Amit Damani, Co-founder, Vista Rooms says, "This is a prime reason why homestays are emerging as a viable and increasingly popular alternative to hotel stays for groups of people. Homestays can match all the amenities that a hotel can provide – in-house theatre, swimming pool, gym, yoga bay – while providing a level of privacy and intimacy that the latter cannot replicate. The kitchen is completely under the guests’ control, giving them the option of choosing the dishes that they’d like to prepare, whether they want to cook, ask an in-house chef to prepare a meal or order in. Such flexibility is particularly ideal for travellers with young children, or groups with senior citizens. Most holiday homes are also pet-friendly and provide large, open spaces for furry friends to play around. Having an entirely private space allows guests to choose the kind of experience that they’d want to have, from quiet retreats that heal the soul to crazy parties that last through the weekend."

Nature, beauty, luxury: The reasons why homestays are gaining popularity with corporates Another aspect that adds to the allure of holiday homes, particularly luxury homestays, is the scenic beauty that often surrounds them. Most such homestays are located in the lap of nature, built as a holiday home by their owners, complete with stunning interiors and beautiful surrounding vistas.

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Not only are they extremely peaceful and serene, but also extremely photogenic. Moreover, every homestay has a unique story behind it, deeply rooted in the local culture and flavour. Guests also find it interesting to discover and explore how others design their homes. The unique proposition that they represent as getaway holidaying accommodations is even
attracting corporate businesses. The intimate environment is perfect for office retreats, offsites, and strategy planning sessions. Homestays also provide a uniquely ideal backdrop for shoots conducted by wedding photographers, fashion and lifestyle brands, and TV/movie crews.

Damani says, "The exponential increase in the number of homestays booked by a travelling group to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries is a testament to how appealing the concept of holiday homes is to India’s growing travel audience. The market for homestays is expected to see a healthy growth in the near future, and players such as Airbnb and Vista Rooms are nurturing greater trust in its unique proposition in various ways. While the former has created a trusted marketplace where guests can view reviews from other guests, the latter is bringing its extensive experience as a hospitality brand to manage, maintain, and service the holiday homes under its care. Their continued efforts and growing market acceptance are positive signs for the future of homestays in India, and we can look forward to many more uperlative, differentiated travel experiences in the times to come."

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