be a dull moment during your stay. For bookworms, there’s a library at your disposal, and gastronomes will have a field day with the meals that are curated here. Don’t believe us? Just see the meals that were crafted for the most humbling guests.

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Over The Valley, Mahabaleshwar

Picture this – a 112-year old heritage home amidst the clouds, high up on a hilltop, cradled by trees of green. The 6-bedroom colonial estate in Mahabaleshwar, which we fondly call Over The Valley, transports you to a dreamlike era and promises to change your notion of a regal staycation forever. You’ll be spellbound the minute you walk through the gates.

There is more to this home than ol’ brick, stone, and wood; there is a sense of belongingness, sheer warmth and wisdom that will be significantly reflected during your stay here. A small tour around the home will convince you that you couldn’t have asked for anything better than this – With ample space for kids to run and families to engage in endless conversations, this private estate is a home away from home. What is a holiday without gourmet meals that marry the legacy of an estate to the novelty of a holiday home? The lip-smacking gourmet meals are served in stunning indoor and outdoor scapes – think breakfast over the valley and lunch under the boughs. Each meal is crafted for global tastebuds that appreciate the richness of local flavours.

What makes Over The Valley also perfect for destination weddings near Mumbai and celebrations is the adjoining helipad. Imagine an entry into your wedding in a roaring helicopter, or chartering your guests for a thrilling experience. Surround yourself with those who matter on your big day and enjoy a hassle-free celebration because the staff on-site is trained to take extreme care of you. Right from preparing wholesome meals to serving them in a heart-pleasing, warm manner, your guests will certainly have a good time – and your venue location will surely get them talking!

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