Gaining skills that elevated their Goan homestay
Gaining skills that elevated their Goan homestay
Agnelo & Hazel
📍Goa, India
Hazel and Agnelo had been hosting on Airbnb for about a year when they joined the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy. Over four days of practical training, they refined everything from room set-ups, greeting guests and managing issues, giving them more confidence and clarity in the way they host.
Learning the ropes of hosting
At the workshop, Airbnb’s trainers broke hosting into simple, actionable steps. The couple learned how to make beds properly, prepare towels and toiletries, and manage situations such as guest emergencies; with clear guidance on record-keeping and first aid. They described it as an interactive, small-group setting where questions were encouraged and answered, and printed materials helped them revisit what they had learned once they were back home.
We were like a sponge, absorbing as much as the trainers were teaching us. Every little thing was taught during the training – even how to set a bedsheet. We learned a lot from it.
We were like a sponge, absorbing as much as the trainers were teaching us. Every little thing was taught during the training – even how to set a bedsheet. We learned a lot from it.
Hosting with warmth
One of the key takeaways for Hazel and Agnelo was to embed human connection into their hosting. The training encouraged them to go beyond basic courtesies. For instance, where guests are comfortable, they invite them to share a coffee or meal, and send them off with a personal farewell. The workshop helped them see how small gestures of warmth, without intruding on privacy, could make their guests feel more welcome and supported.
After the training, we implemented additional guest services. We asked guests, ‘Come and join us, have a coffee,’ and we made sure to leave them nicely at the gate. A little more warmth than we would generally show because the training reminded us that guests do look forward to these interactions.
After the training, we implemented additional guest services. We asked guests, ‘Come and join us, have a coffee,’ and we made sure to leave them nicely at the gate. A little more warmth than we would generally show because the training reminded us that guests do look forward to these interactions.
Care for people and the environment
The workshop also touched on topics like safety and renewable energy. For Hazel and Agnelo, this reinforced plans they already had in mind. They went ahead with installing solar panels that now feed energy back into the grid, and continued composting their household waste, doing what they can to reduce their environmental footprint. They have also identified nearby farms and village areas they hope to introduce to interested guests in the future, so visitors can see more of everyday life beyond the main tourist areas.
During the training, the trainers spoke about renewable energy and solar panels. We were already planning it, and we went ahead fully with our plan. Today we have solar energy feeding the grid, and we compost our home waste. We are trying to do the best for the environment in our own way.
During the training, the trainers spoke about renewable energy and solar panels. We were already planning it, and we went ahead fully with our plan. Today we have solar energy feeding the grid, and we compost our home waste. We are trying to do the best for the environment in our own way.
Sharing the quieter, more meaningful side of Goa
Sharing the quieter, more meaningful side of Goa
For Hazel and Agnelo, hosting is a way to show guests a side of Goa that many miss. Instead of the usual rush of beaches and nightlife, they introduce visitors to the calm of their village — lush fields, old Portuguese homes, peaceful stretches of sand, and small family-run restaurants that celebrate local flavours. They want guests to slow down and experience everyday Goan life: the food, the music, the sunsets, and the warmth of the people. It’s the kind of hospitality that stays with visitors long after they leave, and it reflects the couple’s belief that “living like a local” helps guests connect more deeply with the place and the community around them.
Slow down and soak it in. Enjoy the sunsets, the food, the music, and the warmth of the people. That’s where the real magic is. As Goans, we always end our conversations with Mog Asun: let there be love.
Slow down and soak it in. Enjoy the sunsets, the food, the music, and the warmth of the people. That’s where the real magic is. As Goans, we always end our conversations with Mog Asun: let there be love.
