IHCL partners with Amavi for a 34-acre luxury development in Lonavala featuring 32 branded villas and a 100-key Taj resort
Mumbai, 31 August 2026: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the launch of Taj Mount Kusur Resort and Villas in Lonavala, Maharashtra, in partnership with Amavi, India’s only hospitality-backed real estate brand. The project marks Taj’s entry into the luxury branded villa segment.
The development expands Taj’s luxury portfolio beyond its traditional hotels, residences and resort formats, bringing the brand’s hospitality services and positioning into a branded villa development.
The addition strengthens Taj’s position across latest hotel openings.34-Acre Luxury Development in Lonavala
Spread across a 34-acre estate in the Western Ghats, Taj Mount Kusur Resort and Villas will comprise 32 branded villas and a 100-key Taj resort. The integrated development will offer panoramic views of the surrounding lake and valley.
The villas draw inspiration from contemporary barn-style architecture, with expansive glass façades and spacious verandahs designed to connect the residences with the surrounding landscape.
A central feature of the development will be the two-acre Wabi-Sabi Central Park, inspired by the Japanese philosophy of simplicity and harmony with nature. Residents will have access to a Miyawaki forest, nature trails, zen gardens, stargazing decks, golf putting greens, a fitness lawn and multi-purpose sports courts.
The integrated development will also feature Club Amavi, offering wellness and recreation facilities alongside banquet and dining venues.
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.”
Branded Villas with Taj Hospitality
The 32 branded villas will be offered for sale and integrated into the resort inventory through a lease-back programme. Villa owners will have access to Taj hospitality services including concierge assistance, housekeeping and maintenance, along with the resort’s leisure and wellness amenities.
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.”
He added that the development reflects Amavi’s belief that meaningful development should respect the land and create value for surrounding communities.
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.”
They added that the project’s low-density planning, integrated amenities and professionally managed services are intended to combine the privacy of villa ownership with the convenience of a luxury resort.
Lonavala’s Luxury Second-Home Market
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 attracts leisure travellers, wellness seekers and second-home buyers.
With Taj Mount Kusur Resort and Villas, IHCL and Amavi are combining a branded luxury hospitality proposition with a second-home development model, positioning the project within Lonavala’s established leisure and residential market.
