Staycation has turned out to be one of the biggest travel trends of 2024. A portmanteau of the words ‘stay’ and ‘vacation’, this eco-friendly travel option is about staying instead of vacating one’s home, rather city—essentially it means “a hotel stay within one’s city of residence, combined with dining and/or activities” or simply put, it is vacationing close to home while enjoying leisurely activities. But this travel trend which initially gained popularity post the pandemic mostly due to international travel restrictions and safety concerns, has today an ultra-luxe update offering varied options for all kinds of travellers.
But let me start by confessing that being a solo traveller for about two decades now and having used hotel rooms just to stay the nights and freshen up, I have never really understood the concept of a staycation—why would anyone spend money and check into a resort/hotel just to chill and enjoy the amenities? You might as well stay at home and chill! Unless of course, you are Hemingway and hotel rooms are your muse, or you are Jay Pritchett trying to escape Gloria’s snoring.
Maybe it is the privilege of being a single woman living alone (with essentially no snoring to escape than one’s own) in the city with househelps and online apps to do the chores that was partially responsible for creating this ignorance or maybe it is chaos and not peace that I thrived on and ached for. I will drink life to the lees…who wants to ‘waste’ an entire evening relaxing and rejuvenating in the spa or wake up at the crack of dawn to indulge in a paid ‘activity’ of letting your mind attain tranquillity when sleeping some more would have done the same?
This was until I found myself not only signing up for one but also enjoying it. In the beginning of the year, I got an opportunity to spend a few days in Tamara Kodai, a stunning and serene resort perched amid lush greens of Kodaikanal. I was mentally exhausted and needed a break, but I also had work commitments which made it impossible for me to opt for a hectic itinerary replete with elaborate commute and outdoor activities. In short, I needed proper wifi network round the clock to survive. So, thanks to my PR friend, an ideal place was promptly found. As I plonked myself on the wifi-enabled island of luxury and I could feel the spirit of Ulysses slowly abandon me as it found my soul getting contaminated by that of The Lotos Eaters (for context read Alfred Tennyson)—it was an epicurean utopia; a gourmand’s heaven. Three days of bed rotting interspersed with relaxing spa sessions, gorgeous food, and chocolate making and pizza making workshops (all this while not missing work deadlines), and I was a converted woman.
What Staycationers want
“Staycations have gained massive popularity because they offer the best of both worlds—a relaxing getaway without the stress of extensive travel. People love the idea of slowing down, spending quality time with loved ones, and enjoying curated experiences. The flexibility of working remotely has also made staycations a practical way to blend leisure and work,” says Devendra Parulekar, Founder of SaffronStays. The newest addition (opened this year) to their staycation options spread across the country is the SaffronStays Niranta, Nandi Hills—a four-bedroom sprawling villa in Bengaluru (30 minutes from the airport) that offers the perfect blend of luxurious living, world-class golfing, and serene natural beauty. Nestled on India’s No. 1 rated 18-hole golf course, Prestige Golfshire Club, it offers the guests an exclusive golfing experience (they even have a dedicated putting green in the backyard where you can practise your golf skills before hitting the main course).
A few aspects that come to play while picking a staycation are the activities (including spiritual and health related experiences or culinary/arts workshops) offered, choice of dining options, parking options, pet-friendliness, Internet connectivity, and of course its instagrammability
According to Jalaj Rohatgi, General Manager, InterContinental Marine Drive, people opting for a staycation are looking for a blend of relaxation, luxury, and convenience. They seek properties that offer a serene environment away from the city hustle, top-notch amenities, and a comfortable, rejuvenating experience. “The emphasis is on high-quality service, unique dining options, wellness offerings, and scenic views that allow for a refreshing break without leaving the city,” he says. InterContinental Marine Drive is increasingly seeing locals checking in for a staycation. Situated on Marine Drive, the hotel offers panoramic sea views and proximity to South Mumbai’s iconic landmarks. With just 59 boutique rooms, the hotel provides a quiet, personalised experience that’s perfect for a retreat.
As people seek short, rejuvenating escapes, the appeal of a staycation is clear. It eliminates the hassle of crowded airports, long flights, and the stress of travel logistics. “In response, hotels are investing in creating tailored experiences that cater specifically to this demand. For city hotels, which typically see a drop in occupancy over the weekend due to the influx of business travelers during the week, staycations provide an opportunity to boost weekend bookings. Additionally, staycationers often indulge in ancillary services, such as fine dining, spa treatments, and wellness programs, further enhancing the appeal of a short, local getaway. This combination of convenience, relaxation, and luxury makes staycations an attractive option for many,” says Shalabh Arora, Director of Marketing, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru at Embassy ONE where luxurious technology-forward rooms and suites, adorned with contemporary design elements and tranquil garden views, provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation. You can unwind at the outdoor pool, indulge in bespoke therapies at their spa, or savour a culinary journey through their multiple dining venues at this pet-friendly and kid-friendly property.
