Firefly Alibaug

The Space

Firefly is our holiday farmhouse set on a four-and-a-half-acre hill overlooking the Revdanda River and Estuary, a few hours south of Mumbai.

The farmhouse is in a rural, historic part of Maharashtra, around 30 minutes inland from Alibaug Town—except immediately post-monsoon, when the road from Alibaug is not at its best and may add around 20 minutes.

Getting to Firefly

• Around 1½ hours by road from Mandwa Jetty, reached across the bay by the RORO ferry, the 50-minute PNP/Maldar ferry, or a 20-minute speedboat from opposite the Taj Hotel in Colaba.
• Alternatively, around a four-hour drive south from Mumbai.

We are within a 30-minute drive of Kashid Beach and around 20 minutes from the Revdanda 16th-century Jesuit monastery ruins and fort, the remains of Shivaji-era temples, Sultanate-style palace ruins, the historic fish market and much more to explore nearby.

Guest Accommodation and Tariff

The Rs 25,000 per day price displayed is for six guests sharing three en-suite, air-conditioned bedrooms in the upper cottages by the poolside area.

There are two more air-conditioned bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, reached through a bougainvillea path about a minute’s walk away, making five bedrooms in total.

Each guest beyond six is charged INR 4,000 per night on a shared-bedroom basis. We do not offer single rooms.

Bookings are for a minimum of two nights and a maximum of ten guests, including children or staff, with access to the whole property.

There is a 2 night minimum stay.

The Cottages

• The Poolside Cottage — two double bedrooms and two bathrooms.
• The Glass Cottage — a large double bedroom and bathroom, with views over the Revdanda Valley and a private sit-out.
• Gatekeeper Cottage — two connecting bedrooms with separate entrances, two bathrooms, verandahs and a shaded, private sit-out and garden.

Firefly has a 12.5 by 6 metre infinity pool, around 3 to 5 feet deep, looking across the valley and creek towards the Revdanda bridge and the sea beyond. There are many books, games, an open kitchen and a barbecue beside the pool.

The poolside terrace includes an open-air wood fireplace for December and January nights, our main outdoor kitchen, an open-to-sky poolside bathroom, a living room with a terrace above, and a semi-open dining room with gorgeous views.

Food and catering

Self-catering: Guests have full access to the large, fully equipped poolside kitchen.

Cooks: Our two cooks can prepare local-style breakfast, lunch and dinner for an additional fee of INR 5,000 per day, plus the cost of ingredients. Please book them at least four days before arrival.

The food is mainly local and coastal: fresh vegetables, fish, chicken, seafood and mutton curries, dry preparations, crisp fried sides, dals, rice and chapattis. Their barbecue is highly recommended.

Chandu will keep a record of costs and present a bill either daily or at the end of your stay.

Ordering in: We keep restaurant menus at the property, and the staff can collect an order with at least two hours’ notice.

The staff can also source locally available produce for a travel fee.

Fresh coffee, herbs, olive oil, good wine and imported spirits are not readily available locally, so it is best to bring them from Mumbai. Firefly has a Nespresso machine, French press and Bialetti stove-top cafetière. Please bring your own Nespresso pods or ground coffee.

Practical details

Fibre optic wifi is available in the poolside area and Firefly is generally well served with 5g & 4g mobile phone network.

There is a washing machine on site, and fresh towels and sheets are provided.

We send a detailed manual with directions and key telephone numbers after booking.

There are dogs at Firefly. They are good-natured, but Chandu can keep them at the bottom of the property for guests who are nervous around dogs. Pets are welcome, provided they are kept out of the pool and off beds and sofas, and there is no risk of damage.

Living close to nature

Firefly has a relaxed attitude towards the frogs, lizards, birds, squirrels, beetles and insects that are part of a countryside property in Maharashtra. Professional pest control is carried out regularly, and the staff do their best to keep wildlife out of the rooms without harming it, but not always successfully.

These creatures are harmless and help control mosquitoes and other insects. Guests with a phobia of frogs, lizards or insects, or those who are uncomfortable living close to nature, should not book Firefly.

Firefly is designed in a rustic Mediterranean style. It is not a modern, glossy resort. It sits within semi-wild nature in rural Maharashtra, and that is central to its character.

Guest access

Gatekeeper Cottage, with two bedrooms and its own garden area, is made available to groups of more than six guests, up to a maximum of ten.

The base price is for up to six guests for a minimum two-night stay, with private access to the upper area and pool. Groups of seven to ten guests are charged INR 4,000 per additional guest per night and receive access to the Gatekeeper Cottage and surrounding garden as well.

Check in is at 14.00 onwards, Check out at 12 midday.

Enjoy it.

All guests should share details of their ID Cards / passports on check in as per Indian Government Rules.