Airbnb Inc., the world’s foremost home-stay service recently announced its foray into the category of ultra-premium accommodation, taking the on-going war between hotels and homestay portals a level higher. Airbnb Lux, the all new tier for luxury properties has been steadily acquainting people with this concept by promoting pictures of celebrities such as Beyoncé and Selena Gomez while they stayed at some of Airbnb’s ultra-luxury accommodations.
Said to be launched by the end of 2017, this premium service by Airbnb will allow guests to choose from high-end luxury properties that will offer intimate and very bespoke vacation experiences. Airbnb Lux is all set to take holidaying to a new level with its exclusive range of penthouses and mansions along with offering guests indulgent experiences such as truffle tasting, mushroom hunting and guided tours by local experts.
While Airbnb Lux may take a while before it begins welcoming guests to a luxury homestay, the company continues to offer holiday seekers, options that fit various pocket sizes – some in fact though not quite in the league of Airbnb Lux are luxurious in their own right. Here is our list of Airbnb’s 5 most luxurious homestays across India, each unique for the kind of features it offers – from a private yacht, home automation, infinity pools and even a Victorian estate; experiences that create lasting memories.
Summertime
Calangute, Goa.
This award-winning property is just a stone’s throw away from some of North Goa’s famous hotspots. Yet, it offers guests an oasis of peace and serenity. Summertime was presented with the “Asia’s Most Romantic Boutique Retreat 2016″ award by the World Boutique Hotel Awards (WBH), London. A stay at the villa ensures that you are surrounded by lushness all around and a large infinity pool that overlooks the gardens and the valley. The highlight of a stay at Summertime is Solita, a classic luxury yacht that is available to guests for charter. So, while you soak in the luxury of open and verdant spaces at Summertime, you can also make sure you explore Goa in the most unique manner – spotting dolphins and floating down Goa’s secret backwaters, all aboard the Solita.
At INR 29,994/- per night, Summertime promises you an indulgent and glorious stay.
The Hermitage: Emerald Villa
Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh.
High up in the hills of Kasauli is The Hermitage, a pristine villa that offers a spellbinding panoramic view of the Dhauladar and Greater Himalayan ranges. Offering a seamless blend of living in harmony with nature, the villa offers to guests an experience to cherish – opulent and tastefully done up interiors, and delectable a gastronomic fare. The villa also offers state-of-the-art facilities that spell luxury, such as home automation systems, wooden floorings, wooden panelled ceilings and plush upholstery. For guests who wish to entertain themselves, the villa also has lush gardens that are suitable for walking trails and meditation, along with a recreational area that houses a pool table, DVD library, board games, books library and lots more.
A night at The Hermitage will cost you INR 48,004/- and promises a luxurious experience.
Belle Vue Cottage
Khandala, Maharashtra.
A little bit of Victorian extravagance never hurt anybody! And, if you are seeking a secluded holiday in a heritage bungalow, in the midst of a densely, green and wooded forest, then head to Belle Vue Cottage in the hills of Khandala. Part of a 160-year-old estate built in the times of Queen Victoria, Belle Vue Cottage offers guests access to a private garden, the services of a caretaker, the entire estate grounds and the numerous facilities available. This outstanding wooden-panelled cottage also has a cosy sit out area, just right for an early afternoon over a cup of tea, as you savour the beautiful winds of the hills that blow your way.
A stay at Belle Vue Cottage costs INR 39,031/- per night.
Solace
Lonavala, Maharashtra.
Very close to Khandala is Lonavala, just an hour’s drive out of Pune and about 2 hours out of Mumbai city. Solace, the villa is a one-of-a-kind weekend getaway. Pristine bedrooms, a large living room and cosy sit-outs make this villa absolutely perfect for a laid-back family weekend. But, what really sets this villa apart is the fact that it also houses 4 jacuzzis, each attached to a room that affords guests the luxury of simply unwinding at any time of the day. The large lawns in the front and back of the villa are perfect for an evening of barbeque under the stars, while the well-stocked bar is a great place to converge and catch up with either the latest news in politics or sports, over the mounted television set. Yet another highlight of this plush villa is that it houses an indoor elevator too, taking the convenience and luxury quotients a couple of notches higher than most other villa accommodations.
For the facilities that Solace offers, you will be charged INR 44,991/- per night.
Casa San Antionio
Anjuna, Goa.
Visualize yourself in a spectacular 100-year-old Portuguese villa surrounded by a large garden, only 50 metres from the ocean and a 5-minute walk from Anjuna beach. The charming heritage villa restored by an award-winning architect retains its old-world charm and beckons guests with fine taste. Welcome to Casa San Antionio, that was also featured in the renowned Architectural Digest, for its stunning interiors. Brightly painted in beautiful shades of blues and yellows, the villa features a pool that is just right for an unplanned dip. With much of the interiors done up in a Victorian style, classic whites paired with brilliant teals, Casa San Antionio gives luxury a completely new meaning.
To be transported into a classic bygone era and soak yourself in sheer luxury, be ready to pay INR 28,007/- per night.
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