Mahindra Group has announced a dedicated strategic focus on its Holidays and Lifespaces sectors, with an aim to accelerate growth and create stronger operational synergies between the two businesses.

The move comes as several of the Group’s businesses have recorded strong growth over the last five years. The Group identified these businesses as its “Growth Gems”, with several already surpassing the expected 5X growth during the period.

Mahindra Lifespaces has been one of the standout businesses within this group. Since FY20, its residential pre-sales have grown 5X, from around ₹700 crore to around ₹3,500 crore.

The business has also seen a sharp rise in its gross development value (GDV), increasing from ₹8,000 crore to ₹50,000 crore in the last three years. This puts the business on track to achieve 14X pre-sales growth during this decade. Its Industrial segment has also performed strongly, while the overall business has moved from losses to profits of around ₹300 crore in the previous financial year.

Meanwhile, Mahindra Holidays has continued to expand its position in the hospitality sector. With more than 3 lakh vacation ownership members, the business remains a leader in the segment and has added more than 1,700 rooms. The company is now moving beyond vacation ownership and expanding into leisure hospitality, with an ambition to become one of India's leading hospitality players. It recently launched Mahindra Signature Resorts, marking its entry into luxury hospitality.

Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group, said, "Both Holidays and Lifespaces businesses have tremendous potential. As we move into the next phase of growth, we have been evaluating how to harness the synergies between them to further strengthen the growth trajectory. In this context, we are pleased to announce a dedicated strategic focus on Holidays and Lifespaces sectors aimed at accelerating growth and realising operational synergies across these identified Growth Gems.”

As part of the new structure, Amit Sinha, the current MD & CEO of MLDL, will be appointed as CEO-Holidays and Lifespaces Sector, from a future date to be determined. Sinha will move into the new role once a new CEO is appointed at Mahindra Lifespaces. The leadership and reporting arrangements for the relevant businesses will be aligned as part of the implementation of the new sector structure.

The new focus is expected to bring the two businesses closer together as Mahindra Group looks to build on their existing momentum and unlock further growth opportunities across real estate, leisure and hospitality.

WelcomHeritage, a joint venture between ITC Hotels Ltd. and Jodhana Heritage Resorts Pvt. Ltd., has signed a new hospitality project in Jawai, Rajasthan, with Mr Dushyant Malhotra, Director, Diya Global Fusion LLP.

The project adds to Jawai’s growing hospitality landscape as the destination continues to attract interest for its luxury and experiential tourism potential. Known for its leopard habitat, rugged granite landscapes and wilderness experiences, Jawai is emerging as an important destination for travellers looking for a different side of Rajasthan.

The agreement was facilitated by The AstraLuxe Advisory, a growing luxury hospitality advisory firm in India, under the leadership of Mr Devendra Thakur, Founder, The AstraLuxe Advisory. The firm helped bring the project stakeholders together and facilitated the brand association between WelcomHeritage and Diya Global Fusion LLP.

Commenting on the development, Mr Devendra Thakur, Founder, The AstraLuxe Advisory, said: "Jawai is rapidly emerging as one of India's most compelling luxury experiential destinations, and we are delighted to have facilitated this association between WelcomHeritage and Diya Global Fusion LLP. We look forward to seeing this development evolve into a distinctive hospitality offering for Jawai."

Mr Dushyant Malhotra, Director, Diya Global Fusion LLP, also expressed confidence in the partnership and the project's potential to support the region's growing hospitality ecosystem. The association with WelcomHeritage is expected to introduce a heritage-inspired hospitality experience to Jawai while further adding to the destination’s position on India's luxury and experiential travel map. 

The project is now moving through the next stages of planning and development and is targeting an opening by the end of 2027.

Crossway Hotels & Resorts has opened the doors to Petit Palais by Crossway, a boutique hotel located in the heart of White Town, Pondicherry. Set on the iconic Suffren Street, the property is housed in a restored French Colonial heritage building that brings together old-world charm and modern comforts.

The 15-room hotel has been designed around the character of French architecture, with each classic room featuring intricate details and vintage-inspired elements. The interiors aim to offer guests a calm and refined stay while retaining the property's heritage character.

Guests can also enjoy in-room amenities including freshly ground coffee, a selection of dark and green leaf teas, French press coffee makers and tea brewing sets, offering a relaxed way to begin the day.

The property features a rooftop restaurant and bar serving a mix of global and local favourites. Located overlooking the pool, the space also offers views of the ocean and the Pondicherry coastline, creating a setting for relaxed meals and evening gatherings.

For those looking for something sweet, La Boulangerie at Petit Palais offers artisanal desserts, freshly baked breads and premium coffees in an inviting setting.

The hotel's location also puts guests within walking distance of the beach and close to several of Pondicherry's popular tourist attractions. This makes the property suitable for travellers looking to combine a leisure stay with cultural exploration.

Speaking on the launch, Yangya Prakash Chandran, CEO & Founder, Crossway Hotels & Resorts, said, “Petit Palais by Crossway is a celebration of Pondicherry’s rich French heritage, reimagined for the modern traveller. At Crossway, our vision has always been to create distinctive hospitality experiences, and this property reflects our commitment to blending heritage, design, and comfort in a way that feels both authentic and contemporary.”

Karuna Sesh, owner, Petit Palais, added, “Petit Palais is a labour of love, inspired by the timeless charm of French Colonial architecture and the unique spirit of White Town. Every element, from the rooms to the culinary experiences, has been thoughtfully curated to offer guests a warm, intimate, and memorable stay. We are delighted to open our doors and welcome travellers from across the world.”

With its restored heritage setting, curated dining experiences and location in White Town, Petit Palais by Crossway aims to offer travellers a stay that combines Pondicherry's French heritage with contemporary hospitality.