Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has entered the luxury branded villa segment with the launch of Taj Mount Kusur Resort and Villas in Lonavala, Maharashtra. Developed in partnership with Amavi, India’s only hospitality-backed real estate brand, the project brings Taj’s luxury hospitality offering into a new category of branded residences.

Spread across a 34-acre estate in the Western Ghats, Taj Mount Kusur Resort and Villas will feature 32 branded villas alongside a 100-key Taj resort. The development offers views of the surrounding lake and valley and is designed to bring together luxury living, nature and Taj hospitality.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “For over a century, Taj has defined luxury hospitality through its grand palaces, landmark city hotels, safaris and residences. Recognised as the World's Strongest Luxury Hotel Brand and India's Strongest Brand, Taj continues to strengthen its position at the forefront of the luxury hospitality sector. The launch of Taj Mount Kusur Resort & Villas marks our entry into the branded villa segment, broadening our portfolio to address evolving consumer preferences while bringing the trust, service excellence and legacy of the brand to a new category of luxury real estate.”

The villas take inspiration from contemporary barn-style architecture, with expansive glass façades and spacious verandahs that connect the homes with the surrounding landscape.

A key feature of the development is the two-acre Wabi-Sabi Central Park, inspired by the Japanese philosophy of simplicity and harmony with nature. The wider project will include a Miyawaki forest, nature trails, zen gardens, stargazing decks, golf putting greens, a fitness lawn and multi-purpose sports courts.

Residents will also have access to Club Amavi, which will offer wellness and recreation facilities along with banquet and dining spaces.

The branded villas will be offered for sale through a lease-back programme, with the villas integrated into the resort inventory. Owners will have access to Taj hospitality services including concierge assistance, housekeeping and maintenance, along with the leisure and wellness facilities available at the resort.

Mr. Apurv Kumar, Managing Director, Clarks Group of Hotels and Founder, Amavi, said, “Second homes are bought to create more time, time with family, time in nature and time for oneself. Yet too often, they become another responsibility. At Amavi, our purpose is to change that. Taj Mount Kusur Resort and Villas brings together the privacy and permanence of a home with the care and service of Taj hospitality. Rooted in the Western Ghats, it also reflects our belief that meaningful development must respect the land and create value for the communities around it. We want Mount Kusur to be not merely a property people own, but a place they return to, belong to and come to.”

The development is also designed around low-density planning, integrated amenities and professionally managed services, giving homeowners the privacy of villa ownership along with the convenience of a luxury resort.

Mr. Sachin Agrawal and Mr. Bajrang Bararia, Founders, Amavi, said, “With Taj Mount Kusur Resort and Villas, Amavi has sought to create a residential offering that combines design, nature and hospitality. Luxury consumers today are increasingly seeking experiences that combine the privacy of a second home with the services and assurance of a hospitality brand. The project's low-density planning, integrated amenities and professionally managed services are intended to provide homeowners with the privacy of villa ownership and the convenience of a luxury resort. Amavi is pleased to partner with IHCL in bringing this vision to life under the Taj brand.”

Located between Mumbai and Pune, Lonavala is an established leisure destination known for its valleys, lakes and waterfalls. Its connectivity and natural setting have made it popular among leisure travellers, wellness seekers and second-home buyers.

The Taj Mount Kusur project brings together this established destination appeal with branded villa ownership and hotel services, marking a new direction for Taj as it expands its luxury portfolio.