“To travel is to live.”
― Hans Christian Andersen, The Fairy Tale of My Life: An Autobiography

Summer and monsoon lined up with the slowness of COVID-19 lockdown have transformed us all. Truly, to travel is to live, Mr. Andersen. Right? Most importantly, after the lockdown, we all want to get closer to nature. Also, we do not mind going to safe, and sanitized stays near Pune. Additionally, our wanderlust feels a renewed nudge. Furthermore, all we want to do is rush to some weekend getaways. However, your safety is as important. Especially relevant, if you are staying in dense cities like Maharashtra, that is Mumbai and Pune, sanitized stays near Pune would provide you that much-needed breather.

Thankfully, Pune being the Oxford of the East is both culturally and geographically gifted. That’s why it has some of the most stunning weekend getaways. Most importantly, that’s why, you would not be surprised to find safe nature stays, deeply sanitized stays near Pune. From mountain getaways, weekend getaways, rural stays near Mumbai, along with a plethora of sanitized stays near Pune. So, you can surely plan to visit such hidden gems. Because many of them have already implemented standard operating procedures for your safety at their premises.

So, fellow travel lovers, do check out our hand-picked sanitized stays near Pune, epic monsoon stays, weekend getaways near Mumbai and Pune, Safe and Sanitised Resort Near Mumbai/Pune, Resorts Near Mumbai/Pune. They are safe, well-maintained, deeply sanitized and they would make your getaways after ages memorable and safe.

Always wanted to experience treehouse? While there are a few awesome ones are in Himanchal or Kerala. But, treehouses in Maharashtra or around Mumbai are a rarity and this stay is one of them! Surrounded by picturesque trees wherever you see, the newly made cottages at this pacifying resort are one of its kind. Minimalistic yet uber comfortable, your stay here would connect you with your true self.

What is great about this stay? The treehouses there will make you relive your childhood. The expanse and spaciousness of this stay opens up your soul. Go there to truly unwind.

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Why should visit it? Because it is an ideal weekend getaway near Mumbai and Pune. They employ local staff there to create a responsible eco-system for the tourism and guests.

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Yuyiii’s Travel Expert Rating for this Stay: 4.5/5

Distance from Pune and Mumbai by road: 165 kms/169 kms

Check the detailed review, photos, and videos for this stay: Know More!

In the embrace of mountains and by the serene sight of Mulshi Dam, when we visited this Mountain Resort near Pune, our senses were taken by surprise. Also, it could be the magic of lush greenery, indie architecture, plush interiors. Maybe just the company of sunshine and mountains? But most importantly, it all made us smile ear to ear and bask in absolute gratitude.

What is great about this stay? One of the understated joys of being at this Mountain Resort is also the company of emus, ducks, and horses around their lush green Devrai garden. Kids, as well as adults, will fall in love with the flora and fauna there and would be truly able to keep their guards down. The fauna and flora are well-distanced. So, your safety and comfort will remain paramount there.

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Why should you visit it? Quintessentially, this Mountain View Resort has everything that you look for an amazing celebration! Also, this sanitized stay near Pune has Stunning views, luxurious rooms, expansive pools, great food, Devrai Garden, Emus, Horses, Ducks. So, you will have a great time there with your loved ones! Also, they have rooms that are a distance. Therefore, you would be safe and secluded away from the crowd.

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Yuyiii’s Travel Expert Rating for this Stay: 4.5/5

Distance from Pune and Mumbai by road: 55 kms/182 kms

Check the detailed review, photos, and videos for this stay: Know More

Not too far from the major metro cities of Mumbai and Pune, this heritage stay near Saswad epitomizes luxury and takes away all your stress in seconds!

What is great about this stay? With tasteful architecture, detailed decor, and its harmony with the encompassing flora and fauna, this stay warmly tucks your heart and sensibilities. Also, the earthy textures, nonchalant chirps of birds, curious looks of deer around this 300 years old stay bags your attention every minute. Most importantly, every moment spent there feels like a celebration. Also, it is deeply cleaned and well-maintained.

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Why should you visit it? This sanitized stay near Pune is quintessentially heritage. Also, it has accommodation in tents, individually distanced rooms. Therefore, your comfort and wellbeing will absolutely be their priority. Furthermore, as this sanitized stay is deeply cleaned regularly, you would have a great getaway there in the lap of greenery.

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Yuyiii’s Travel Expert Rating for this Stay: 4.5/5

Distance from Pune and Mumbai by road: 40 kms/182 kms

Check the detailed review, photos, and videos for this stay: Know More

Firstly, this stay in the dreamy town of Wai will remind you that the simple joys of life cost you nothing! So, go on a family weekend getaway there to enjoy a delish farm to table Maharashtrian meal and connect with Mother Nature. Most importantly, the golden wheat farms, gooseberry and strawberry field there will grow on your heart and you would live a piece of your soul at this place — it is that rejuvenating, we say!

