The last time I watched a breathtaking sunset was in the Maldives. The shades of red and orange reminiscent of a fire, followed by indigo, violet, and candy-pink spread across the sky as the sun dipped below the horizon, was a sight to behold. Nothing beat that until I recently headed out of Mumbai for a weekend getaway. Two hours from Mandwa Jetty, Alibaug, lies Casa Bella, StayVista’s pet-friendly villa in Kashid. My family and I, along with our little puppy, Shifu, enjoyed two evenings with magnificent scenery, delicious Maharashtrian food, and a carefully curated indoor paradise.
Tropical Setting
Nestled on a lush hilltop overlooking Kashid Beach, the meticulously designed twin villas are connected by a vast infinity pool offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea stretching as far as the eye can see. As soon as you step inside, you witness this sight putting all your chaos to rest.
While one villa consists of six rooms, each with a sea view spread across two floors, the other has a kitchen and dining area with the top floor dedicated to indoor games, a theatre, and a dance floor.
Culinary Delights
We were treated to local Maharashtrian preparations, from fried pomfret and prawns to spicy chicken and mutton curries made from freshly ground masalas with bhakri and steamed rice. But don’t worry if you’re craving other cuisines, the kitchen team is well-equipped to serve Italian and Asian bites ranging from pizzas to noodles.
A Party House
While we spent both days of our stay in tranquillity, unwinding in the pool against the backdrop of the sound of ocean waves and the sight of sunset hues, you can transform this area into a sundowner party scene with a group of friends. Get creative with DIY cocktails and play a poolside mix on the speaker provided by the villa to turn this space into an epic house party for the weekend.
If you extend your party beyond 10 pm, bring the setting indoors to the villa’s dance floor. And, of course, there are multiple games for you to immerse yourself in! Pool, poker, table tennis, air hockey, carrom, electronic dartboard, and even roulette are available to ensure that every moment of your leisure time is exhilarating and fun.
Pawsome Paradise
StayVista’s Casa Bella is the ideal holiday home for your furry friends who love exploring new environments. Shifu thoroughly enjoyed his time here; I could tell with his gleaming eyes and wagging tail. While the villa has specific restrictions for pets (they’re not allowed to enter the kitchen or jump on the sofas/beds), there is ample space to run around, play, and soak in the view. There’s also a small garden for you to walk your furry friends or indulge in a classic game of fetch to keep them occupied.
What’s More?
There’s a lot to discover beyond the villa. Get closer to the sea at Kashid or Revdanda Beach, or explore the busy Revdanda market, which features fresh catches of the day and farm-fresh vegetables. I picked up the classic peanut chikki, which this market is famous for, and I recommend you do, too!
ELLE’s Verdict
Whether you want to saunter on the deck by the pool, challenge your friends to a game, or savour a serene moment soaking in the beautiful surroundings with your pup, Casa Bella promises an experience that marries modern luxury with the timeless beauty of nature.
For reservations and bookings, click here.
