What better time than now to dash to Alibaug for your much-needed ticket to sun, sand and me-time. The Trip found four exotic, secluded retreats in and around this scenic coastal town, for a session of pampered holidaying
What better time than now to dash to Alibaug for your much-needed ticket to sun, sand and me-time. The Trip found four exotic, secluded retreats in and around this scenic coastal town, for a session of pampered holidaying
For custom-made soul therapy
Barely a year old, Ccaza Ccomodore in Mandwa was originally built in 1993 and known as Commodore's Den. It was meant to be a retirement home for Commodore Surinder Mongia.
His dream was to start an eatery that he could name after his Man Friday Mansingh and a pub after his favourite brand of cigars, Black Tiger.
Only when it grew into a retreat for friends and extended family did the Commodore's younger son Nitin decide to throw it open as a Mediterranean villa.
The four-bedroom villa is well staffed and comes with a private pool that can accommodate a maximum of 14 persons.
Ccomodore's USP is its customised cuisine: French, Mediterranean and Italian or an outdoor barbeque, which can be rustled up with due notice.
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They provide a catering service within Alibaug under the brand name of Peppers.
There are spa services, ranging from Balinese, Aromatherapy, Swedish and Shiatsu to Reflexology treatments. They can also organise sailing and water sport-related activities.
You pay
On weekdays, Rs 4,000 per person, per night, which includes breakfast lunch and dinner, complimentary stay for children under 6 (in parents room).
For weekends, it's Rs 4,500 per person where you can rent the entire villa (4-persons at least). The special spa getaway comes at Rs 7,000 lets you enjoy a whole spread of Oriental massage treatments.
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| At Mahua Bagh, spend hours relaxing in one of these hammocks or chill at the private pool |
How to reach
They offer pick up and drop from Mandwa jetty. The property is located in Mandwa village, three kilometres from the jetty.
CALL: 9820132158. LOG ON: www.casacommodore.com
For mango-flavoured organic bliss
If you prefer birdcalls and playing mango farmer to a blaring TV, Mahua Bagh at Nandgaon village is your best bet.
Mahua Bagh boasts of a sprawling 25-acre property, with 500 mango trees and twelve cottages. "It's all about open spaces and connecting with nature," says Anu Singh, owner.
The beachfront property also boasts of a shallow beach that offers safety. Smack in the middle of an orchard farm, the food here is organic, with a focus on local produce and coastal cuisine.
You can indulge in bird watching since it's close to the Phansad Sanctuary.u00a0 They take their getaway tag seriously, with the TV and music system placed only in the common room.
You can play beach volleyball, cricket or yoga. In fact, every cottage comes with a yoga kit and massages are available on request.
If outdoorsy is your style, trek across the farm and reach up a hilltop for a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea.
If you prefer some quiet time, head to their outpost built on stilts that project into the sea. During mango season, you're in for a special treat: you can pluck, grade and pack the fruit within the orchards.
You pay
Rates on request.
LOG ON: ww.mahuaresorts.com /mahua_bagh
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| A panoramic view of a villa at Ccaza Ccomodore |
How to reach
Take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and exit it at Khapoli / Khalapur. Proceed towards Pen. From here, take the road to Alibaug.
Short of the main town, take the road to Murud. You drive through Nagaon along Kashid beach and reach Nandgaon village.
Carry on towards Murud and once you cross Mazgaon village, watch out for the Mohra bus stop. From here, take a right turn onto a country road, which is about a kilometreu00a0 and takes you straight to Mahua Bagh.
Call: 9819469323/ 9768058727. Log on: mahuaresorts@gmail.com. Email: info@mahuaresorts.com.
For an uber-luxe experience
About 20 miles from the Gateway of India, Radisson at Alibaug is a spa resort with a breathtaking view of the Sahydaris and Lake Veshvi.
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With 88 stylish rooms, including luxury villas and presidential suites here, it's easy to get a room compared to most resorts in the area.
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You can use its spa, pool and fitness centre, library, thinking room (yes!), telescope, game room and a separate kids area too.
Their spa won rave reviews and is a must-visit for its massage treatments, aromatherapy, detoxification and lifestyle management.
The 20,000 sq ft area includes a hydrotherapy room, ayurvedic room, salon, Thai double suites, yoga and meditation hall and relaxation rooms.
Their restaurants, including the coastal cuisine specialty restaurant, tearoom and three bars ensure you don't go hungry or thirsty after all that beach bumming.
You pay
Rates begin at 15,000 plus taxes per night.
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| Water sport activities are popular off Alibaug's coastline. |
How to reach
Take the road to Panvel, and at Panvel take the road Vadhkal Naka instead of the road to Pune. At Vadhkal Naka the road forks into two. You take the Alibaug road instead of Goa turning.
Call: 2141 302400/22777,
Log on: www.radisson.com /alibaugin
You can also try
Luxury Link organises villa rentals along with other services like property management, air and rail tickets etc.
Their three villas are Aranya, Coco Beach House and Mango Beach House, at Kihim Beach. Aranya was originally built for a ship's Captain, and offers two double bedrooms, and a single bedroom.
Coco Beach House offers four double bedrooms and a conference or party room and a large swimming pool, which is shared with the other two villas.
Mango Beach House is a cottage like property, with two double bedrooms is built in the shades of trees like Areca palms, Frangipani and Heliconia.
You pay Rates on request.
Log on: www.luxurylink.co.in/villa-rentals.htm
How to reach
Board a ferry or catamaran to Mandwa from the Gateway of India. Pick-ups from the jetty to the villas are available on request.
Call: 22640404. Email: sales@luxurylink.co.in
