Question 1

Can I book only one or two rooms, or do I need to book the entire Home?

Accepted Answer

You can book one room at a time, or all 3 cottages.

Question 2

Is Driver and/or House-Help accommodation available?

Accepted Answer

Drivers/domestic helpers can be accommodated in a hotel situated near the property. The caretaker will be able to help you with the same.  Meals will be provided at the property and charges for the same are Rs. 900 per person.

Question 3

Is there separate accommodation for domestic help?

Accepted Answer

A single domestic helper can be accommodated in the caretaker's cottage. While accommodation is free, meals will be charged at Rs. 900 per day. If there is more than one domestic helper, the second helper will be charged as an additional guest.

Question 4

Is parking available onsite or nearby? Is it chargeable or free?

Accepted Answer

Parking for up to 4 cars is available on the premises.

Question 5

Is the villa suitable for a day picnic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a day picnic can be organized for a maximum of 10 people. Please note that this villa is best enjoyed in the evening. We have a lawn that can be used to erect a small stage or for camping. During the day, guests will be allowed to use the washrooms and other facilities. Meals can be provided at an additional cost of Rs.900 (per head, per day).

Question 6

Are meals provided onsite?

Accepted Answer

Home-cooked meals will be available. All meals (Breakfast + Lunch + High Tea + Dinner) can be availed at the home for Rs 1400 per person, per day. Guests opting for Non-Vegetarian meals, should specify so, at the time of booking. Fish and mutton preparations shall be charged extra, at actuals which is payable in cash to the caretaker onsite. Please inform in advance, to allow our caretaker to procure the same. Meals will be served in the common area outside the cottages. Tea/Coffee will be served during breakfast and evening tea time. If you would like tea/coffee at any other time of the day, it can be arranged at an additional charge. Meal timings will be as follows: Breakfast (8.30 am - 10. 30 am), Lunch (1.00 pm - 3.00 pm) & Dinner (8.30 pm to 10.00 pm).
Fish and mutton preparations shall be charged extra, at actuals which is payable in cash to the caretaker onsite. Please inform in advance, to allow our caretaker to procure the same.

Question 7

What is the type of cuisine served?

Accepted Answer

We offer simple, home-cooked Maharashtrian meals.

Question 8

Is outside food allowed? Are we allowed to cook ourselves?

Accepted Answer

Yes, outside food is allowed. While guests are not allowed to cook, mothers of infants or small children will be allowed limited use to boil milk or prepare small meals for the kids.

Question 9

What are the meal charges for children?

Accepted Answer

Children up to the age of 6 shall not be charged for meals. Children in the age group 6-11 shall be charged Rs 800 per day.

Question 10

Do you allow us to stock things in your fridge?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use the common fridge to store food/beverages. In case there are other guests on site, please adjust and use the common fridge accordingly.

Question 11

Can I pay the caretaker some extra money and request the Cook to prepare fish or mutton dishes for us?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Please note that this is subject to availability as well as will need to be requested in advance and will have to be paid at actuals.
Fish and mutton preparations shall be charged extra, at actuals which is payable in cash to the caretaker onsite. Please inform in advance, to allow our caretaker to procure the same.

Question 12

Is there an adequate drinking water supply? Do we need to carry our own Mineral Water bottles or are these readily available at your villa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a steady water supply. If you wish to consume only sealed bottled water, please inform the caretaker of the same and pay him for the actuals on site, in cash.

Question 13

Is Alcohol allowed? Are there any corkage charges?

Accepted Answer

Yes, alcohol consumption is permitted within limits. There is ample ice stocked in the fridge. Snacks and other beverages can be arranged if advance notice is given to the caretaker. This amount will need to be paid to the onsite caretaker in cash, at the end of your stay.

Question 14

If it is a self-catering villa, would you be able to arrange for a cook? What kind of cooking facilities are available?

Accepted Answer

This is not a self-catering villa.

Question 15

Do you allow loud music?

Accepted Answer

Given the location of our home, playing loud music is allowed within limit and during specific time/hours. 
Guests are requested to respect our neighbors and keep the noise level mild and within the villa.

Question 16

Is smoking / alcohol consumption permitted?

Accepted Answer

Yes, smoking is allowed but strictly not inside the home. If you wish to smoke, please do so outside in the garden/lawn area. 
Alcohol consumption is permitted within limits. We do not encourage late night revelry or loud music.

