Work, Play, Unwind: The Rise Of Luxury Staycations Across India
From Goa to the Sundarbans, new-age villa rentals and resorts are reshaping the way India holidays with privacy, comfort, and purpose at their core.
The line between work and leisure is increasingly blurring and India's hospitality sector is evolving to meet the needs of a generation seeking flexible, immersive, and luxurious escapes. Whether it's an indulgent weekend away, a weeklong work-from-anywhere break, or a boutique venue for an intimate celebration, the country is witnessing a sharp rise in thoughtfully curated staycation options.
From Goa's Portuguese charm to the forests of Aurangabad and the hills of Uttarakhand, a wave of boutique villas, eco-wellness resorts, and alternative accommodations is redefining luxury for the modern Indian traveller.
Lohono Luma by Lohono Stays: Accessible Luxury in Goa
Lohono Stays by the Isprava Group has launched Lohono Luma, a new category of villas designed to make luxury more accessible while preserving exclusivity. The first cluster of these villas is located in Moira, Goa—a picturesque village known for its old Portuguese architecture, quiet lanes, and proximity to North Goa's popular beaches and cafes.
Lohono Luma villas offer private pools, modern amenities, and access to shared recreational spaces like pickleball courts, a children's zone, gardens, a coffee bar, gym, and even office pods making them ideal for everything from family holidays to remote work escapes and corporate offsites.
In a bid to tap into India's growing demand for holiday homes, OYO is bringing its European vacation rental brand, DanCenter, into the Indian market. With 50 properties already added between April and June, the company plans to expand to 200 homes by March 2026.
DanCenter now offers getaways across destinations like Lonavala, Kufri, Ramgarh, Mahabalipuram, Idukki, Jaipur, and Delhi NCR, combining comfort with a self-sufficient stay experience for both leisure and bleisure travellers.
Vivanta Stays: Private Villas for Personalised Getaways
With over 550 private villas across 20+ Indian destinations, Vivanta Stays is fast becoming a go-to for travellers seeking local experiences with high-end comfort. From Goa, Alibaug, and Coorg to Manali and Lonavala, the brand caters to the evolving need for privacy, wellness, and destination-based celebrations.
The platform's success also reflects the growing popularity of 'bleisure" travel and micro-stays, short getaways for rejuvenation or team retreats that don't require long flights or extended itineraries.
Myst by Machan: A Wellness Retreat Near Ellora Caves
For travellers looking to disconnect and detox, Myst by Machan has announced a new eco-wellness resort in Aurangabad, located near the UNESCO-listed Ellora Caves. Designed to be in harmony with nature, the resort will feature villas, forest rooms, and intimate event venues, making it ideal for corporate retreats, wellness seekers, and small group gatherings.
In a significant development, the Indian Hotels Company Ltd. (IHCL) has signed agreements for 15 new hotels with the Ambuja Neotia Group, expanding their partnership to over 40 properties. Among the most anticipated is a Taj-branded resort in the Sundarbans, one of India's most ecologically rich and offbeat destinations.
This capital-light expansion model allows IHCL to strengthen its presence in lesser-explored regions while still offering its signature blend of heritage, luxury, and service excellence.
The Future of Travel Is Purposeful, Local, and Luxurious
The rise of these curated staycations reflects a larger shift in India's travel culture towards mindful, meaningful experiences that don't compromise on comfort. Whether you're escaping to Goa for a quiet recharge, booking a forest retreat near a heritage site, or simply swapping your city apartment for a villa with a view, the new wave of Indian staycations promises flexibility with finesse.
And in a post-pandemic world where wellness, privacy, and connection matter more than ever, this might just be the future of luxury travel.
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August 05, 2025, 09:34 IST
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