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What is great about this stay? Their dreamy tents that are outsourced from Rajasthan and one of the very few in Maharashtra and are comfort personified. You get to stay in lush green surroundings in the sleepy village of Wai and indulge in your peace.

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Why should you visit it? To enjoy farm-fresh food there. They grow local grains and vegetables like cabbage, brinjals, etc and also exotic fruits like gooseberry, strawberry in their farms. Your kids, the family would have a great time here because of the same!

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Yuyiii’s Travel Expert Rating for this Stay: 4.5/5

Distance from Pune and Mumbai by road: 97 kms/230 kms

Check the detailed review, photos, and videos for this stay: Know More!

Bonfire, mocktail by the pool and the choicest of flora around — that’s just a tip of an iceberg of this resort near Mumbai for weekend. You would disconnect with all your worries here. Additionally, palatable meals and outdoor activities would completely refresh you there at Karjat!

What is great about this stay? It is an artsy farm stay managed and owned by the family of Ramanand Sagar, the legendary creator of the Ramayana serial. The rooms have tasteful furniture, uplifting interior. Perfect for a great retreat with your loved ones.

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Why should visit it? Also, as it is located in the dreamy town of Karjat, less than two hours away from Mumbai and Pune, the farm and nature, it is perfect for a weekend getaway.

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Yuyiii’s Travel Expert Rating for this Stay: 4.5/5

Distance from Pune and Mumbai by road: 102 kms/70 kms

Check the detailed review, photos, and videos for this stay: Know More!

Imagine living in a glass-walled cottage with a breathtaking view of the valley, hills and the sublime nature! Sounds like a dream? Wait till you head to this Boutique Hill Resort in Panchgani. The indie and luxurious architecture of this stay grows on you like never before. If you are looking for that perfect surprise for your loved ones, take them here and let them revel in joy and gratitude!

What is great about this stay? The interior and architecture of this stay are very tasteful. A connoisseur like you would love the curtains they have got from Lucknow, furniture from Bali. Even their toothbrush and toiletries are biodegradable and made from wheat rusk. The architecture makes use of the local materials like red stone and wood and it soothes your inner artist.

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Why should you visit it? You get a chance to live by the edge of the valley. The walls of the cottages are made up of glass and offer a mesmerizing view of the valley and the hills. Ideal for a romantic getaway, solo indulgence or a family get together.

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Yuyiii’s Travel Expert Rating for this Stay: 5/5


Distance from Pune and Mumbai by road: 113 kms/256 kms

Check the detailed review, photos, and videos for this stay: Know More!

Quintessentially, this Countryside Stay a slice of peace in the middle of a valley. Also, this sanitized stay near Pune soothes your heart. Most importantly, every room there lets you enjoy the views of the mountains, valleys by the pool. And like that ain’t enough, they also grow veggies like broccoli, beetroot, carrots, cabbage, brinjals, tomatoes. That’s how they serve you nothing but the best. Therefore, go there with your kids. Also, for those special occasions head there. Surely, you would experience life like never before!

What is great about this stay? Most importantly, it is located at one of the most soothing slopes of Panchgani. Also, every room there offers never seen and experienced views of majestic Maharashtra. Quintessentially, the soothing architecture and organic veggies served fresh, make your stay one of its kind.

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Why should visit it? Most importantly, to experience the true beauty of Panchgani of the 1980s and 1990s. Also, you will get a chance to relax with your family. Moreover to relish meals that are infused with the love of Nature.

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Yuyiii’s Travel Expert Rating for this Stay:  4.5/5

Distance from Pune and Mumbai by road: 97 kms/230 kms

Check the detailed review, photos, and videos for this stay: Know More!

Hidden as a slice of paradise in the peaceful Panchgani, this stay is all feels and them some more. Additionally, this sanitized stay near Pune is a treat for couples, families, and even kids, you could truly unwind with the wilderness and larger than life than Sahyadri ranges here. Also, you could relax in their comfy swiss cottages. And soak the splendid views over decadent meals.

What is great about this stay? The sweeping valley views, spacious balconies, grand architecture of this stay, makes the visit with your parents, family, and friends worth it! Also, it is well-maintained. Moreover, it is close to nature. And has one of the most spacious rooms that are distanced well from each other.

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Why should you visit it? Most importantly, you can do star gazing there from the glass building. Also to experience the beauty of flora, fauna. Especially relevant is to know, that it is also visited by many Indian cinema actors. So, you might just get to meet them as well!

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Yuyiii’s Travel Expert Rating for this Stay: 4.5/5

Distance from Pune and Mumbai by road: 100 kms /242 kms

Check the detailed review, photos, and videos for this Safe and Sanitized Resort Near Mumbai/Pune: Know More!

Home and lockdown have given us blues! If you honestly ask any true blue traveller right now. Quintessentially, all they want to do is travel. Even though travel has majorly changed after COVID-19. However, those beautiful destinations are already calling us! With the circular of MHA guidelines, MoHFW guidelines already shared, now local travel in India is all set to revive sooner than we all actually imagine.