Question 17

What are the Check-in & Check-out timings? May I request for late check-outs or an early check-in?

Accepted Answer

Check-in time at 1 pm and check-out time is 10 am. Please note that check-out timings are strict as we need to ready the rooms for our next booking. Guests are requested to respect the timing of other guests as well. In case you wish to check in a little early or check out a little late, do inform us at the time of booking. Additional charges will be applied. Late check-out charges includes meals (lunch).

Question 18

What formalities are needed during check-in and check-out?

Accepted Answer

As required by law, all adults have to provide their government-approved Photo IDs (that clearly show their residential address) at the time of Check-in. Your co-operation is of utmost importance to us.

Question 19

Are we allowed to access all areas?

Accepted Answer

No. Guests will only be able to access common areas on the property such as the living room and garden. 

    Guests are strictly prohibited from crossing into neighboring properties under any circumstances. We request our guests to respect the privacy and personal space of our neighbors.

Question 20

Weâ€™re planning to drive down. Are the roads good? Any specific things we need to know?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the property is accessible by car. However, please note that the road gets quite bumpy after one exits the Mumbai - Pune Expressway. Alternately, guests could take the Khopoli exit, crossing Adlabs Imagica and heading towards the village of Roha. Our villa is located close to Dighi Port, Agardanda.

Question 21

How do we reach your villa by public transport?

Accepted Answer

If you would like to travel by train, you can get down at Panvel where you can catch a bus or hail a taxi. Panvel is roughly 76km from Murud. Alternatively, one can catch the ferry to Madwa Jetty from where a local taxi can be hired to reach the property. The ferry is a 45 minute journey.

Question 22

Who manages the villa?

Accepted Answer

There is a caretaker onsite.

Question 23

Are stag groups allowed to book this home?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not allow stag groups to book this home.

Question 24

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

A Guest is entitled to a refund of 75% if he/she cancels the confirmed booking upto 15 days before the Date of Check-In (before 1 PM).
A Guest is entitled to a refund of 50% if he/she cancels the confirmed booking upto 7 days before the Date of Check-In (before 1 PM)
If the Guest cancels within 7 days of the Date of Check-In, he/she is entitled to no refund.

Question 25

Can I pay 50% now and pay the remaining 50% closer to the date?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, there is no option for part payment. Guests are required to pay 100% of the payment before check-in.

Question 26

How can I make a payment?

Accepted Answer

All payments for booking the villa, including meals will have to be pre-paid prior to checkin. Security Deposit collected during booking will be returned during check-out or by NEFT within 5 business days after check-out, provided no damages are observed. To avoid inconvenience, we will not be accepting cash onsite for any reasons henceforth.

Please note: The Security Deposit is subject to change depending upon the number of nights and the group size. Please check with your holiday advisor at the time of booking.

Question 27

How and when do I pay for the Security Deposit and how and when is it returned to me?

Accepted Answer

A security deposit of Rs. 5,000 is to be paid online two days prior to the check-in. If no damages are observed, the deposit will be returned after check-out within 5 business days by NEFT.

Question 28

Do guests have to pay extra for pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Guests have to pay Rs 800 + GST pet pet, plus extra for meals, if requested.

Question 29

Are pets allowed inside the room?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pets are allowed in the bedroom, but not inside the bathroom. Guests must be responsible for their pets and any damage caused to the property shall be deducted from the Security Deposit.

Question 30

Are there any resident pets on the property?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There are 2 dogs on the property and they have been inoculated.

Question 31

How many extra mattresses can be provided?

Accepted Answer

One extra floor mattress will be provided with bedding.

Question 32

What type of beds, mattresses do you have?

Accepted Answer

Every bedroom has a queen size bed and the bed sheets are changed every third day.

Question 33

Do you provide toiletries and bath towels?

Accepted Answer

Yes, toiletries and towels are provided. Towels are replaced every alternate day.

Question 34

Is the Home air-conditioned?

Accepted Answer

All the bedrooms are air-conditioned. In the event of a power failure, a backup diesel generator is capable of supporting these air-conditioners.

Question 35

Is there Internet/ 3G/ WiFi connection available onsite?

Accepted Answer

There is WiFi available. There's also adequate network connectivity, if not 3G then 2G.

Question 36

Do you have a problem with mosquitoes? How do you deal with it to make our stay more comfortable?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The caretaker fumigates the entire property every evening. Guests are requested to keep their doors and windows shut in evening between 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm and to carry along Odomos with them. If needed, the caretaker will provide mosquito repellent coils.