“When people choose a staycation, they’re seeking more than just a place to rest—they want to relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature. It’s about escaping the daily grind and finding a peaceful retreat without traveling far from home,” points out Saeed I Khan, Managing Director at Tamalisto Hospitality. The property, located in the peaceful Morjim Beach area, opens to breathtaking coastal views while its design blends Italian, Mexican, and Goan influences, creating a peaceful atmosphere with every detail enhances your experience.
“The key preferences include luxurious accommodations, serene surroundings, unique dining experiences, and easy access to the city and popular tourist attractions. For those on work-cations, uninterrupted Wi-Fi and dedicated workspaces are essential. Above all, people seek personalized experiences and an escape from routine without traveling too far,” adds Kshitij Jawa, General Manager of Hilton Goa Resort, Candolim. Perched majestically atop Saipem Hills in Candolim, it offers breath-taking views of the Nerul River and a sense of quiet seclusion while being minutes away from North Goa’s coastal belt dotted with pristine beaches.
In fact, Goa has become one of the most popular destinations for people opting for a staycation away from their own cities. “In Goa, travellers are drawn to serene landscapes, boutique resorts, and unique experiences that showcase local culture. Many are choosing nearby getaways to avoid long flights or exhaustive journeys. This growing trend reflects a shift toward meaningful, hassle-free vacations especially if they have infants or travel with elderly parents with an emphasis of quality over quantity,” points out Harshad Nalawade, General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji. Nestled on a hill overlooking the mesmerising Mandovi River, the property combines scenic beauty with modern amenities and family friendly activities. Hilton has an on-going campaign called the Great Small Breaks, a one-of-a-kind staycation offer, tailor-made for families and young guests.
Why is it trending
It all began in the wake of the pandemic for practical reasons. “During the travel restrictions, many people turned to nearby hotels for a much-needed break, choosing to stay close to home instead of embarking on long journeys. This shift laid the foundation for the rise of staycations,” points out Arora.
The staycation trend saw a significant rise in the following years, especially among urban dwellers, with people increasingly looking for quick getaways without the hassle of long-distance travel. “Mumbai, with its busy lifestyle, is increasingly embracing staycations as a way to unwind and refresh, especially over weekends or during public holidays. Factors such as convenience, reduced travel time, the need for relaxation, and the desire to explore local luxury experiences are driving this growth”, says Rohatgi. “On top of that, the rise of remote work, economic factors, and a growing awareness of sustainability have made staycations an attractive option,” adds Khan.
Sustainable tourism
Post the pandemic, principles of sustainability and slow living are guiding and shaping the future of many industries, and one such is the hospitality industry. And the concept of a staycation fits in perfectly in the new world order. This has also ensured the steady boom of the trend. “Staycations provide a sustainable alternative to traditional tourism by cutting down carbon emissions, supporting nature, local economies, and encouraging eco-friendly resorts. By opting for nearby destinations, travelers can enjoy luxury and relaxation while reducing their environmental impact. This growing trend not only helps protect the planet but also fosters responsible tourism that benefits both local communities and the environment. This connection to nature enhances the staycation, offering a sense of peace, grounding, and rejuvenation,” says Debasish Chakraborty, Chairman and managing director, Radisson Blu Plaza Karjat.
“By encouraging shorter, localised travel like staycations, we at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru, help minimise the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation,” says Arora. To this, Parulkar adds that even for those who travel a bit further, the focus on staying in one place and fully embracing the experience significantly lowers the environmental impact. “Choosing properties with sustainable practices and green surroundings allows guests to connect with nature responsibly while contributing to the preservation of local ecosystems,” says Parulekar.
In fact, these resorts also focus on sustainability models. “At Hilton Goa Resort, we emphasize sustainable practices such as responsible sourcing, waste management, energy efficiency, reduced food wastage and reduced use of single use plastic for packaging ensuring guests enjoy a guilt-free vacation,” says Jawa. Hilton’s Travel With Purpose program, that aims at making staycations both fulfilling and environmentally conscious, includes initiatives like its most recent electric car charging station, optimised energy and water solutions, reduced plastic usage, recycling kitchen waste into nutritious compost that is used in maintaining the surrounding landscapes and community engagement programs that utilise single use plastic and turning them into tote bags for gifting.
“The commitment to sustainability is reflected in the eco-conscious design, featuring locally sourced materials, green roofs, and native plants that blend seamlessly with the environment. Sporting local economies while minimising transportation emissions makes a staycation not only a luxurious experience but also a responsible choice. It’s the perfect way to indulge in comfort while staying aligned with values of sustainability and environmental care,” adds Khan.
