We Indians love our traditions! And why shouldn’t we? Our traditional ceremonies are like a triveni sangam of time-honoured culture, gracious hospitality, and the perfect opportunity to dress to kill! But we are also constantly seeking new, unestablished, and unconventional ways to marry our modern lives with our ancestral pasts. We also see glimpses of this newly acquired taste in a small but growing community that’s reinventing the way they celebrate traditional Indian ceremonies. With influencers leading the way – like the Virushka wedding or the Ambani’s celebration of Shloka’s first birthday as their daughter-in-law – we’re totally inspired! That’s why we made our own list of 5 non-traditional ways to celebrate traditional ceremonies.
1. Stop the spouse-to-be in their tracks with an exclusive roka ceremony
The roka ceremony traditionally takes place with the groom’s family coming over to the bride’s place and “sealing the deal”. For many, it is a private function while for others, a grand engagement celebration. But for those looking for the perfect balance, what’s better than a roka with only close family and friends at an exclusive location?
How: Take close friends and family to an exclusive getaway with nobody else in sight to share the roka ceremony with. Pictured here: SaffronStays Himalaica, Nainital
2. Plan an intimate wedding with those who really matter
How does ‘exchanging vows with a promise of a lifetime of happiness in an intimate space’ sound to you? If this seems like your kind of thing, ditch the mama ke chacha ki beti ka bhatija kind of guests and solemnise your marriage in the presence of those whose blessings and wishes mean the most.
How: Instead of a conventional wedding venue, pick an intimate wedding property that is big enough to accommodate your VIP guests i.e. close friends and family. Pictured here: SaffronStays Nisarga, Tala
3. Let nature be witness to your son’s thread ceremony
The thread ceremony signifies the religious enrichment of a boy and his rite of passage into the greater affairs of life. Step out of the confines of four walls and let nature betroth your son to his higher calling.
How: Pick an outdoor location that’s nestled in nature but close enough for the extended family to travel. Pictured here: SaffronStays Odeon, Lonavala
4. Baby-shower your daughter with a modern godh bharai
A little baby shower, a little godh bharai, a whole lot of fun! The traditional godh bharai is typically a women-only ceremony hosted by the mother, replete with rituals and yummy food. The imported version of this ceremony, called the baby shower, is usually hosted by the woman’s bestie or a sister and is a party full of games and fun. Mix the two and you get a celebration like no other!
Families today are spread all over the globe and Diwali is the time they come together to celebrate. And why only Diwali? The same applies for Christmas, Eid, Holi, and other festivals too. Traditionally, celebrations at home may be the norm, but the real occasion is to get the whole family under one roof. And this roof need not be the one in your home! Take your family on a festive trip to bring alive conversations in the midst of relaxation
Have you ever celebrated a traditional ceremony in a non-traditional way? Tell us and we’ll add our favourite ones to this list with due credit to you, or get more reasons here: celebrations.saffronstays.com
Mighty mountains soaring in the skies, a placid lake on the bank and vast landscapes draped in greenery. Indeed, a perfect location for your reinvigorating vacation. Just 1.5 hours from Mumbai, on the bank of Pawna lake, SaffronStays Myst is a 3 bedroom villa in Lonavala. Enjoy a quick getaway with your entire group at this charming nature retreat.
The villa retains its natural vibe with earthy elements like the shingled red roof, rock wall fencing and 3 indoor gardens. Enjoy a pleasant view of Pawna lake and mountains from the balcony. Relish your brunch as you relax in the earthy outdoor sitting area. Play some outdoor games or take a long walk in the lawn. Enjoy stargazing from the indoor gardens outfitted with a glass ceiling.
With classy wooden decor and full-length glass windows, the interiors appear quite opulent. The living room is furnished with delicate chandeliers, stylish red and ochre sofa set and a huge dining area. Wooden plank flooring, beautiful black and white photo frames further deck up the 3 luxurious bedrooms.
While you are at the villa, you can visit some of the famous tourist sites around. Go back in time as you visit historical monuments like the Visapur fort and Bhaja caves. Enjoy the adventures of paragliding or just relax along the bank of Pawna lake. You could never get enough of the natural beauty that the city of Lonavala beholds!
Did you know that 2019 has the same calendar as 2013? Mind-blown right? Here’s another piece of information that’s sure to get you to put on your thinking cap. For all the ambitious travelers and weekenders, 2019 is your year to go explore and achieve your travel goals with these 15 long weekends.
We have put in a list of all such long weekends getaway places you could visit to check off destinations from your to go list. Don’t compromise your leaves and go explore the pristine beaches, misty hills, chilly lakesides and make 2019 a memorable year for you. Here’s how you could spend your long weekend getaways.
January 2019
12th Jan – Saturday 13th Jan – Lohri 14th Jan – Makar Sankranti 15th Jan – Pongal
Where to go: A perfect escape from the shackles of monotony, go kite flying this long festive weekend at SaffronStays Constellation. A cluster of 3 magnificent 5-Bedroom homes: Cassiopeia, Aquila, Orion; this long weekend getaway destination in Khandala is perfect for a sky full of multicoloured kites. Feast on Sweet Pongal dishes and don’t forget to say “Tilgul ghya ani godgod bola” when you exchange these sweet tilguls. So why wait? Hurry and bring along your large group of friends or family to celebrate these festivals and have a laid back weekend.
