6 Lovely Beach Homestay Escapes Just A Short Trip Away From Mumbai

Summer has definitely arrived in the city, albeit far too early for most people’s liking. You can see it on the street as people mop their foreheads as they dash past at a pace that’s neither running nor walking but one that every local recognises in its direction—away from the sun at any cost. But with the unbearable stifling a hot sun brings, vacations come to mind just as easily, preferably of the beachy kind. Plenty of sun—without the unbearable discomfort associated with experiencing it in a city of concrete and steel—coupled with sand and the sea tends to make the weather work somehow.

A weekend shouldn’t be spent in Mumbai if you have the option to get out. Luckily for you, we’ve done a fair bit of the groundwork and come up with six getaways close to the city. All you have to do is hop on the ferry from the Gateway of India (or charter a speedboat if you’re flush) and head across to Alibaug and its fellow beach towns.

Happy holidaying from the Homegrown team.

I. Ccaza Commodore, Mandwa

If you don’t want to go too far after the ferry journey from Mumbai to Mandwa, Ccaza Commodore is your best bet—it’s only seven minutes from the jetty. The house has two bedrooms and a suite that can accommodate four people, all with air-conditioning and en suite bathrooms. Food is a big focus here and most of the ingredients for the expansive menu are locally sourced. If all this isn’t tempting enough, the villa even has its own on-site spa. Clearly, there’s no such thing as too much decadence.

How to book: Call on +91 9820132158 or email ccazacommodore@gmail.com

Cost: Rs. 12,000 per night for two people.

II. Gulzar Homestay, Danda

Gulzar is a beautiful 20-acre farm in along the Revdanda-Murud highway in the village of Danda, right after Kashid beach. The property has an immense variety of trees including coconut, mango, supari, lime, cashew and tamarind. The house was initially built as a family home, and in fact the family is in residence most of the time, which means that you’re assured a true homestay experience. The rooms that are let out to guests include one large room on the ground floor with an attached bathroom, and two rooms on the first floor. There’s no TV or internet at Gulzar, which means you can really unplug and unwind. If you prefer to cook your own food, the kitchen is at your disposal. If not, an in-house cook will be provided for the duration of your stay.

How to book: Fill out this form on their website

Cost: Starts at Rs. 3,000 per room per night inclusive of breakfast

III. Saffron Stays’ Nine Palms, Awas

Nine Palms is a five-acre estate in Awas that has four bedrooms and a private swimming pool with an open-air Jacuzzi. It even has a basketball court and croquet set. The rooms are warm and inviting with local stone flooring and contemporary furniture, and the deck by the pool is by far the best place to spend the majority of your day. If you want to head to the Awas beach, it’s only ten minute walk away.

How to book: Call on 80806 20320 or click on the hyperlink above to book directly via Saffron Stays.

Cost: Book the entire villa for Rs. 49,000 a night (including complimentary meals).

IV. Saffron Stays’ Salt Rim, Korlai

Salt Rim sits alongside the Korlai Fort about 20 km from Alibaug and has the glittering sea in front of it and forested hills behind. It’s also pretty secluded, as there’s no other property for half a kilometre on either side, which makes it perfect for those looking for solitude. The white stucco structure sits on an elevated base of black stone and its Mangalore tiled roof slopes down over the veranda, offering plenty of shade from the harsh summer sun. The interiors hold two large bedrooms, a large living and dining room and a fully functional kitchen. However, we recommend spending as little time as possible indoors and instead lounging about on the 400 sq ft. veranda that spans the length of the villa.

How to book: Call on 80806 20320 or click on the hyperlink above to book directly via Saffron Stays.

Cost: Rs. 16,000 per day minimum booking charge (up to four people) inclusive of all meals.

V. Scarlett, Nagaon

Scarlett is a charming three-bedroom home in Nagaon (45 minutes from Mandwa jetty) that started out as nothing but a paddy field. Over 30 years, the owners painstakingly converted it into a warm, welcoming weekend holiday home. The property has its own swimming pool and mini farm that grows fruits, vegetables and spices. If you’re lucky you might be able to sample some of its homegrown papaya and elaichi banana. The property has a caretaker who lives on-site with his family. They can prepare breakfast and simple, local cuisine.

How to book: Via the website

Cost: Rs. 20,000 per night inclusive of breakfast

VI. RK’s Beach Villa, Kashid

A 50-km road journey from Mandwa Jetty (where you disembark from the ferry Mumbai-Mandwa ferry) brings you to Kashid and RK’s Beach Villa, a 5,500 sq ft. black stone villa built in the style of an English countryside manor that’s set in an alphonso and coconut plantation. The five-bedroom villa is split across three levels and has its own swimming pool. The property grows its own rice as well as a variety of different fruits and vegetables that find their way onto the dining table.

How to book: Call on 022 26408955 or email rk_villa@hotmail.com

Cost: Rs. 4,500 for a single room and Rs. 22,000 for the entire villa

Featured Image is of the Saffron Stays’ Nine Palms, Awas