Nestled amidst thick tropical trees and surrounded by the hills of the Western Ghats, Villa Magnolia in Alibaug is a quaint colonial mansion with a visibly Indian soul. The sprawling two-storied building with teak columns, terracotta-tiled roof, Kota stone floors and bright open spaces instantly reminds you of the mansions and bungalows of yore. The layout
Villa Magnolia stands out for its quintessential Indian décor and quaint earthy vibe. The entrance with a grand stone Ganesha sitting in the shadow of a large tree sets the vibe of the home. A banyan tree creates a cool shady canopy over the crystal-clear pool and a traditional Indian swing, solid wood diwan, and luxurious couches lend the space a homely charm. The grand dining table meanwhile is the heart of the home where families and friends can gather over scrumptious home-cooked meals by the resident cook. The large deck and balcony on the first floor are great spaces to work from during the day and unwind with a cup of tea overlooking trees, hills, and tropical showers in the evenings. Nature flows into every corner of the property through swaying palms, bright bougainvillea, fragrant frangipani and bushy ferns.
The rooms Each of the five bedrooms comes with elegant four-poster beds, grandfather chairs and plush bathrooms. The rooms open into the garden while the verandahs with views of the surrounding hills make for great sundowner spots. A lovely outdoor pool hugs the porch and is perfect for a leisurely swim. Food and drink The villa has two male attendants, a concierge and a cook. Apart from daily breakfast and a set menu, seafood can be ordered from local restaurants. The fully equipped kitchen is also open to guests during their stay. Smoking is not permitted inside the villa and pets are not allowed. Activities Villa Magnolia is close to many local beaches and cafes. Kolaba Fort, an old military fortification, 40 minutes from the villa, makes for a great day outing, and art galleries such as The Guild and Contemporary Art are a short drive from the villa. Local restaurants and cafés like Kiki’s Cafe and Deli and Boardwalk by Flamboyante, all within 30 minutes’ drive from the villa, make for good evening spots by the sea. Mehta Wadi, Zirad Pada, Samaj Mandir, Alibaug, Maharashtra; book via Isprava ; Rs46,530 for the night for the entire villa.