It seems these days everyone has their own opinions on what travel means, what the best way to travel is, and whether it is better to be a tourist or a “traveller”.
This isn’t a new argument. People have argued for decades about the right way to travel.
One camp believes travelling right means seeing all the landmarks. They are popular with tourists for a reason, right?
The other camp, inspired by the likes of Anthony Bourdain, takes the off-beat path; they skip ‘tourist traps’; they want to live as the locals do. When in Rome...and all that jazz.
There will be no lining up at a ticket office to pay a foreigner’s fee. No, instead, we will line up at the latest hole-in-the-wall, must-eat restaurant because a micro-influencer on Instagram said this is where all the locals are eating.
Personally, I think a healthy blend of the two is the perfect way to enjoy a trip.
An experience that goes hand in hand with the desire to travel authentically is the inclination to live authentically, to live like a local.
When I travel, usually around the third day, as I grab a coffee near my hotel, I begin to indulge in a hyper-specific fantasy… I could see myself living here.
If you, like me, start to find yourself crafting new lives, especially in new cities, a homestay is the perfect way to indulge. So, what exactly is a homestay?
A homestay, a subset of slow travel, is a unique opportunity to experience a destination’s allure at the grassroots level.
Traditionally, it implies living in someone’s home, but now encompasses a large resource of boutique, luxury hotels with a focus on eco-tourism.
Always fancied living on a farm, but too afraid to commit? Try a homestay on a farm and wake up with the roosters.
If you are intrigued but have no idea where to start, Masala has you covered. Here are some great homestays in both India and Thailand to book for your next trip.
The hills of India are well-known as escapes from the sultry heat of the plains to both locals and Britishers of yore, but there are places to explore beyond just Shimla and Manali when it comes to Himachal Pradesh.
Tucked away in the hills of Kasauli is Southgate, a luxury villa redefining the meaning of a homestay.
Southgate is the perfect escape, which blends modern luxury with classic charm.
Spread across three floors, the highlight, aside from the gorgeous views, is the food.
From classic Punjabi fare to the traditional Himachali thali, the meals at Southgate are an occasion in themselves.
Step into the town of Kasauli and explore its quaint charms with the same ease as staying at Southgate.
Instagram: @southgatekasauli
Desperate to live out your farm fantasies?
This four-bedroom bungalow homestay sits in the midst of a permaculture farm.
So far from the city, your only company is the various animals around the property and the housekeeping staff at Meenabagh.
Meenabagh Farms is part of the property, and food at Meenabagh is served farm-to-table.
Guests are also encouraged to partake in sowing, harvesting, and farming activities if they desire.
The Ratnari property is 74 km away from Shimla and is perfect for those seeking a trip full of nature, tranquillity, and seclusion.
Instagram: @meenabaghhomes
A two-storey homestay nestled amidst a plantation estate; Coffee & Pepper is the perfect place to disconnect and unwind.
Only 15 minutes away from the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Coffee & Pepper showcases a different side to Kerala.
Choose between three types of rooms or splurge and decide on the private pool villa for your stay while enjoying homemade South Indian food.
The homestay also organises trekking adventures, bird-watching sessions, and even spice plantation tours for those who are interested.
The latter is organised in the early mornings and evenings to avoid the blistering heat of midday.
Instagram: @coffeeandpepperhomestay
Explore the backwaters of Kerala and the Western Ghats in this gorgeous family-owned boutique in the midst of the Mavady Hills.
A heritage bungalow that has been in the family for 75 years invites you to step back into time and explore the lush surroundings through guided, scenic walks.
Enjoy meals, cooking workshops, and even indulge in wellness activities with the spa that exists on the premises.
Instagram: @vanilla.county
Step away from the glittering, but sometimes overcrowded, beaches of Goa and turn your compass to face north.
That is where you’ll find Fishtail Creek, a charming homestay in Moira, Northern Goa.
Situated by the river, this two-bedroom cottage offers the option to book a single room or the entire cottage.
Savour home-cooked meals from a continental breakfast to Mangalorean fish curry.
One of the hosts, Vivek, also hosts glassmaking workshops in addition to the excursions available to guests, ranging from kayaking to birdwatching.
Fishtail Creek is the perfect way to slow travel and appreciate the quieter things in life.
Instagram: @fishtailcreekgoa
Want to stay in a heritage home with accents of Portuguese architecture and a distinct old-world charm?
Less than 15 km away from the capital, Panjim, is the Casa Menezes.
Choose between four suites for the duration of your stay and indulge in a Goan feast.
The paddy fields, coconut palm trees, and the Batim Lake surround this ancestral home for the perfect sense of rejuvenation.
Stroll, or bike, through the small town and marvel at the tableau of a bygone time.
Instagram: @casa_menezes_goa
Dreaming of waking up to the sound of babbling brooks and rushing creeks?
Opening your eyes to the lush forests of Chiang Dao is the perfect way to digitally detox.
Ban Tarnchevee Homestay promises exactly that.
A forest retreat an hour-and-a-half drive from Chiang Mai city, the “slow life” philosophy is this homestay’s main draw.
Choose between several room types, all designed in a traditional Thai style, and take a seat at the quaint cafe for a mug of drip coffee by the water.
Instagram: @tarnchevee.chiangdao
Maybe you’re looking to travel beyond well-known Thai destinations like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, or even Kanchanaburi.
Adjacent to Chiang Mai is the province of Nan, where Oun I Mang sits by a stream, surrounded by mountains, mist, and the Sapan waterfall in the distance.
Choose between four villa types, each overlooking the Wa River.
The villa comes with a breakfast and dinner set, cooked in the local Ban Sapan style.
There is plenty to do in and around Oun I Mang, from morning yoga classes to biking around Sapan itself.
Both the Sapan viewpoint and the waterfall are a two-minute drive from the premises.
Get lost in the idyllic calm of Oun I Mang and return to Bangkok completely refreshed.
Instagram: @ounimang
A charming homestay that pulls you away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Baanya Homestay sits in the heart of Nonthaburi—far away enough to set down your worries but still close enough to the city for it to be the perfect weekend getaway.
Guests at Baanya Homestay can experience delicious home-cooked Thai meals from fragrant curries to fiery stir-fried dishes.
Decide between several room options made to suit whatever your travel needs may be, whether you are a solo traveller or wandering with your family.
The homestay is also in the vicinity of the man-made Ko Kret Island, which is perfect for exploring the island’s narrow lanes full of cafes and pottery shops.
Instagram: @baanyahomestayatkokret