Exactly three years ago, we decided to take a leap of faith. Leaving behind six decades of life in Pune, dear friends, and the comfort of familiarity, we relocated to Goa. With the recommendation of a trusted friend, we rented a house in Panaji, the charming capital of this beautiful state.
The move wasn’t entirely out of the blue. Years ago, we had invested in a one-bedroom home in Goa, tastefully designed by our son, as a holiday retreat. That house had been lying vacant until our son decided to list it on Airbnb.
Initially, our son Avi and daughter-in-law Rubhani ran the Airbnb business while juggling their other businesses like film-making and running their wellness clinic. However, post-pandemic, they immigrated to Canada, leaving the responsibility of the Airbnb business to us.
For Vasu, my husband, and me, this was uncharted territory. With over four decades of corporate experience, always as an employee, venturing into the world of hospitality and entrepreneurship was an entirely new ball game.
But if there’s one thing corporate life taught us, it’s that change is the only constant. Drawing on the lessons we learned over the years, we embraced the challenge head-on. Fast forward to today, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our seventh Airbnb property—a remarkable leap from managing just one property in December 2021.
Our son remains a Superhost on Airbnb, thanks to glowing guest ratings and reviews. With a team of four spanning different time zones, we ensure that every guest has a seamless experience, backed by round-the-clock support. Each property we manage has been uniquely designed, and as one guest recently remarked, “This is the first Airbnb I’ve stayed at where the pictures exactly match the house.”
With thousands of short-stay properties in Goa, you might wonder: What sets us apart? Here’s our secret:
The 9 Secrets to Our Success
- Trust: We’ve been fortunate to earn the trust of friends and strangers who’ve entrusted us with their properties.
- Dedication: We run each property as if it were our own home.
- Personal Touch: Meeting every guest in person to make them feel comfortable is non-negotiable for us.
- Impeccable Cleanliness: We are uncompromising when it comes to hygiene.
- Prompt Issue Resolution: Guest concerns are addressed immediately, even if they go beyond our scope of work.
- 24/7 Availability: Our global team ensures that help is always just a message away.
- Premium Properties, Premium Pricing: Our properties cater to a niche clientele willing to pay for quality.
- Pet-Friendly Stays: From dogs and cats to lovebirds, we welcome all pets with open arms.
- Empowering Women: We’ve created earning opportunities for local women by hiring them as housekeepers.
For those who think, “Business isn’t my cup of tea” or “Retirement means slowing down,” think again! This journey has been a thrilling adventure, with days often stretching 15 to 18 hours. But the satisfaction of creating beautiful spaces, meeting incredible people, and redefining our retirement is worth every moment.
Here’s to embracing change and starting new chapters!
