Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

You can book the glass room for 2-3 guests. If you're a bigger group, you can also book multiple rooms from Serene Retreat ~ Cottages & Serene Retreat ~ Suites.

Question 2

Is Driver and/or House-Help accommodation available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, only a driver's accommodation is available.

Question 3

Is parking available onsite or nearby?

Accepted Answer

Free parking is available onsite. Up to 6 cars can be parked.

Question 4

Is the villa suitable for a day picnic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the home has a garden/lawn area within the premises that could be used for outdoor picnic activities. Meals will be provided on site at an additional charge (per person, per meal). Please note that the maximum capacity for an overnight stay is 15 people. 

During the day, guests will be allowed to use the washrooms and other amenities at the villa. The home is also stocked with indoor games like UNO and playing cards, monopoly, chess, badminton, snakes and ladder, etc.

Depending on the event, you are allowed to erect a small stage, stall or tent for your event purpose.

Question 5

Can I reserve your place for special functions such as engagement ceremony, a small wedding ceremony or a birthday party, etc?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do allow events/shoots at the villa, subject to Home Owner's approval. Meals can be arranged at an additional cost (per person, per day). Please note that a maximum of 15 people can be accommodated in the villa for an overnight stay. 

Access to the pool will be subject to home owner's approval. Depending on the event and its requirements, a refundable deposit and additional charges may be applied. Please note that loud music (if needed for your function) will only be permitted during certain hours. Any other permissions required for photo shoot/functions will need to be taken by the guests themselves. 

If you wish to book our home for functions/shoots, please send a message to the host on our website or send us an email at book@saffronstays.com

Question 6

Are meals provided onsite? What are the charges?

Accepted Answer

Meals are provided onsite and can be availed at additional charges. We levy an on-site cash handling charge (INR 500) and request you to pay for all meals before check-in to avoid this inconvenience. Furthermore, all digitally checked-in guests can avail of additional Reward Points and SaffronStays Club Infinitum benefits for pre-paid meals. Tea/Coffee will be served during breakfast and afternoon tea time. If you would like tea/coffee during the day, this will be arranged at an additional charge.

Tea/Coffee will be served during breakfast and afternoon tea time. If you would like tea/coffee during the day, this will be arranged at an additional charge.

Question 7

What is the type of cuisine served?

Accepted Answer

We offer healthy home-cooked meals prepared by our well-trained in-home chefs. Relish the authentic taste and essence of Alibaug with lip-smacking local cuisines served piping hot throughout your stay. Seafood and mutton dishes (subject to availability) can be served at an additional cost which is payable at actuals. 
Tea/Coffee will be served during breakfast and afternoon tea time. If you would like tea/coffee during the day, this will be arranged at an additional charge.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Guests are not allowed to access the kitchen. However, mothers of infants or small children will have limited access to boil milk or prepare their kids meals. 

Should you choose to order in, the caretaker will be able to help you with menus of nearby restaurants.

Question 9

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 10

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

Accepted Answer

Yes. In case you would like the caretaker to cook a special dish, you can pay him for the actuals and cooking, cleaning fee on site, in cash. Please note that this will be subject to availability of ingredients.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have a steady supply of filtered drinking water.

Question 12

Is Alcohol allowed? Are there any corkage charges?

Accepted Answer

Yes, alcohol consumption is permitted within limits. There are no corkage charges.

Question 13

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

The kitchen is accessible in self-catered homes, and the cleaning/use of kitchen charges is to be paid to the caretaker on site, in cash. We also have a microwave placed in the villa at your disposal. 

Alternatively, we have a tie up with local food caterer. If informed in advance (at the time of booking or two days before check-in), food can be arranged for an additional cost of Rs. x per person per meal.

Question 14

What are the meal charges for children?

Accepted Answer

Children  up to the age of 3 shall not be charged for meals.
Children in the age group 3-6 shall be charged Rs 1,200 (Non veg) and Rs. 1,000 (Veg) per day.

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. We have speakers with a USB port onsite, so you could attach your phone, pendrive to the music system.

Guests are requested to respect our neighbours 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, garden, private pool (if any), etc. 

    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 neighbours.

Question 20

We're planning to drive down. Are the roads good? Any specific things we need to know?

Accepted Answer

Roads connecting to the home are slightly bumpy. Guests are advised to check the road and weather conditions before leaving for a road trip. 

Our home is cool and breezy round the year, so you could visit at anytime.

Question 21

Can I reserve your Home for a Film/ Photo/ Advertisement shoot?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do allow events/shoots at the villa, subject to Home Owner's approval. Meals can be arranged at an additional cost (per person, per day). Please note that a maximum of 15 people can be accommodated in the villa for an overnight stay. 

