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With sun-kissed beaches, splendid villas, and unique shops, Alibaug is quickly becoming a modern seaside town.
The hustle and bustle of a metro city can get unnerving, especially when rush-hour traffic hits its peak and the city comes to an absolute standstill. I have been a Mumbaikar all my life. While I appreciate every little thing this city offers, there are moments when I need time away from the usual city hullaballoo for something a little more exciting. In moments like these, Alibaug comes to my rescue. It is my go-to getaway spot!
For most Mumbaikars, Alibaug has always been an easy escape, especially during long weekends when one has just about enough time for a 48-hour vacation. To reach the coastal town from Mumbai, all you have to do is catch a ferry from the Gateway of India. Over the years, my trips to Alibaug have had different purposes; there were off-sites, solo getaways and the occasional family trip. These trips were slow, uncomplicated, simple and frankly, a little boring. But things are changing, and so quickly.
The once sleepy town of Alibaug is now popular, to say the least! My last trip to Alibaug was an all-girl outing. The journey was less seasickness (I get seasick quite easily) and more downtime thanks to M2M Ferries, the Ro-Pax car ferry service, that launched in 2020. With my car parked on the lower deck, I enjoyed the Arabian Sea in all its glory from the upper deck, and reached Mandwa in no time. The trip was a refreshing experience in itself. Once at Mandwa Jetty, my first order of business was to grab a meal. It was no ordinary meal though; it was at Boardwalk by Flamboyant, an all-white charming space set against the Arabian Sea, complete with maritime decor and gorgeous views of the sunset. This was a great start to the trip!
Over the years, I have stayed in all kinds of lodgings—from local homesteads and cute Airbnbs to luxurious villas. I have even tried my hand at glamping. On my last trip with my girlfriends, we rented a delightful little cottage, complete with a pool, backyard and ample space to rejuvenate. This is the general vibe of most villas. They are cute and spacious, with caretakers who make the most delectable local cuisine. I also realised how much Alibaug has scaled up accommodation-wise. There is nothing one cannot find when it comes to places to stay.
And just when we thought that our getaway would include the same old beaches, sunset and an occasional visit to the fort, I was surprised to find some properties that housed art and shopping. Nestled amidst lush palm trees, Ten94 is a concept store featuring an eclectic range of curated furniture and textile, among other things. Its in-house cafe is known for hosting pop-ups by some of the best South Mumbai restaurants. The Deli, located in Chondi, came as another surprise. This is a gourmet shop that sells fluffy breakfast pancakes, organic juices and all things artisanal, including cured meats and kombucha. My favourite though was Pinakin, a museum-ish space that exhibited art shows in collaboration with The Guild.
The culinary landscape of Alibaug has undergone significant transformation. Kiki’s Cafe & Deli—reminiscent of charming cafes in Goa—offers a delectable spread of Parmesan flatbreads, fish curries and even masala omelettes. Bohemian Blu Cafe was a brand-new discovery, and is known for its Lebanese and Konkani food offerings. However, their Thai curry was my favourite. Then there were the usual favourites like Sanman for its fish thali and crab special, Patil Khanawala for its Malwani and Konkani dishes that made for a perfect Sunday brunch, and Aparanta Restaurant at the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, which has become my go-to spot when I am with family and friends.
It is said that the coastal town was named after a Jew from the 17th century, who came with the Bene Israelis from Galilee. The Jews were followed by a host of others—the Portuguese, Khilijis and the Marathas. Now, Alibaug, with its mixed roots, is going through a massive transformation with the opening and establishment of restaurants, pop-ups and luxurious villas. Though many visitors still relish the idea of savouring the town's local cuisine or embarking on a brief day trip to the nearby Korlai Fort, others now have access to a variety of contemporary restaurants, sleek yet diverse accommodations, and timeless attractions. Alibaug has seamlessly blended the traditional with the modern, resulting in an appealing fusion that warrants a swift and rejuvenating getaway.
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