Photo by UTTEJ KOTYADA on Unsplash

As per Conde Nast Traveller, international travel has plummeted. That too for an unforeseeable future. Most importantly, restrictions from various nations have created a lot of uncertainty. And so have the stay at home orders. Furthermore, almost every corner of the world is affected by COVID-19. That’s why international travel is more unsafe and unpredictable than ever before! Unless, the global travel restrictions are eased down, and COVID-19 is brought to its knees, International travel would not be revived.

While that might just bring down your spirits, but the good news is that there are so many safe, clean nature getaways, safe rural stays just a road trip away , safe, sanitized weekend getaways, mountain view resorts in Uttarakhand, safe and sanitized luxury resorts that local travel in India would feel better than International travel to you!

Photo by Vishnu Prasad on Unsplash

There are uncountable hidden gems. You are in Mumbai. Or in Pune. Or in Delhi. Local travel in India has uncountable hidden gems for you.

From Shendi till Nainital, you would find umpteen sanitized, safe, and deeply clean boutique, luxury stays for you to stay. So, post lockdown, you really want a break? Then there is nothing better than local travel in India.

Do you want to travel with family? Do you want to travel solo? Then, local travel in India is the safest option right now. From nature surrounding farm stays like the one in Wai, till secluded boutique resort in Panchgani and soul-striking heritage stays in Nainital, who says that travel in India can be boring? So, while the planes are on the ground. International trip ain’t happening soon. Let’s go vocal for local. Find our soul in our incredible India. Visit the hidden gems. Empower our indie, homegrown brands. Because they are nurtured with love for the community. Most importantly, these hidden gems employ local villagers and townies.

Your safety is their priority. And that’s why many homegrown, luxury resorts have rolled up their sleeves. Yes, they have already implemented SOPs and guidelines to make your stay safe and social distancing proof at their premises. We don’t need any more reasons to go vocal for local travel in India, right?

Isn’t travelling after lockdown on everyone’s mind right now? We just cannot wait to plan all the travelling after lockdown. Understanding how demanding lockdown has been for all of us, although International travel is not viable right now, safe, sanitized, nature weekend getaways would be great for travelling after lockdown.

To let you make the most of it, MHA and MoHFW have devised detailed SOP and plan of action for hotels, weekend getaways, hidden gems of India so that travelling after lockdown becomes feasible for you.

Do read these guidelines devised meticulously by MoHFW and check out Safe and Clean Nature Getaways, Sanitized Weekend Getaways, Safe Luxury Resorts, Rural Stays and plan a getaway after the lockdown is eased:

xi. Details of the guest (travel history, medical condition etc.) along with ID and self-
declaration form must be provided by the guest at the reception.

xii. Posters/standees/AV media on preventive measures about COVID-19 to be
displayed prominently.
xiii. Hand sanitizers must be kept at the reception for guests to use. Guests to sanitize
hands before and after filling relevant forms including A&D register.
xiv. Hotels must adopt contactless processes like QR code, online forms, digital
payments like e-wallet etc. for both check-in and check-out.
xv. Luggage should be disinfected before sending the luggage to rooms.
xvi. Guests who are at higher risk i.e. those who are older, pregnant or those who have
underlying medical conditions are advised to take extra precautions.
xvii. Guests should be advised not to visit areas falling with in containment zone
xviii. Required precautions while handling supplies, inventories and goods in the hotel
shall be ensured. Proper queue management and disinfection shall be organized.
xix. Appropriate personal protection gears like face covers/masks, gloves and hand
sanitizers etc.shall be made available by hotel to the staff as well as the guests.
xx. Detailed guidelines issued for restaurants shall be followed.

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a. Seating arrangement in the restaurant also to be made in such a way that
adequate social distancing is maintained.
b. Disposable menus are advised to be used.
c. Instead of cloth napkins, use of good quality disposable paper napkins to be
encouraged.
d. Contactless mode of ordering and digital mode of payment (using e-wallets)
to be encouraged.
e. Buffet service should also follow social distancing norms among guests.
xxi. Room service or takeaways to be encouraged, instead of dine-in. Food delivery
personnel should leave the packet at guest or customer’s door and not handed
directly to the receiver. The staff for home deliveries shall be screened thermally by
the hotel authorities prior to allowing home deliveries.
xxii. For room service, communication between guests and in-house staff should be
through intercom/ mobile phone and room service (if any) should be provided while
maintaining adequate social distance.
xxiii. Gaming Arcades/Children play areas (wherever applicable) shall remain closed.
xxiv. For air-conditioning/ventilation, the guidelines of CPWD shall be followed which
inter alia emphasises that the temperature setting of all air conditioning devices
should be in the range of 24-30oC, relative humidity should be in the range of 40-
70%, intake of fresh air should be as much as possible and cross ventilation should
be adequate.
xxv. Effective and frequent sanitation within the premises shall be maintained with
particular focus on lavatories, drinking and hand washing stations/areas.
xxvi. Cleaning and regular disinfection (using 1% sodium hypochlorite) of frequently
touched surfaces (door knobs, elevator buttons, hand rails, benches, washroom
fixtures, etc.) to be made mandatory in all guest service area and common areas.
xxvii. Proper disposal of face covers / masks / gloves left over by guests and/or staff
should be ensured.
xxviii. Deep cleaning of all washrooms shall be ensured at regular intervals.
xxix. Rooms and other service areasshall be sanitized each time a guest leaves.
xxx. In the kitchen, the staff should follow social distancing norms at work place. Kitchens
area must be sanitized at regular intervals.
xxxi. In case of a suspect or confirmed case in the premises:

