Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the launch of Taj Mount Kusur Resort and Villas in Lonavala, Maharashtra.
Developed in partnership with Amavi, India’s hospitality-backed real estate brand, the project marks Taj’s entry into the luxury branded villa segment.
Enters branded villa segment
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Puneet Chhatwal, 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.”
34-acre luxury development
Spread across a 34-acre estate in the Western Ghats, Taj Mount Kusur Resort and Villas is an integrated luxury development comprising 32 branded villas and a 100-key Taj resort.
The project offers panoramic views of the surrounding lake and valley. Inspired by contemporary barn-style architecture, the villas feature expansive glass façades and spacious verandahs, allowing them to blend with the surrounding landscape.
The development includes a two-acre Wabi-Sabi Central Park, inspired by the Japanese philosophy of embracing simplicity and harmony with nature.
Residents can access a Miyawaki forest, nature trails, zen gardens, stargazing decks, golf putting greens, a fitness lawn and multi-purpose sports courts.
The integrated project also includes Club Amavi, offering wellness and recreation facilities, banquet and dining venues.
Villas to be offered through lease-back programme
The branded villas will be offered for sale and integrated into the resort inventory through a lease-back programme.
Residents will have access to Taj’s hospitality services, including concierge assistance, housekeeping, maintenance and the leisure and wellness amenities of the resort.
Amavi eyes new-age second-home buyers
Clarks Group of Hotels, Managing Director and Amavi Founder, Apurv Kumar, 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.”
Focus on design, nature and hospitality
Amavi Founders, Sachin Agrawal and Bajrang Bararia, 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.”
Lonavala strengthens second-home appeal
Located between Mumbai and Pune, Lonavala is one of Maharashtra’s established leisure destinations. Known for its scenic valleys, lakes and waterfalls, the hill station continues to attract leisure travellers, wellness seekers and second-home buyers.
The launch of Taj Mount Kusur Resort and Villas expands Taj’s luxury hospitality portfolio into branded villa ownership, combining second-home living with professionally managed resort services.