If you are looking for a safe, far from crowd weekend holiday destination during Christmas or the year-end, SaffronStays, a hospitality collective with over 160 private vacation homes in their portfolio, has curated a list of places lying within easy driving distance from cities, both in Maharashtra and Goa. These luxury vacation homes can be your safe bubble in the middle of the pandemic fears.
Slate, Lonavala
A two-hour drive from Mumbai and Pune is this 4-bedroom pet-friendly pool villa. Enjoy a relaxed holiday with your family or invite your close friends for a sundowner party at this home fitted with an outdoor patio, azure pool, and breathtaking views of the Western Ghats, and options for home-cooked meals.
Aatman Tents, Mahabaleshwar
This set of two glamping, luxurious tents in Mahabaleshwar overlook the majestic valleys. Spread over a four-acre area, it has a sprawling lawn surrounded by a lush green farm. Facilities include rooms with en-suite bathrooms, designed outdoor dining areas, a little roof-top terrace overlooking the Sunset Point (which you can trek to if you are in the mood). There is also an on-site chef should you need help to put together live barbeque meals.
RedFields by Venna River, Mahabaleshwar
This three bedroom villa is very helpfully fitted with a wheelchair ramp access, which could be of assistance to senior citizens or physically disabled members. Designed with natural wood, there is a classy feel to the place. The villa overlooks verdant hills and strawberry farms, while the two rooms at the entrance level offer a pleasant view of the Venna River. On the ground level, there is a multipurpose room, equipped with board games, and a convertible bed. Staff on-site at this veg only villa is trained to prepare meals with local produce and freshly green vegetables from the farm.
Tudor Rose, Panchagani
This five bedroom pet-friendly villa is ideal for a large family or a group of friends. Perched on a hill-top, it overlooks Table Land and the valley. Facilities include a private pool, a children&rsquos play area, and an outdoor bar. The rooms exude a quaint charm, with lots of woodwork and filled with bric-a-bracs picked up by the owners from their trips around the globe.
Sohana by the River, Karjat
Tuck away your chronometer as you settled down in this two-bedroom farmhouse, which urges you to do nothing but enjoy the ambience. Sitting in the middle of a 100 acre farm in Karjat, it consists of rooms on the ground floor, has a private pool, and the Pej River for company. The farmhouse can also be rented for a day-long event.
Ambaram, Raigad
From this three bedroom farmhouse, situated in Sun Valley, right between Imagica and Pali, you can enjoy a 360-degree mountain view from the verandahs on all sides of the property. Plan a day filled with games, go cycling around, or unwind at the sports deck that overlooks the living room and joins the terrace. You may also plan a picnic by the dry river bed of a seasonal river which wakes up in the monsoon.
Martini Hues, Nashik
Located just 8km from Sula Vineyards, this two bedroom pet-friendly villa with a jacuzzi has an organic farm perfect for a farm-to-table experience. Set on a six-acre land, the villa also has a separate cycling and jogging track. The on-site caretakers take care of your meals prepared fresh from organic ingredients. If you are the outdoor kind, go for a trek to Khandoba Tekadi. The Nashik Boat club is located about 6km from the villa.
Mimosa Hues, Nashik
A 3-bedroom pet-friendly pool villa in Nashik, with options to relish organic meals. Spend time outdoors cycling or jogging in the dedicated areas by the mango orchard. Meals can be left to the caretakers who are ready to prepare fresh food from organically grown ingredients. A trek to the Khandoba Tekadi is also possible.
The Aldona House, Mapusa
Located 30 minutes from Gunpowder (a popular eatery), surrounded by churches and Portuguese mansions, this is a 4 bedroom pool villa near Mapusa beach. The Moira River is about 15-minute drive away. A bright and breezy verandah is one of the biggest attractions of this pet-friendly Portuguese mansion. There is an in-home library and a massage/spa setup, too.
Jimmy&rsquos Villa, Assagao
Situated five minutes from Assagao and Anjuna, this is a spacious 4 BHK private home inspired by Portuguese architecture. A diamond-cut stone pathway leads to the front porch tucked away under Mangalore-tiled roofs. The courtyard sits atop a lotus pond. Abundant house plants and carefully chosen sit-out spots will give you that much-needed breath of fresh air. The patio overlooks a private swimming pool, which is surrounded by a garden and red palm trees. The terrace lounge is the ideal spot for late-night parties, sundowners or fun get-togethers. Some of Goa&rsquos most popular beaches are located less than 20 minutes from the villa, including Anjuna, Vagator, Baga, and Calangute. The Anjuna local market and the Arpora night market are located at a 6-minute and 15-minute drive, respectively.
De La Mer, Reis Magor
Perched at a high altitude with uninterrupted views of the sea near the Reis Magos Fort and the Nerul Church is this 4-bedroom pool villa. The master bedroom comes with a sit-out balcony. There is an open sky pool with a sitting area next to. Down the road from the Reis Magos Fort is the serene and secluded Coco Beach (10 mins), from where one can also watch the Mandovi River as it passes through Panjim. Seafood and live music lovers can visit the Fisherman&rsquos Cove in Candolim (20 mins) or have some chill, relaxed evenings at the De Candolim Deck (15 mins). If you're in the mood to go cafe hopping, there are the gorgeous cafes of Assagao such as Gunpowder, Sublime, Suzie's and Cohiba, all located less than 30 minutes from here.
For more details and how to book, see here.
Note It is advisable to check the latest pandemic related regulations and restrictions before making any plan.
