Homestay Boom by Sumita Chakraborty
New Escape
There was a time when travel meant checking into a plush hotel, ordering room service, and barely stepping out of your comfort bubble. Not anymore. India’s new-age traveller is craving something far more intimate, immersive, and Instagrammable… the rise of the luxury homestay. I know I am for sure…
From misty hills to sun-drenched beaches, curated homestays are now redefining travel, blending local charm with bespoke luxury. So come along with TheGlitz and me, and think less “hotel stay” and more “living like a local, with local experiences.”
Soul Search
So why homestays? What’s driving this shift? …zillions of questions but we think we have the answer. Post-pandemic travel has evolved into something deeply personal. Travellers want privacy, authenticity, and experiences that feel tailor-made. Enter homestays… where heritage meets warmth and hospitality, and every corner tells a memorable story.
Whether it’s waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed filter coffee in Coorg or watching the orange hued sun dip into the Arabian Sea from a Goan villa… homestays offer something hotels rarely can… soul!
Stay Stories
We’ve heard a lot specific homestays… for instance, SaffronStays keep popping up on my social media grid. So when we explored further, we discovered that with properties spread across Maharashtra, Goa, and beyond, SaffronStays has perfected the art of curated living. Their homes range from elegant colonial bungalows to chilled beachside villas, each with a distinct personality.
Over in the hills, one more name that keeps popping up… StayVista is making waves with sprawling, design-forward villas ideal for group getaways… think infinity pools, private chefs, and views that look straight out of a dream.
Royal Roots
But then if heritage is your vibe, Rajasthan offers some of the most enchanting stays. For instance, Rawla Narlai is a stunning 17th-century property nestled between Jodhpur and Udaipur, where candlelit stepwell dinners and regal architecture transport you to another era.
Meanwhile, in Kerala, Philipkutty’s Farm delivers a slice of backwater bliss with its charming wooden villas, home-cooked Syrian Christian cuisine, and an atmosphere that feels both rustic and refined.
Hill Haven
The North isn’t far behind in this homestay renaissance. In Himachal Pradesh, The Himalayan Village offers traditional Kathkuni-style cottages surrounded by cedar forests… perfect for those looking to unplug in style.
Uttarakhand’s Mary Budden Estate, perched high in the Kumaon hills, is where luxury meets wilderness, with panoramic Himalayan views and old-world charm.
Experiential Edge
But it’s not just about pretty properties… it’s about experiences. Many of these homestays now offer curated activities that go beyond sightseeing. Think farm-to-table dining, local craft workshops, guided nature trails, and even storytelling sessions with village elders. At Vamika Island, you can kayak through narrow backwater canals and return to a candlelit dinner under the stars. It’s slow travel, elevated.
Work Wander
Another trend shaping the homestay boom is the rise of “workations.” In fact, I often see ads of workstations at places off the beaten tracks and I keep wondering if there are any takers? But there are… many, I’m told. With remote work becoming the norm, travellers are swapping city skylines for mountain views. Properties like Ikigai by The House of Rohet cater to this new breed of digital nomads, offering high-speed Wi-Fi, serene workspaces, and a vibe that makes Mondays feel like Sundays.
Green Living
Sustainability, too, is at the heart of this movement. Many homestays are embracing eco-conscious practices… solar power, rainwater harvesting, organic farming… making your stay not just luxurious but responsible. It’s travel with a conscience, and it’s here to stay.
TheGlitz Says…
As I, Sumita Chakraborty, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, TheGlitz, am an avid traveller with an instinctive nose for standout trends in travel and tourism… I would certainly affirm that this homestay movement is not just a passing fad, it’s the future of experiential luxury. I, personally, recommend this trend because it redefines travel through intimacy, authenticity, and deeply personalised experiences.
Homestays aren’t just places to stay… they are destinations in themselves, offering a rare blend of comfort, culture, and connection that today’s discerning traveller truly seeks. v with It’s absolutely a great place to chill, work or vibe with nature.
I’ve mentioned a few names, though I have personally not experienced these places, I’ve gone with word of mouth. But I’m sure there are many more fab homestays waiting to be explored. So what are you waiting for… grab your trekking boots and surf through the travel apps… for the right homestay.