a. Place the ill person in a room or area where they are isolated from others.
b. Provide a mask/face cover till such time he/she is examined by a doctor.
c. Immediately inform the nearest medical facility (hospital/clinic) or call the
state or district helpline.
d. A risk assessment will be undertaken by the designated public health
authority (district RRT/treating physician) and accordingly further action be
initiated regarding management of case, his/her contacts and need for
disinfection.
e. Disinfection of the premises to be taken up if the person is found positive.

Panchgani is home to one of the safest, sanitized and hygienic Luxury Hill Resort. Frequently visited by the distinguished actors of Indian cinema, Luxury Hill Resort, and is as great for slow travel as some of the farm stays of Maharashtra.

The hospitality of Luxury Hill Resort is absolutely flawless. To ensure that you have a safe and social distancing proof stay at their premises and enjoy a soothing getaway after the lockdown, the management at Luxury Hill Resort has implemented the S.O.Ps and guidelines. Do check them out to plan your getaway after a much-demanding lockdown, dear travellers.

 Ensure markings on the floor at Gate to maintain Social Distancing
 Supply disinfectant solutions to all for every movement at entry door. (Guest and staff)
 Confirm the guest’s nationality and enquire whether they have any health problems and where they are arriving from.
 Guests running a temperature of more than 98.6° F should be politely asked to return or directed to the closest hospital/medical facility
 Provide a mask if Guest is not wearing one, if required
 Inform the Control room, if they show any symptom of Covid-19.
 No shake hands, Only NAMASTE
 Electrostatic sprayers with professionally identified chemicals are being used on luggage while unloading, hotel entrances, employee entrances, as well as various public areas.
 All the staffs should wear advised face mask and hand gloves while dealing with a guest.
 Maintain separate log book for Covid -19 in every department and verify
periodically.
 All supplies and materials are sanitised before being admitted into the hotel premises

Reservations and Lobby:
 Ensure markings on the floor at reception to maintain Social Distancing
 Ensure Associates are wearing masks & gloves
 ‘Namaste’ should be used as the greeting for all Guests at all touchpoints to maintain Social Distance.
 Check the nationality of the reserved guest to find whether they are from Covid -19 affected country, or if coming from a Red/Orange zone (Cross check with printed district sheet)

Ravine Hotel – COVID-19 – S.O.P. Action Plan

 A guest check-in self-declaration form is in place which covers COVID-19 symptoms. Any guest who indicates these symptoms is required to undergo a medical examination prior to check-in. (Send an email requesting for this to be filled out and emailed back with ID proofs)
 Advice the guest in advance to stay back at their present station, if they are suspicious.
 Contact the District medical control room immediately and inform the doubtful reservation.
 Do E-check-in/ check -out (send info via email) and avoid manual check-in/check-out procedures.
 Use mobile scanner or camera to attach guest’s ID proof incase you have not already gotten it via email.
 Encourage online money transfer, for Check-out and payments, call guest prior to checkout and sms or email them payment link.
 Give safety, hygiene and other instructions to the Guests as per the new SOP
 Keep paper, envelopes and all equipment sanitized at reception incase hard copy bill is asked for otherwise email a copy of the bill.
 Keep swabs which Guests can use with sanitizer to clean their phone or credit cards
 Don’t use single passenger lifts for different group of people at a time.
 Ensure that safety instructions, including the number of Guests allowed at one time, is placed inside the elevator and is easily visible; apologize for the delay and inconvenience caused to the Guests due to the new safety norms
 Arrival instructions should explain to Guests that they should come down to the restaurants only when a table is available to avoid crowding
 Elevator floor must have markings with directions, so that Guests do not face each other and maintain the appropriate Social Distance
 Guests instructions given at the reception should include instructions on how the rooms are sanitized at regular intervals
 Minimize the use of lobby toilets or keep closed. (To be decided)
 Maintain separate log book for Covid -19 in every department and verify
periodically.

