Standing under the canopy of towering coconut trees, it's hard to tell that this sprawling orchard in Lonere, 150 km from Mumbai, was once nearly barren. It's due to the efforts of 78-year-old Shobhana Joshi that the land is verdant and thriving, and home to 30 varieties of fruits and vegetables.

The transformation from arid to fertile inspired Joshi's kin, Anuja Phadke and Sneha Mahashabde, to quit their corporate jobs and launch The Kokum Tree, an experiential, eco-friendly homestay at the location. We snuck out of the city over a weekend to spend time relaxing in this nest, that the duo launched two months ago.