Unwind at these exquisite homestays near Mumbai

It’s the age of Airbnb, where rather than posh hotel accommodation, travellers are looking for unique, offbeat places to stay. The best places to give tourists an authentic experience of a new destination are homestays, where one can stay in a local’s house. However, just because you’re staying at a homestay doesn’t mean you have to compromise on comfort, privacy or other amenities. Here are some of the most luxurious, exquisite homestays near Mumbai for the perfect weekend away. Firefly in AlibaugOwned by Martin and Sagarika, a duo which divides their time between Mumbai and Rome, Firefly is a luxury holiday farmhouse in Alibaug and is about a three-hour drive from Mumbai. The farmhouse sits atop a four-acre hill and overlooks a river and estuary. It has five air-conditioned rooms, a 12.5-metre infinity pool, views of a valley and the Revdanda bridge as well as a variety of entertainment amenities including books, satellite television, a Sony PS3 and board games. It also has an open kitchen and barbeque; however, you'll have to carry your own cooking ingredients or inform the villa in advance if you'd like them to hire cooks for you.If you're an animal lover, you'll be pleased to know that the villa has a collection of dogs and chickens wandering the property. If you're not a fan, the caretakers will keep them out of your way. One night's stay will be Rs.27,557. Contemporary Wooden Lodge in LonavalaLooking for a rustic weekend away? This farm house that is nestled on a small hill in Lonavala is the perfect destination. It's an eco-friendly lodge with wooden interiors and traditional furnishing. It's surrounded by a lake, mountains and waterfalls which ensure that there are plenty of opportunities for adventure sports like trekking, mountain climbing and kayaking. The house has an open living room, a kitchenette, a single bedroom and two bathrooms as well as a wrap-around balcony. There's a chef on hand to cook meals.Prices vary according to the season; book a stay here: https://zarahutke.in/property/a-contemporary-wooden-lodge-in-lonavala-bil223/Gandhar Eco Lodge in MandwaAnother eco-friendly destination is the Gandhar Lodge at Mandwa which is a 45-minute ferry ride from the Gateway of India. It has four rooms, a vegetable garden, and surrounding woods. Activities to indulge in include relaxing on an empty beach, learning about Rangoli and statue making and exploring the nearby village. Rates on the weekend are Rs. 34,600 for two nights and three days. Book here: http://gandharecolodge.weebly.comBeach-front Wooden Villa in MurudAround a five hour drive from Mumbai is Murud, a popular beach destination. One luxurious homestay nearby is a beach front villa which offers guests a private beach and two separate beachfront villas. It offers amenities like a TV with cable connection, AC rooms, an equipped kitchen and prepared meals. One night stay per couple is Rs.9590 - book here: https://zarahutke.in/property/beach-front-wooden-styled-villa-murud-sslp250/Gulzar Home Stay in MurudAlso in Murud is the Gulzar Home Stay which is a 20-acre farm which offers four bedrooms, a hall, a self-equipped kitchen and wrap around balconies. The farm is alongside a private beach and has a variety of fruit trees including mango trees, coconut trees and cashew trees. Bird lovers may be able to spot hornbills, eagles, kingfishers, woodpeckers and bulbuls. Guest can visit the Nawab's Palace, Murud-Janjira fort, Korlai Fort and Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary in the area. The tariff varies according to the number of rooms and dates required. Book here: http://www.gulzarhomestay.com/bookings.html