Restaurant/Room service:
 Ensure Associates are wearing masks & gloves
 Keep sanitizers for Guests to use
 Use disposable napkins which are pre-packed or individually packed serviettes
 Keep swabs which Guests can use with sanitizer to clean their phone or credit cards
 Restaurants and seating in the lobby have been reconfigured to ensure safe distances are maintained between guests.
 Arrival instructions should explain to Guests that they should come down to the restaurants only when a table is available to avoid crowding (Make and keep a reservations list at reception)
 Don’t interact with guest in close distance. keep 1m distance minimum.
 Keep away the menu cards. Order by mouth.
 Sanitize the cover area after each food service.
 Staff in the kitchens, restaurants, in-room dining, to sanitise their hands every time they serve food or touch food related items.
 Wash all the cutleries and crockeries in soap water and sterilize after every use.
 Avoid group reservations. Don’t entertain any parties/conferences/meeting in your premises.
 No buffet services.
 Maintain separate log book for Covid -19 in every department and verify
periodically.

Kitchen
 All supplies and materials are sanitised before being admitted into the hotel premises
 Wash and sanitize hands with disinfectant in fixed frequency. Bell or an alarm in
every 30 min is advisable.
 Clean raw materials thoroughly with chlorine sani-tabs.
 Wash, rinse and sanitize all food contact surfaces of all equipment.

 Staff in the kitchens, restaurants, in-room dining, to sanitise their hands every time they serve food or touch food related items.
 Make sure that the food waste stored in rodent and insect proof containers.
 Use hand gloves in dish washing section is mandatory.
 Maintain separate log book for Covid -19 in every department and verify
periodically.

House keeping & General Areas.
 Keep hand sanitizer/soap liquid in every room.
 Don’t reuse linen.
 Room linen to be changed once in two days or ONLY on request; no turn down services to facilitate minimal contact
 Masks and disposable gloves are being worn by all team members at all times and changed frequently. Housekeeping staff use fresh gloves for every room they service.
 Clean intercom phones and remotes with Dettol while routine cleaning.
 Clean the toilets and room floor with rich alkaline mixed liquids.
 Manage separately, if you found any suspicious guest’s laundry/room linen.
 All touch points, like door handles, buttons, counter tops, table tops, railings, etc.
 Maintain separate log book for Covid -19 in every department and verify
periodically.

Ayurveda Centre/ Spa – TO BE DECIDED
 Clean and sanitize massage/ spa tables after each treatment procedure.
 Follow the above said procedures in other departments.
 Maintain separate log book for Covid -19 in every department and verify
periodically.

Things we need to work out with the Govt Officials or at Hotel

Ravine Hotel – COVID-19 – S.O.P. Action Plan

 Detailed Standard Operating Procedures are in place in case of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis where a guest or a colleague needs to be quarantined.
 Ensure all standards and protocols are adhered to, each hotel has a dedicated Hygiene and Safety Manager.


Things we need to update in the Hotel:
 Install hand sanitizer dispensers in the elevators, passages and in every room.
 Signages with information on sanitization norms should be placed
 Due to Social Distancing norms, allocate alternate rooms or leave two rooms vacant in between, based on occupancy levels
 All indoor areas such as entrance lobbies, corridors and staircases, escalators, elevators, security guard booths, office rooms, meeting rooms, cafeteria should be mopped with a disinfectant with 1% sodium hypochlorite or phenolic disinfectants
 For metallic surfaces like door handles, security locks, keys etc. 70% alcohol can be used to wipe down surfaces where the use of bleach is not suitable
 Request all Associates to stay at home in case they have any symptoms of flu or are not feeling well
 Staff running temperature more than 98.6° F should be asked to return home
 Uniform exchange daily should be the norm
 Uniforms will need to be sanitized properly; steam press or heat iron can be used
 Associates will be given masks and gloves as part of the uniform across all departments
 Ensure that Associates are maintaining Social Distancing during uniform exchange
 Extensive hand wash and sanitizing arrangements must be made with signage explaining the need
 Employee Dining Shifts must be staggered to avoid cafeteria crowding
 Cafeteria hours should be extended to allow smaller groups over a longer period of time – the usage should be restricted to 33% of its capacity at any given time
 All staff should wear disposable masks, gloves, hair nets and all other safety gear
 Quarantine & date tag receivable goods before you take them inside the stores

Ravine Hotel – COVID-19 – S.O.P. Action Plan

 All supplies need to be fully sanitized before entering the stores and refrigerators
 Vendors should be advised on how you will accept goods and how their staff should arrive with necessary protective gear
 Service Elevators ensure that safety instructions, including the number of employees allowed at one time, is placed inside the elevator and is easily visible
 Ensure elevator floor buttons are regularly sanitized
 Manager should conduct sensitization classes for Associates on upgraded hygiene standards; they can also have visiting faculty to update Associates on standards
 Employees must be well-informed about all COVID related operating SOPs on a Daily basis.

COVID-19 has changed our lives. Quintessentially, there isn’t a single industry out there that has not been affected. At Yuyiii, we are closely seeing how travel has changed and how rural weekend getaways will still be favored for a visit against International Travel.

Although the times are uncertain, our founder, Nidhi Sharma is beating all the odds to revive the travel industry in India in her own way. And here’s an interview of hers on Yuyiii and the way for luxury that was featured by Co-Founders Town. Check it out:

Do read this feature, it was originally published by the team of Co-Founders Town:

There used to be a time in the not so distant past—when the hotels spread all over your Instagram feed were touting luxury amenities like Frette sheets, movie theatres, and their perennially full Michelin-star restaurants.