February 2019
16th Feb – Saturday 17th Feb – Sunday 18th Feb – Take a leave 19th Feb – Shivaji Jayanti
Where to go: Looking for a better way of showing your affection this weekend post-Valentine’s day? What better than arranging your special long weekend getaway at SaffronStays? Blessed with an infinity pool overlooking the mountains and a gorgeous garden right out of Mills and Boons romance, SaffronStays Un Bel Di is your place to be. With its Balinese aura, this private pool villa beckons you to celebrate choicest occasions and create memorable memories. So whisk away your loved ones this long weekend and have the time of your life!
March 2019
1st Mar – Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti 2nd Mar- Saturday 3rd Mar – Sunday 4th Mar – Maha Shivratri
Where to go: Have a soft corner for lakeside homes? What better than planning this long weekend getaway at SaffronStays L’Attitude! Wake up to amazing views of the expansive lake at this 3-bedroom home located in Kamshet. A divine retreat for all nature lovers, this home is your personal pad of solace and solitude. Bring over your group of friends and bond over a glass of wine in this earthy home.
20th Mar – Holika Dahan 21st Mar – Holi 22nd Mar – Take a Holiday 23rd Mar – Saturday 24th Mar – Sunday
Where to go: Nashik is the perfect destination for you to spend your 5-day long weekend getaway magnificently. Plan a trip with your large group of friends and celebrate Holi at SaffronStays Mega Farms. An exact representation of your childhood scenery drawing, this home is situated amidst lush green lawns and a placid river surrounded by mighty mountains in Igatpuri. Relive your childhood and roll along these lawns or just lie around basking in the glory of nature. So pack your bags and hop on this time machine that’ll take you back in time this long weekend.
April 2019
17th April – Mahavir Jayanti 18th April – Take a Holiday 19th April – Good Friday 20th April – Saturday 21st April – Easter Day (Sunday)
Where to go: A perfect escape from the scorching summer heat, relax at SaffronStays Hillside Chalet a 4-bedroom wooden chalet with a private pool overlooking the Pawna Lake. A surprise gift from a daughter to her pillars in life, this paradise has the most beautiful memories of the happiest, mad, craziest times of the owner and her parents entrenched in every wall. Wake up to amazing views of the lake and experience the breezy atmosphere a city may seldom provide. So come abode this woodsy Swiss chalet and spend time catching up with your friends and family this long weekend.
May 2019
4th May – Saturday 5th May – Sunday 6th May – Take a Holiday 7th May – Birthday of Rabindranath
Where to go: Up for a vacay with your family this long weekend? What better than the misty hills of Himalaya! Perched on a hilltop in the village of Talwari, over 5,500 ft. in the Garhwal Himalayas, SaffronStays Tridiva is a comfortable home offering spectacular views of the Nanda Devi Range through its large glass windows. Go on glacier treks and experience the serene surroundings like never before. So if the north is on your list of places to visit, a trip to this home is a must for your long weekend getaway.
June 2019
15th Jun- Saturday 16th Jun- Father’s Day
Where to go: Give your father a quick family holiday at SaffronStays Falcon Hill this Father’s Day. Located on the misty hilltop of Lonavala, feel on top of the world and watch as the interiors merge with the amazing landscape. Make the most of your relaxing long weekend getaway and have a bonding session with your family. This home is sure to leave you with fond memories to ponder on.
July 2019
4th Jul – Rath Yatra 5th Jul – Take a Holiday 6th Jul – Saturday 7th Jul – Sunday
Where to go: How about a quick trip to Alibaug? An escape from the frenzied city life, SaffronStays Masaya is a 3-bedroom villa located just 15 minutes away from the Mandwa Jetty. For those looking for peace and quiet within a nature retreat or a party pad in a private setting, there’s nothing better than this spacious abode! Leave no one behind and let your furry friends tag along with you! This pet-friendly villa with modern comforts is designed in such a way that you can enjoy nature at it’s finest. So pack your bags and head over this long weekend getaway.
August 2019
10th Aug – Saturday 11th Aug – Sunday 12th Aug – Bakri Id/ Eid-ul-Adha
Where to go: Fond of pristine beaches and serene atmosphere? What better than staying at SaffronStays Salt Rim, Korlai. Adorned in hues reminiscent of Goan and Portuguese architecture, this gorgeous 2 bedroom villa is a charming weekend getaway. Wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the rocks and take longs walks at night under the moonlight sky.
15th Aug – Independence Day 16th Aug – Take a Holiday 17th Aug – Saturday 18th Aug – Sunday
Where to go: Head over with your large group of friends and family to SaffronStays MJ Farms. Situated on a massive estate with well-manicured lawns, this 5 bedroom villa is an ideal long weekend getaway in Uran. A paradise for all nature lovers, this home boasts of lush green vegetable patches as well as a greenhouse that grows red succulent strawberries. Tasty much? Also, try something out of the box and try your hand at hydroponic farming and pisciculture.
