Vacation home brand EkoStay has announced an ambitious expansion plan across South India with a targeted 40-villa boutique cluster project in the Nilgiris region. The development will span key hill destinations including Ooty, Coonoor and Kotagiri, further strengthening the company’s footprint in India’s rapidly growing experiential travel and alternative accommodation market.

The project represents one of EkoStay’s largest regional expansion initiatives to date and aligns with its strategy of creating professionally managed, design-led hospitality experiences in high-demand leisure destinations.

As part of the larger plan, the company currently has 11 villas in its immediate development pipeline across the Nilgiris. The portfolio includes a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom luxury private villas. Four of these properties are already operational, while the remaining villas are expected to become available by the end of June 2026.

Among the featured properties are Under the Pines, Dawn Villa, Dusk Villa and Over the Stream, each designed to reflect the character and natural beauty of the Nilgiris. Surrounded by tea estates, pine forests and rolling hills, the villas aim to offer guests a more immersive and personalised travel experience.

Under the Pines has been positioned as a five-bedroom luxury retreat offering panoramic valley views and a secluded mountain setting. Dawn Villa and Dusk Villa provide boutique accommodation overlooking tea plantations and lush landscapes. Located adjacent to each other, the two villas can also function as a combined stay option for larger groups and families.

The expansion highlights EkoStay’s focus on transforming independent homes into professionally managed hospitality assets. According to the company, several properties have undergone significant aesthetic and operational upgrades before launch, ensuring they align with the brand’s boutique hospitality standards while preserving their original charm.

As part of the development process, EkoStay has also begun integrating AI-assisted visualisation tools during interior planning and design. The technology has been used to explore concepts such as English-inspired pastel palettes, wooden textures, fireplace designs and hospitality-focused layouts before final implementation.

Commenting on the expansion, Zishan Khan, Chief Acquisition Officer and Co-Founder of EkoStay, said the Nilgiris offers a unique travel experience centred around nature, tranquillity and heritage charm. He noted that the company’s vision extends beyond increasing inventory and focuses on building a carefully curated hospitality cluster that remains deeply connected to the character of the destination.

He further added that the 40-villa Nilgiris project is a key milestone in EkoStay’s long-term goal of creating one of India’s strongest boutique villa hospitality networks across leading leisure destinations.

Founded in 2018 by Husain Khatumdi, Sohail Mirchandani, Varun Arora and Zishan Khan, EkoStay currently operates more than 150 villas across India and continues to expand its portfolio through curated vacation homes and private stay experiences designed for modern travellers seeking privacy, flexibility and authentic destination experiences.