Question 37

Does the villa face frequent power outages? Are there any invertors or gensets to address this issue?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have a backup inverter in case of rare occasions of power failure. Guests are requested to switch off the ACs during power outages as it consumes more power.

Question 38

Is there a security guard / watchman?

Accepted Answer

No, the caretaker manages security.

Question 39

Are the premises monitored using CCTVs?

Accepted Answer

No, there are no CCTV cameras installed.

Question 40

Can stray dogs enter the premises?

Accepted Answer

No, the home is within a fenced area. However, should a stray dog enter, inform the caretaker and he will address the issue.

Question 41

Is the property properly fenced? Is there a boundary wall?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the property is fenced on all sides.

Question 42

Is there First-aid kit available at your Home?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do have a first-aid kid onsite, stocked with Dettol, band-aids and over-the-counter medicines like Metacin, Crocin etc.

Question 43

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

Little Paradise is located in Agardanda, a small coastal village located 9 kilometers south of Murud. If travelling from Mumbai, take the RoRo or ferry to reach Mandwa jetty. Take Alibag - Revas Rd to Alibag - Ramraj - Roha Rd for 18 kms. Continue on Alibag - Ramraj - Roha Rd. Take Alibag-Revadanda Rd and Revdanda - Murud Rd to Agardanda Jetty Rd in Haphijkhar. Take a slight right at St Stand Agardanda onto Agardanda Jetty Rd - the villa will be to your right.

The home is approximately a four and a half hour drive from Mumbai. If you aren't taking the ferry, and driving down instead, the Pali route is recommended. From Pali, head to NH66 for approx 51 kms. Turn right onto Tala - Murud Rd to Agardanda Jetty Rd in Haphijkhar and continue for 16 kms. Turn left at St Stand Agardanda onto Agardanda Jetty Rd - the villa will be to your right.

If you're travelling by train, you will need to get down at Roha or Panvel from where you can take a bus to Murud. Alternatively, State Transport buses operate from Mumbai Central to Murud's Durbar Road.

Question 44

Is this home child-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our Home is child friendly.  

There is plenty of space to run around and many indoor activities that will keep your children occupied.  Since SaffronStays believes that holidays are about families bonding, we do not have any TV or WiFi in our Homes. The home has instead been stocked with books and board games such as Life, Monopoly, Chess, Carrom, Table Tennis and Darts. There is also a basic first-aid kit, stocked with Dettol, band-aids, etc., for minor injuries. Parents are advised to be cautious when allowing kids to run around. 

Kid-friendly menus (pastas, cornflakes, Bournvita milk, etc) are also available. These would need to requested in advance, preferably at the time of booking. In the case of infants, mothers will be permitted to use the kitchen to prepare their meals.

Question 45

Is this home senior citizen friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this villa is senior citizen friendly. There are limited steps leading up to the villa and down to the beach. All rooms are on the ground floor and the bedrooms have private bathrooms attached which are easy to access at night without any supervision. Upon special request, our caretakers can prepare Low Salt/ Low Spice/ Low Fat/ Low Sugar meals for senior citizens. In case of a medical emergency, the caretaker has the numbers for a doctor-on-call / ambulance-on-call.

Question 46

Is the villa wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

No, this villa is not wheelchair accessible.

Question 47

Is the place pet-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is a pet-friendly villa. There are 2 pet dogs already present on the premises. Rest assured, they have been inoculated. If you wish to carry along your pet, please note that a refundable deposit of Rs. 3000 will be applied. Every pet will be charged at Rs. 500. Pets are not allowed on any of the furniture and will be restricted to the verandah area. Pet owners need to carry along food and bedding for their pets. In the event that guests cannot carry their own pet food, pet food can be arranged and payment for the actuals will need to done at the property itself. Pets are not allowed in the pool.

Question 48

What can we do for fun around the property?

Accepted Answer

There is a secluded beach right outside the villa. Alternatively, guests can visit the Murud - Janjira fort (30 minutes away) or indulge in water sports at Murud beach (around 9 kms away).
Various activities can be arranged for guests of SaffronStays Little Paradise with prior notice include -
Candlelight dinner can be arranged for Rs 800 per couple. Bonfire and Barbecue can be arranged for Rs 800 per couple. Private sailboats to visit Janjira can be arranged. The charges for the same are according to the seasonal rates.