Access to the pool will be subject to home owner's approval. Depending on the event and its requirements, a refundable deposit and additional charges may be applied. Please note that loud music (if needed for your function) will only be permitted during certain hours. Any other permissions required for photo shoot/functions will need to be taken by the guests themselves. 

If you wish to book our home for functions/shoots, please send a message to the host on our website or send us an email at book@saffronstays.com

Question 22

Are stag groups allowed to book this home?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 23

Who manages the villa?

Accepted Answer

There is a caretaker onsite.

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.

" > HERE" > 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

Security deposit is to be paid two days prior to check-in. If no damages are observed, the deposit will be returned during check-out itself or by NEFT within 5 business days after check-out.

Question 28

Can I redeem any offers while booking this home?

Accepted Answer

No. Members cannot redeem their nights, utilise their privileges, or avail any offers while booking this home.

Question 29

How many extra mattresses can be provided?

Accepted Answer

Extra mattresses can be arranged onsite. Our home has adequate bed sheets, blankets and pillows for extra bedding.

Question 30

What type of beds, mattresses do you have?

Accepted Answer

Our bedrooms have lovely king-sized beds. All our mattresses have mattress protectors.

Question 31

Do you provide toiletries and bath towels?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide toiletries like soap, shampoo, toilet paper, etc.

Question 32

Is the Home air-conditioned?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all of our bedrooms are air-conditioned.

Question 33

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, the villa has a WiFi connection. There is adequate network connectivity, if not 3G then 2G.

Question 34

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. Usage of diesel for genset operation will be charged at Rs. 500 per hour.

Question 35

Is there a security guard / watchman?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The home is located within a gated complex.

Question 36

Are the premises monitored using CCTVs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are CCTV cameras installed in the living room, common areas and outside sections. Private bedrooms and bathrooms are not monitored.

Question 37

Can stray dogs enter the premises?

Accepted Answer

There are two resident dogs which are extremely friendly. However, should you want to keep them away, please inform the caretaker and he will address the issue.

Question 38

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, our home has a stone wall surrounding the premises.

Question 39

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 40

Is the villa and its surroundings well lit up?

Accepted Answer

The villa is well lit up. There is enough lighting even in the surrounding areas i.e lawns, grounds.

Question 41

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

Get a direct route to Nagaon Bypass. Take the first left after the bridge. Once you reach Kaivalya Farms, go straight until you see the board. Then, take a right.

Question 42

Is this home child-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our Home is child friendly, except the Glass Room on the third floor. 

There is plenty of space to run around and many indoor activities that will keep your children occupied. The home has instead been stocked with board games such as Life, Monopoly, Chess, Carrom, Table Tennis and Darts along with Archery, Rifle Shooting, Basketball and Badminton. 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.

Question 43

Is this home senior citizen friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the villas on the ground level with 1 and 2 rooms respectively are senior citizen/elderly friendly. 

All the bedroom have private bathrooms, again easy to access at night without any supervision. All our bathrooms have anti-skid surface.

Upon special request, our caretakers can prepare Low Salt/ Low Spice/ Low Fat/ Low Sugar for senior citizens. These requests should be informed at the time of booking. 

In case of a medical emergency, the caretaker has the numbers for doctor-on-call or ambulance service-on-call. The home is ambulance accessible.

Question 44

Is the villa wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

No, our home is not wheelchair accessible.

Question 45

What can we do for fun around the property?

Accepted Answer

1. Bond with your family or colleagues over games and sporting activities such as rifle shooting, archery, badminton and basketball. 
2. Go on vegetable picking tours with your kids and introduce them to farming. 
3. Chill with your folks by the pool whilst sipping on that hot cup of chai. 
4. A 20-minute drive will take you to the breathtaking Nagaon beach where you can indulge in parasailing, bumpy speedboat rides, banana rides, etc.

Question 46

Is there a pool and what's the depth/ length of the pool?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a private pool / shared swimming pool within the complex. Pool timings are between 9 am to 7 pm. The water is chlorinated and pool balls have been placed nearby for kids. As there is no lifeguard on hand, guests are advised to be cautious (especially around kids) and to refrain from swimming late at night. 

Our pool is available for poolside parties. However, we recommend keeping alcohol, food and glass bottles away from the pool to avoid accidents.

Question 47

Is there a beach close by and is it clean and safe?

Accepted Answer

A 20-minute drive will take you to the breathtaking Nagaon beach where you can indulge in parasailing, bumpy speedboat rides, banana rides, etc. The tides are safe, but we recommend you to enjoy the waves from a distance post sunset.

Question 48

Are there water bodies nearby (such as a pond/ river/ lake etc)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Nagaon beach is a 20-minute drive away from the home. It is a tourist spot. The water body is safe but guests are advised to be careful around it.