Fast forward some months and the travel & tourism business especially is on its knees worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Country borders are sealed. Cities are at stand-still. Flights are grounded. Cruise ships are docked in harbours. Trains are stationary. Buses are not plying. Hotels are shut. Restaurants are shuttered. No one knows when the fury of the virus will abate; no vaccine is in sight; people are cloistered in their homes. Social distancing is the new mantra. Masks and gloves are the new safety accoutrements. And no one is even thinking of a holiday, let alone planning for one.

Nidhi Sharma, the founder of Yuyiii, talks about how much has the travel industry being affected, presents insights into the world of luxury travel, and shares what could the world after COVID-19 might look like for the travel industry!

The way we travel and the flavour of Travel has been through a paradigm shift.

In India, Travel has come a long way from Religious Travel, Travel to meet family members or for Weddings and other Family occasions to Pure Leisure. That in itself had the seed of the growth of Luxury Travel.

While the Travel & Tourism sector contributes about 10% to the national GDP, approx. 95% of that contribution today comes from Leisure Travel. Travel has been successful in attracting a significant part of the consumer wallet.

It has evolved from ‘touristy’ sightseeing to several Travellers maturing over the last decade having their own taste of travel. They travel for ‘Me’ time or ‘Quality Time’. This is the new class of Luxury Travellers who don’t mind spending Rs 10,000 per Night for great properties which pamper them and make them feel good.

Growing Disposable Incomes & Aspirations, Rise of Social Media and the Millennial generation who love to spend more than the previous generations and leverage Travel Loans as well, have all contributed to the demand of Luxury Travel.

Supply-side got a boost from the development of new Destinations and Luxurious Standalone Properties. Luxury travel market became larger than just 5-star branded Hotel chains, more than just lavish rooms to rooms with splendid views or exotic locations.

For example: IHCL today has several brands like Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta and The Gateway catering to different needs of Leisure Travellers.

Several trends helped shape up the new face of Travel:

The Travel and Tourism Industry as we all know was the worst hit and it was all of a sudden. Hilton celebrated its 100th year just 6 months ago and within a few months of that, it had to furlough more than 60% of its 4.3 Lakh workforce according to a Phocuswire report.

“The travel and tourism industry provided 87.5 million jobs and accounted for 12.75% of the total jobs created in the country in 2019” – as per the Grant Thornton India Report of June 2020. For such an important and large industry, numbers like losses of Rs 15,000 crores in March and April alone of this year are very grim along with a CII estimate of around 2 Crore job losses.

But there are glimmers of hope streaming in from countries which have reopened. After China’s lockdown relaxations, domestic tourists took trips with enthusiasm in the 5 days of Holiday owing to May day.

50 million Trips in the first two days alone with a revenue of $1.38 billion. These are great numbers when tourist attractions had a capping on the number of Tourists to 30% of total capacity.

Few Marriott properties in the Resort destinations of China welcomed an occupancy rate as high as 70% around Labour Day. Numbers released by Sedona Chamber of Commerce show occupancy rates as high as 91% on the Memorial Day Weekend in the US.

Road to recovery might take a year or two because it will be a while for some vaccine to come out and Inbound and Outbound tourist numbers to be the same as pre-COVID. Domestic Trips will be the forerunners to Recovery. 26 Million Indians took International Trips in 2018. A large number of these Tourists will also look to explore India in 2020 and 2021.

To be very frank, no one knows when and how soon due to the number of uncertainties. But Travel will not go away, it’s part of the innate Human nature to explore. Lockdown has been very taxing.

Remote work blurred lines between personal and professional hours. Household duties and no recreation has taken a toll. Post lockdown if we look at recreation options, people might still hesitate for visiting malls or friends but a Road trip to a Safe property will work.

For this to happen, states need to come to a conclusion on how to keep their borders open without significant quarantine time needed and Hotels have to be prepared to host Guests with comprehensive Safety and Hygiene measures. We expect a significant pent up demand to arise around September.

Just how Airport security changed forever post 9/11, there will be new norms in the Hospitality Industry. Technology will play a key role in this transformation. Safety & Hygiene Standardizations and Certifications by prominent Bodies like National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), DNV GL Business Assurance, Bureau Veritas etc. will be significant in winning Guest confidence.

Strategic partnerships like Hospitality Insurance Companies to help with the medical cover of the Guests could become a norm. Accor’s ALLSAFE Label, Marriott’s Global Cleanliness Council and Hilton’s tie-ups with RB which manufactures Lysol and Mayo Clinic are mirrors into the extreme care and meticulous implementations of new cleanliness measures.

