The timeless beauty of Goan architecture has always been captivating. Spread across the State, the houses, with their subtle Portuguese architectural influences, have always painted that perfect, dreamlike picture that has inspired many.
It’s this very charm that brought Sneha Mahashabde and Anuja Phadke to Goa, where they breathed life into a once dilapidated colonial-era house transforming it into a warm and inviting homestay. Here, guests experience the Goan ‘susegad’ way of life, get some work done and enjoy tonnes of workshops.
“We love old houses and were attracted to the Portuguese-Goan architecture which is unique due to the blend of Indian vernacular style with the western elements,” says Anuja.
After chancing upon an old house in the quiet village of Guirim, the duo decided to restore it. They started the homestay in 2023, and named it Caju Grove.
“Since our first venture is called The Kokum Tree, we naturally thought of fruit names, and the connection of caju (cashew) and Goa is unparalleled!” she says adding, “Plus the cashew history, the Portuguese brought cashews from South America, and like their architecture, the fruit has seamlessly become part of Goan life and cuisine.”
Just like Goa’s juicy yellow delights, Caju Grove is a bright yellow Goan house with a garden and a small swimming pool in front of the balcao. “We have a small neighbourhood bar called ‘Nook’ around the swimming pool area which opens in the evenings. Then there is an event space with wooden deck and small lawn area on one side,” the co-founder explains.
The house features four rooms, all air-conditioned with attached bathrooms. It includes one large family den (accommodating 4 adults), two suite rooms (each for 3), and one compact room for 2 (ideal for solo travellers).
“One of the spacious rooms with a tall ceiling serves as our co-working space during the day and transforms into an indoor bar in the evenings,” Anuja shares. At full occupancy, Caju Grove can host 12 adults, though rooms can also be booked individually.
Crafting a lifestyle where life and work boundaries seamlessly blend, Caju Grove is also the perfect space for digital nomads offering amenities that include high-speed WiFi, a refreshing pool and homemade food tailored to suit the needs of both elders and kids.
“Even though we ourselves don’t live on the property, we are at the homestay every day to interact with our guests, look after their needs and make friends!” she smiles and continues, “We guide our guests on the multitude of activities, food places and other offbeat things to do in Goa that we personally love.”
Centrally located in North Goa and just about 2 kms from the Mapusa bus stand, Caju Grove is close to the beaches of Calangute, Candolim, Anjuna and Vagator. Panjim and many other popular sightseeing places are also a short drive away. “We have many tie-ups with local tour operators who arrange a variety of off-beat experiences that our guests can sign up for,” Anuja informs.
To book a stay at the property, you can get in touch with Caju Grove directly or through aggregators like booking.com or MakeMyTrip. “We take 50 per cent of the total cost in advance to confirm the booking. For refund, cancellation must be done 15 days prior to the arrival date. Thereafter, it will be charged as cancellation fee,” she informs.
Beyond a relaxing stay, what makes Caju Grove special are the tonnes of activities, including the regional food pop-ups it hosts. “We conduct beginner's pottery workshops where we teach both hand building and wheel throwing techniques. We also arrange barbeques for our guests,” Anuja shares. The outdoor space is ideal for events with 40-50 people.
So, if you are looking for that old-world charm and homey vibe, make Caju Grove your next stay option, a place that immediately transports you to that nostalgic warmth of a village house from your childhood.
DETAILS
WHAT: Caju Grove, Homestay
WHERE: Guirim, North Goa
CHECK IN: 2 pm
CHECK OUT: 12 pm
CONTACT: 8087468455 or email cajugrove@gmail.com
INSTAGRAM: @cajugrovegoa