The Stay Is the Destination: 5 Indian Airbnbs That Redefine Travel

​Airbnb’s "Never the Same” report shows new travel trends among Gen Z. These trends hint at how travel is being redefined as part of an intentional life rather than an escape from it. Gen Z prefers travelling two to three times a year rather than taking that one annual holiday. Travel is moreover an extension of their personality rather than following fixed itineraries. The stay is as important as the destination, which adds character and meaning to their travels. Often, this involves spending more time with the people around them, both those they are travelling with and those they are meeting along the way.

​Seven in ten young travellers take three short trips a year, and 87 per cent prefer them to be under a week. Increasingly, the local market, or neighbourhood grocery store, is getting as much prominence as the nearest landmark. For ninety-five per cent of people, the feeling of the trip is more important than it being typical or thoroughly planned. For many, in fact, those destinations are based on a particular stay rather than the other way around. People are increasingly spending time in the stay, slowing down, socialising, and soaking it in. Here are some options you can explore if you are seeking a unique Airbnb experience.

GlampEco Stays, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Nestled amidst the quaint village of Hamta, near Manali, this is India’s first eco-friendly glamping retreat. Glamping is a combination of the words "glamorous" and "camping." Think of the natural setting of traditional camping with all the luxuries and conveniences of home; that is glamping. GlampEco features futuristic glamping domes that let you get up close to the mountains. You can engage in a range of activities, including yoga and meditation, games and storytelling, painting, birdwatching, stargazing, and even live music sessions. GlampEco is the brainchild of Akshat Jain, also a mountaineer and documentary filmmaker.  

​Amrut Villa, Goa

​This villa was originally envisioned by artist and designer Nitin Ramani as a creative sanctuary where people could gather and collaborate. Today, his wife, Bina, and daughter, Simi, are the primary hosts, continuing to welcome people. This space is very close to the Dr Salim Bird Sanctuary, so if you are a bird lover and in Goa, you have to check this place out. Every villa is thoughtfully adorned with custom-made furnishings, including a laptop desk and chair, cosy lounge chairs, and a mini-bar fridge. Whether you are here to explore, relax or do a little bit of work on the side, they have got you covered.

Jashan, Auroville

​If you think of Pondicherry, what comes to your mind? If beaches, French architecture, and Auroville are some of them, you can explore Jashan, an earth-built villa in the quiet green bio-region of Auroville. This space is designed with sustainable Compressed Earth Blocks (CSEB) and handcrafted details. Vintage wooden furniture, French windows framing the treetops, and airy spaces define its scenic location. The design of Jashan is inspired by the architecture of Bawa, Baker, and Auroville, which are conducive to passive cooling techniques and eco-conscious living. For a generation of travellers for whom the stay is an extension of their personality, this place exudes sustainability and conscious living.

Quaint Chalet in the Hill, Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is known for its sweeping views of the mist-covered hills. Here is a place which amplifies your oneness with nature rather than overpowering it. With pinewood floors, an antique wood-burning stove, and lush gardens, this is the Quaint Chalet in the Hill. There is also a sunny greenhouse for the amateur gardener in you. On the first floor, there are three bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, and a family room facing the gardens, which completes the Airbnb experience. The foyer, heated by the stove, keeps the place warm for those cosy nights with your loved ones. The property has won several prestigious awards for its gardens, so if that is your obsession, then you cannot miss this quaint stay on the hill.

Silvara, Bhimtal

Silvara offers a boutique villa experience atop a quiet hill in Bhimtal. This is a home designed around its surroundings. The expansive windows, private balconies and outdoor sit-outs all frame the view - a complete 180-degree panorama of the mountains. Nature is the focus here, and if you choose your travel destination by looking at the stay, then Silvara will not disappoint you. There are bedrooms with different themes, like the Marigold (orange theme) facing the natural landscape, the Forget-Me-Not (blue theme) facing the mountains, and the Crimson Pine (red room). Nearby tourist attractions are within a 15-30 min drive, including Nainital, Kainchi Dham, Sattal, Bhimtal, and Naukuchiatal.

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