IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has signed a management agreement with Discover Resorts Neral Pvt. Ltd. to bring its premium voco brand to Karjat, Maharashtra.
Under the agreement, the existing property will be converted into voco Karjat by early 2028, adding more than 200 rooms to IHG’s portfolio and strengthening the company’s presence in Maharashtra’s emerging leisure markets.
Located in the foothills of the Sahyadri mountain range, Karjat is gaining traction as a leisure and weekend destination, supported by its connectivity to Mumbai and Pune. The destination is around 62 km from Mumbai and 102 km from Pune, positioning it to benefit from demand for weekend getaways, destination weddings, social celebrations and MICE events.
Premium leisure opportunity
IHG said Karjat’s proximity to two major urban centres, along with rising demand for premium getaways and experience-led travel, makes it an attractive market for branded hospitality.
The voco brand combines the character and informality of an individual hotel with the consistency and reassurance of a global hospitality brand. Its flexible model allows owners to create distinctive hotel experiences while gaining access to IHG’s global distribution network, loyalty platform and commercial capabilities.
voco Karjat will offer more than 200 rooms along with three dining options. These will include a 200-seat all-day dining restaurant, a 50-seat pool bar and a 150-seat rooftop venue.
The property will also feature a fitness centre and spa, parking facilities, pet-friendly amenities, a kids’ zone and salon, catering to leisure travellers, families and groups.
IHG Hotels & Resorts, Managing Director, South West Asia, Sudeep Jain, said Karjat is emerging as an exciting leisure market, with its proximity to Mumbai and Pune creating an opportunity to serve growing demand for weekend travel, weddings, celebrations and MICE.
He said voco is suited to destinations such as Karjat, where travellers seek a premium experience that is distinctive, relaxed and connected to the local character.
Discover Resorts Neral Pvt. Ltd., CEO, Naqisa Chaudhary, said Karjat has strong potential as a premium leisure and events destination. The partnership with IHG and the introduction of voco will combine the character of the existing property with the strength of a globally recognised brand, she added.
Conversion-led expansion
The agreement underlines IHG’s strategy of expanding its premium hotel portfolio through both new-build projects and conversions. The approach enables the company to enter high-potential markets while giving owners access to its distribution network, loyalty ecosystem and commercial platform.
voco has also emerged as a significant conversion-led growth brand for IHG. The brand reached 100 open hotels globally within seven years of its launch, supported by its flexible conversion proposition.
The Karjat project will therefore add to IHG’s growing presence in India’s leisure hospitality market while targeting the expanding demand for premium short-haul travel from Mumbai and Pune.