Where to go: Perched on a hillside, SaffronStays Fragrant Sun is sure to blow your minds away with its expansive views of the Mulshi Lake and earthy decor. The house is surrounded by lawns with a bonfire sit-out, gardens, fruit trees, herbs and vegetable patches. So gather around your friends and have a bonding session under the moonlit sky! With mesmerising views of the surrounding valleys, this 4 bedroom villa ensures that guests have the time of their lives this long weekend.
October 2019
5th Oct – Saturday 6th Oct – Sunday 7th Oct – Take a Holiday 8th Oct – Dusshera
Where to go: Looking for a quiet trip with your loved ones? SaffronStays Crescent Bay is your ideal long weekend getaway. Have a fun-filled bonding session with your family at this 3 bedroom villa in Nashik. With breathtaking views of the Vaitarna Lake right from the infinity pool, drown away all your workday blues and have a laidback vacay. Be it the pool or the balcony or the lawn or the rooms, the views of the lake will keep you company and provide a serene backdrop.
17th Oct – Karva Chauth 18th Oct – Take a Holiday 19th Oct – Saturday 20th Oct – Sunday
Where to go: Plan a romantic long weekend getaway at SaffronStays 9 Palms with your loved on this Karva Chauth. Set on 6-acre estate this 5 bedroom villa with its private pool and landscaped gardens is quite the ideal getaway for a relaxing time-out. Take long walks and catch stunning views of the sky a city seldom permits.
26th Oct – Saturday 27th Oct – Diwali 28th Oct – Govardhan Puja 29th Oct- Bhai Duj 30th Oct – Take a Holiday 31st Oct – Halloween
Where to go: Like the idea of spending your Diwali in Jaipur? SaffronStays Jaipura Garh is 6 bedroom haveli that emanates exuberant charm reminiscent of the 1800s when it was built. Perfect for small vacay with your large group of friends and family, witness a melting pot of cultures, encounter fascinating anecdotes of history and take your taste-buds on a roller coaster ride. When in Jaipur, don’t forget to plan your long weekend getaway at SaffronStays Jaipura Garh!
November 2019
9th Nov – Saturday 10th Nov – Sunday 11th Nov – Take a Leave 12th Nov – Guru Nanak Jayanti
Where to go: As the wedding season commences, you can now host small wedding functions at SaffronStays Kamal Farms, Karjat. Situated by the river amidst verdant greens, this weekend getaway destination could be your ideal wedding venue. The rich foliage encompassing the home provides a cool respite and absolute privacy. Experience laughter and happiness in every inch of this home as you sit together and recall all the funny moments. Step into a world of peace and fun as you spend your time with your loved ones in this home.
December 2019
21st Dec – Saturday 22nd Dec – Sunday 23rd Dec – First day of Hanukkah 24th Dec – Christmas Eve 25th Dec – Christmas
Where to go: Looking for a perfect escape from the humdrum of the city life? Ditch the overcrowded roads of Mahabaleshwar for SaffronStays Girijyot in Bhor. A 3-bedroom rustic abode enveloped by the raw beauty of nature, this home is so welcoming that you may never want to leave! With a traditional Tulsi plant in the courtyard, raw stone walls and gabled roofs, this earthy home is sure to add more warmth to your holiday.
Don’t forget to plan your long weekend getaways accordingly. Make the best of your travel experience this year and enjoy your holidays to the fullest with SaffronStays!
Gather around everyone. We have an announcement to make. SaffronStays has unveiled a brand new villa in Lonavala – SaffronStays Falcon Hill!
Perched on a hilltop, SaffronStays Falcon Hill is a massive home, located in the misty hill-station of Lonavala. The double-height ceiling in the living room and the french windows make the home look huge and spacious. The glass expanse merges the space with the landscape making you feel in sync with nature. The main highlight of this 5-bedroom villa is the infinity pool with expansive views. Lounge in the infinity pool for hours that overlooks the valley.
The spacious 5-bedroom home is spread over two levels. The lower level comprises of an infinity pool, a living room, two bedrooms, a dining and bar area, while the upper-level houses three bedrooms and a sitting area. Get cosy in the sitting area where the views of the foggy surroundings unfurl through the window. A carrom board, TT table and a pool table has been placed in the home, as well as a poker table. Replete with an infinity pool, indoor games and amazing company, you will never be short of entertainment.
You can also venture out and explore the popular spots of Lonavala, as they are in the vicinity. Frolic in the waters of Bushi dam, watch the world from atop at Lion’s Point. Or if adventure is on your mind, hike to Duke’s Nose or head over to Amby Valley.
So, feeling the workday blues or just need a break for no reason? Just head over to our spanking new villa in Lonavala – SaffronStays Falcon Hill!
Please Note: The upper level of the home is off-limits to guests on a temporary basis. Hence, only two rooms are available to guests and it can accommodate 6 guests.
To book, get all the details (tariff, amenities, availability, etc) for our villa in Lonavala, SaffronStays Falcon Hill, click here: https://goo.gl/4w3fwk