Overall measures like UV disinfection technologies for Luggage, Hospital grade cleaning agents for sanitization of High touch points like door handles, elevator buttons, light control panels, Masks and Gloves, Social Distancing training of Staff, Hand Sanitizer stations, Contactless Technology and QR codes for automation of processes like Check-In, Check-Outs and Dining, Digital Payments, Disposable Menus and Cutlery will be very common place at least in the renowned Hotel brands. OTAs could put up a new filter and rating on the sanitization to help guests shortlist better.

Travellers will read reviews more in conjunction with safety and hygiene of the Property. Wellness Travel could see an impetus as people have woken up to the holy trinity of Mind, Body and Spirit. Also, new Properties under construction could see a new kind of architecture which allows better social distancing

Trips that guests perceive as safer will be in trend like Weekend Trips via Road which allows them to sit in the safety of their car and go to a property at a drivable distance. Travellers might increase their frequency of trips in a year and take shorter trips rather than one long trip. Indians who would keep aside a few lakhs for that one landmark international trip every year could use that to explore domestic destinations in 2020 and 2021.

Preference will be for Luxury Brands and Hotel Brands which demonstrate implementation of stringent safety and cleanliness standards. Brands which have strong 360 degree communication channels will win more number of Guests as just implementing standards and not communicating it to Guests will not help in re-instilling Guest confidence.

Guests will need more consultation-based approach to book initially and a direct online booking on OTAs with no human intervention may take longer to revive. Small to mid-size Properties in remote areas which have less than 15 rooms like Individual Cottages with large open spaces and new hygiene measures adopted will also see recovery sooner.

Hotels will need to come up with new and flexible cancellation policies and options like Open Bookings which allow paying now but travelling later can also become popular. Players like Airbnb can see a jump in Monthly rental kind of bookings owing to the flexibility that professionals will get with remote booking. So, an IT professional from Bangalore might consider working from his hometown or peaceful destination like Coorg and pay less in monthly rent.

Employee Safety and Guest safety should be the primary focus. This interval of time should be used to evaluate, frame and implement comprehensive safety & sanitization measures.

A lot of synergy can be derived with collaborations. Importance of Strong, Effective and 360 degree communication using all channels to help Guests understand that they will be well taken care of will not be overrated.

As many processes as possible should be digitized to enable contactless approach. Also, making sure that the cost doesn’t increase too much before Revenues.

Yuyiii’s journey has been beautiful. It started from my own travel experiences around 10-12 years ago.

I was a Showhost with a TV channel called StarCJ – joint venture between Star group and South Korea’s leading CJO. It was an upcoming premium lifestyle home-shopping channel and along with the joy of hosting shows ‘LIVE’ and selling a variety of brands like Satya Paul, Tanishq, Lenovo, Vichy etc, I got the financial freedom and some time to explore.

Touristy destinations took away the romance of travel for me and I started researching places away from the run-of-the-mill destinations, lesser-explored and more authentic. OTAs would list hundreds of properties in the known touristy destinations and even the filters could not help in finalizing the property meant for their taste. Photos of the properties were either photoshopped to show unreal stuff or were too low in quality.

Like I remember a property in Fagu, Himanchal Pradesh at 9000 ft. with a revolving restaurant and a 360 unhindered view of the Himalayas. But their website and photos didn’t match their standards at all. I took a bet and booked the property. I have somehow had intuitive powers in discovering such goldmines .

On reaching there, I was the only guest along with Rocky from the NDTV Goodtimes show ‘Highway on My Plate’. There was another time when I booked a Family run Orchard Stay with an actual Treehouse which also swayed a little bit with the breeze and a 180 deg view of the Himalayas. It was spacious, spick and span at a very affordable Tariff of Rs 3500 per night in Katrain, a village 17 Kms from the main town of Kullu.

It has an orchard land of plum, apples and cherries. Breakfast had a plate of freshly plucked cherries from the garden and parathas with the lovely kids who had red apple cheeks and were absolutely adorable.

But how would other Travellers discover these gorgeous properties? Videos are a powerful medium too and help us dream about travel.

At the same time give better clarity than Photos but were perceived as very expensive and Hotel owners lacked the knack of making apt Travel videos. Tripadvisor reviews helped but a lot of times the Traveller disparity in their ways of travel caused confusion. Like some traveller reviewing a Corbett property as poor because they didn’t spot a tiger in the safari or a poor photo uploaded by a Traveller with a crumpled bed sheet and empty plastic bottles strewn in the room.

With these realizations coming in, I was excited to start work and offer a platform to many Travellers like me who wanted to Discover new destinations and great Properties with Nonphotoshopped Images and Videos plus In-depth Travel expert reviews. Yuyiii’s empanelled Travel experts travel to each property and give their honest review on 25 parameters and highlight important things like Room lights are dim, so the stay may not be apt for a reading holiday.

We launched last year and raised an angel round in June 2019 with two very inspiring and supportive angel investors. Yuyiii received love from travellers and within a few months we could clock great booking volumes with more than 4500 registered users. Our Travellers and Property partners love us for World-class Videos produced by the Yuyiii Team which also feature interviews and stories of heroes from the properties.

Sharing Two such Property Videos.

