Celebrating Women Who Open Their Doors and Hearts
Embracing the spirit of this year’s theme ‘Accelerate Action’, which champions inclusion and empowerment, these women have not only built thriving businesses but have also empowered themselves and their communities.
We celebrate the remarkable journeys of women who have transformed their homes into warm, welcoming havens for travelers from around the world. Embracing the spirit of this year’s theme ‘Accelerate Action’, which champions inclusion and empowerment, these women have not only built thriving businesses but have also empowered themselves and their communities. Meet Ranjana, Kasthuri, Simi and Bina—three inspiring hosts on Airbnb who have found independence, purpose, and meaningful connections through their journey.
Ranjana’s Boutique Homestay, Mumbai
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Tucked away in northern Mumbai, Ranjana’s ancestral bungalow offers more than just a stay—it’s an experience infused with warmth, culture, and heartfelt hospitality. Every corner of her beautifully preserved home reflects a deep passion for welcoming guests as family. Ranjana’s journey as a host began after an inspiring encounter with a solo traveler at a Vipassana course. Moved by the need for safe and homely spaces for international women traveling alone in India, she opened her doors on Airbnb in 2016.
What began as a way to maintain her home quickly evolved into a transformative journey—one that brought her confidence, financial independence, and a profound sense of fulfillment. From offering refuge to a guest undergoing a gender transition to fostering a home where people feel truly seen and valued, Ranjana’s story is one of compassion, strength, and empowerment. Now, she actively encourages other women to embrace hosting, believing that Indian women’s innate warmth and hospitality make them natural entrepreneurs in the world of travel.
Kasthuri’s Sustainable Sanctuary, Vaksana
At 70, Kasthuri embarked on an extraordinary new chapter, fulfilling a lifelong dream alongside her 89-year-old mother. Together, they built Vaksana Farms, a 13-acre organic retreat in Tamil Nadu that offers guests a chance to experience authentic village life. Recognized as one of India’s best BnBs for sustainable leadership at the Responsible Tourism Awards, Vaksana is more than just a farmstay—it’s a testament to eco-conscious living and the beauty of self-sufficiency.
Despite having little formal education, Kasthuri possesses a natural flair for hospitality and traditional cooking. Her thriving Airbnb venture not only sustains the farm but also provides jobs and educates others in organic farming. Her journey is a powerful reminder that age is no barrier when passion, resilience, and determination take the lead.
Simi & Bina’s Amrut Villa, Goa
Amrut Villa in Goa is more than just a home—it is an artistic haven, brimming with creativity and soul. Designed as a sanctuary by Nitin, the family’s late patriarch, his wife Bina and daughter Simi have lovingly preserved his vision, now sharing its magic with travelers through their Airbnb listing.
Hosting has given them a renewed sense of purpose, allowing them to celebrate their home’s artistic heritage while offering guests a deeply personal and immersive experience. Their in-house art gallery, the beating heart of their space, invites visitors into a world of color, culture, and storytelling. Navigating Goa’s competitive tourism industry hasn’t been without its challenges, but their dedication to creating a unique, welcoming space has not only helped them thrive but also fostered friendships with travelers from around the world. Their journey proves that a home filled with passion and creativity is a home worth sharing.
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