The 3rd Edition of India's Favourite Homestay Awards at Taj Cidade de Goa Truly Reimagined Cultural Experiences

A Celebration of Homestay Hospitality

India’s burgeoning homestay industry took center stage at the highly anticipated third edition of India’s Favourite Homestay Awards.

The event, held at the prestigious Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, united renowned figures from various industries—celebrity chefs, designers, photographers, and entrepreneurs—all expressing their admiration for the personalized hospitality and cultural immersion that homestays provide.

This growing trend underscores the shift towards more authentic, experience-driven travel in India.

According to Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, homestays are expected to remain an integral part of the travel industry’s future due to their ability to offer unique cultural experiences and foster meaningful connections between travelers and hosts.

The India’s Favourite Homestay Awards, co-launched by MakeMyTrip and The Times of India, provided a platform to honor those who create unforgettable stays and enrich holiday experiences for travelers across the country.

An Evening of Stars and Tributes

The awards night brought together a constellation of stars, including double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker, actor Yami Gautam Dhar, director and photographer Vikram Bawa, and celebrity chef Shipra Khanna. Hosted by the witty Aparshakti Khurana, the ceremony was a delightful mix of heartfelt tributes, laughter, and entertainment. Stand-up comedian Gurleen Pannu’s hilarious anecdotes added a dose of humor to the evening.

In a candid fireside chat with Khurana, Bhaker and Dhar shared their preferences for the ideal homestay experience. Bhaker emphasized her need for a homestay with enough space to maintain her shooting practice, while Dhar revealed her love for privacy and serene mountain views. Following the chat, the two stars presented 15 awards across various categories to the top homestay operators in India.

Recognizing Excellence: Who Made the Cut

Season III of the India’s Favourite Homestay Awards saw a remarkable 9,500 entries across 12 different categories. After a rigorous online voting process, a distinguished jury panel—including Vikram Bawa, Nikhil Mehra (chief design officer at Shantnu & Nikhil), celebrity chef Shipra Khanna, travel influencer Veidehi Gite, and architect Apoorva Shroff—had the challenging task of selecting the winners.

The awards were presented in categories such as Hidden Gem of the Year, Villa of the Year, Pet-Friendly Homestay of the Year, and Farmhouse of the Year, celebrating those who have set new standards in Indian homestay hospitality.

Bawa shared that for him, the most important parameter for judging was whether a property was pet-friendly, highlighting the growing trend of pet-inclusive travel experiences.

The Future of Homestays: A Growing Market

With the rising demand for immersive and authentic travel, India’s homestay and villa market is witnessing rapid growth. The data from MakeMyTrip reflects this trend, with unique property bookings on the platform increasing by 44% in FY24 compared to FY23, encompassing over 980 cities across India.

This growing preference for homestays underscores a shift in traveler expectations, where unique cultural experiences and personal connections are prioritized over traditional accommodations.

Magow emphasized that homestays represent the future of travel in India, encouraging the industry to focus on innovation, investment, and developing more personalized travel experiences.

A Culinary Conclusion

The awards night concluded with a culinary extravaganza featuring a wide array of Indian delicacies, from bold street food flavors to exquisite regional specialties. As the attendees indulged in this feast, they shared their own travel stories, reinforcing the notion that homestays are not just about accommodation—they are about creating connections, discovering cultures, and crafting unforgettable experiences.

The India’s Favourite Homestay Awards celebrated the best in the industry, recognizing the efforts of homestay owners who continuously elevate the traveler experience and contribute to the evolution of India’s hospitality landscape.