1. Property Overview of a Treehouse Property in Wayanad

2. Owner Story of a Property in Rajasthan

We used the Lockdown period to integrate Voice Technology by SlangLabs for our esteemed Guests and are very excited that Yuyiii is now one of India’s first online platforms to have this technology which is Voice to function and not just simple translation of Voice to text.

We are reading the situation week-on-week and in close communication with our Partner Properties . Yuyiii is known for its content and communication capabilities. We understand the Tonality and Sensitivity needed for our segment of Evolved travelers in form of text, images and videos.

Our videos are inspiring and informational and strike a chord with the travelers. We plan to extend this expertise to a lot of our Partner brands so that they can use all their energies in implementing the new SOPs and guidelines released by MoHFW and we can help them in communicating this to the Guests.

Having crystal clear clarity on why you want to be an entrepreneur will add meaning.

Primary motto to earn a lot of money quickly or it looks cool are wrong reasons and will not help you sustain. Ideas are dime a dozen but execution is the key.

This journey will test you, break you and there are no shortcuts. Only when you love the process as much as the final achievement of goals, giving up will not be an option. Please have great mentors and coaches. Build a great team who will stand by you when times are tough.

Yuyiii is lucky to have such team members to look at silver linings in this crisis. If you are true to your purpose, this journey will be the most enthralling and enriching one!

The first thing that we want to do after the lockdown is eased down is to travel. We hear you! And that’s why we have already looked up at all the possible options for Nature Weekend Getaways, Luxury Resorts near Mumbai, Safe and Sanitized Getaways Near Mumbai.

What if we say that there is some silver lining to this dark cloud? Because as you know, MHA guidelines for travel have been declared. Therefore, although international travel plans might be on a back burner, local travel in India is something that many travelers are looking forward to, whether with the family or all solo!

That’s why, we have handpicked a few choicest destinations, getaways near Mumbai. So if you are eagerly waiting for going for a weekend getaway after lockdown, our recommendations are here to nudge you:

Photo by Nitish Kadam on Unsplash

Thankfully, there are many weekend getaways near Mumbai that are safe to visit after the lockdown. As they are surrounded by nature, safe and have getaways near Mumbai that are safe, sanitized and social distancing proof, it would be fine to visit them.

From beach till mountain weekend getaways near Mumbai, we got you covered! Read more:

Beaches and rains. What could ever be a better combination? A hub for pilgrims and tourists alike, Ganpatipule is a rare town to remain untouched by commercialization. And trust us, this town looks incredible during monsoon. The town derives its name due to the discovery of an idol of the Hindu Lord Ganesha discovered 1600 years ago. And just like its rich history, its beaches are one of its kind. So, bucket list it for monsoon then?


Head to this Safe, Sanitized Weekend Getaway in Ganapatipule to visit after Corona Lockdown: Getaways near Mumbai

Picture Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Wai is one of the most underrated jewels of Maharashtra. Most importantly, it is near Mumbai as well as Pune, Wai is a paradise of its own. Its tranquil lakes, modest homes, vast farmlands grow on you. Also, you get to see a line of umpteen strawberry, gooseberry farms there. Wai is surrounded by mountains and is also home to a soothing home-eco stay that would be ideal nature weekend getaway to visit after the lockdown eases.

Head to this Safe, Sanitized Weekend Getaway in Ganapatipule to visit after Corona Lockdown: Getaways Near Mumbai

Shendi blooms in monsoon. It rests amongst the Sahyadris. Most importantly, Shendi enchants travelers with its picturesque lakes and gushing waterfalls. Indeed, it is a small, modest village. However, it is blessed by River Ganga. That is why it always stays clean, peaceful, and lush green. So, take a trip to Shendi this monsoon and have the time of your life.

Head to this Safe, Sanitized Weekend Getaway in Shendi to visit after Corona Lockdown: Getaways near Mumbai

Hear the brave tales of Maratha in the backdrop of rains at Saswad. “Every inch of Saswad soil has a chapter of history written on it!” – Babasaheb Purandare. On the banks of the Karha river, Saswad dazzles travelers. Its greenery pacifies your soul. Most importantly, its rich history was home to several Buddhist monasteries and temples and the homeland for the first Peshwa from the Bhat family. If you have watched Tumbad and marveled at the ancient doors and locks withstanding the rains, you can see some of them in Saswad! You got all the right reasons to visit it in monsoon, no?

Head to this Safe, Sanitized Weekend Getaway in Saswad to visit after Corona Lockdown: Getaways near Mumbai

Mulshi is magical in monsoon. Because it is located by the sight of the mesmerizing Mulshi Dam. From there you can see the dance of clouds over the tense skies. Under the veil of the majestic Sahyadri mountains, the tranquil waters of the Mulshi dam offer travelers a respite. This village truly charges you up with its views. Whether from Pune or Mumbai, this place deserves your visit, every monsoon.

Head to this Safe, Sanitized Weekend Getaway in Mulshi to visit after Corona Lockdown: Getaways near Mumbai