International Dog Day: This Airbnb in Bengaluru has 6 amazing hosts

International Dog Day: This earthy Airbnb in Bengaluru has 6 amazing hosts

Following the collapse of his 20-year-old business in 2014, Alok Sharma started offering accommodation on Airbnb as a stopgap measure when he put one of the rooms in his Bengaluru home up for sale. His home, Casabianca, has since become one of the best homestays in the city, and for good reason: six amazing golden retrievers! “Maya, my retriever princess, is the matriarch. Then we have five of her adorable puppies who are now grown up: Charlotte, Kanmani, Leela, Mohini, and Tango. They are all adorable, well-groomed, and incredibly perceptive,” he shares when asked about his fur babies. And for travelers who love pets or travel with one, Casabianca is a great residence where they can rest and spend quiet evenings, even amidst the hustle and bustle of India’s Silicon City.

From offering a single room on Airbnb to enjoying the company of his guests so much that he decided to become a full-time host of the house he built himself, Alok’s journey is every pet owner’s dream. And his home resonates with the warmth of his voice and the love he has for his dogs. Despite its location in the bustling Koramangala neighbourhood, the villa has all the elements of a rural retreat. A blend of Mangalorean and Spanish culture permeates the architecture, with cosy nooks and elegantly furnished rooms, opening onto a quaint library and beautifully designed dining and lounging spaces.

“I listed out the three rooms in my house and built myself a little cabin on the second floor. Since then, I have been happily living in my cabin and hosting guests from all over the world. I have loved hosting each and every one of my guests, and in the process, I have discovered that warmth and genuine, heartfelt connections are valuable,” she shares. If you choose to spend time at this residence, expect a warm (and furry) welcome from Maya and her pups, who love to be accompanied by music, or just lounge by your side as you sip coffee in the hammock in the yard. There are green corners everywhere – an outdoor shower is probably an uncommon feature in a city homestay, but here, it completes the earthy feel of the space.

But the best thing is that Maya and her babies (they are adult retrievers, but they love gentle cuddles) will be comfortable with your dogs too. You don’t have to choose between your comfort and your pup’s here, and you can bring them to Bengaluru for a quick getaway any time of the year! Customized pet food, walks in the neighbouring park and cuddles are all part of the package.

A decade of hosting has also provided Alok with some amazing experiences that he continues to cherish. And it’s hard to pick one of his favourites. “A family of four from Mumbai – a couple, their daughter and a fur baby named Bruce Lee – are regular guests. Whenever they come to live with us, it’s like a family reunion of sorts as all my furry hosts welcome Bruce Lee and his parents with enthusiasm. It almost feels like how we felt as kids when our favourite uncle, aunt and cousins ​​would visit our house for annual vacations. And when they leave, the farewell is almost mixed with tears and lots of hugs. Another favourite of mine is the special bond between Oscar, a beautiful German Shepherd who visited us, and Kanamani, one of my retriever girls. They have become best friends for life,” he adds with a chuckle.