The Machan is steadily expanding across India’s biodiverse landscapes, bringing its signature off-grid experiences to new destinations. By combining sustainable design, renewable energy, and strong local partnerships, the brand continues to uphold its core values. Rakshit Sharma, COO, Machan Resorts LLP, affirms that each upcoming eco-luxury property is being developed in alignment with The Machan’s commitment to regenerative tourism, mindful hospitality, and community integration.
Q. Can you describe The Machan’s flagship property near Lonavala and the unique, immersive experiences it offers to guests?
The Machan Lonavala is located in the heart of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biodiversity. Here, we have created entirely off-grid treehouses, suspended 30 to 50 feet above the forest floor, offering guests a truly immersive experience in nature. Each structure is powered by renewable energy, built with minimal environmental disruption, and designed to allow guests to disconnect from digital noise and reconnect with the natural world. It is a rare escape where luxury and wilderness coexist in harmony.
Q. With several new properties set to open in Rajasthan and Maharashtra, how is The Machan ensuring consistency in its eco-luxury philosophy while scaling across diverse destinations?
Consistency for us is not about replication; it is about staying true to our philosophy while responding to the unique context of each site. Before we break ground at any location, we invest time in understanding the ecology, culture, and community around it. Our “design with nature” approach ensures each property is built using local materials, integrates renewable energy, and respects the natural contours of the land. We have a stringent internal sustainability framework that guides every aspect, from architectural footprint to waste management and local hiring, ensuring the guest experience remains authentically eco-luxurious, regardless of the destination.
Q. Of your upcoming sites, Karjat, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Mulshi, etc., which destination presents the greatest challenge in sustainability, and how do you address it?
Karjat, due to its close proximity to Mumbai and Pune, brings a distinct challenge. While its accessibility is a clear advantage, it also makes the region vulnerable to overdevelopment and ecological strain. The natural beauty of Karjat is under pressure from unregulated construction, shrinking green cover, and increasing tourism.
Our approach here is regenerative rather than merely sustainable. We are restoring native vegetation, practising soil and water conservation through landscape-sensitive planning, and constructing low-footprint structures that respect the land’s topography. Water harvesting, solar energy, and natural ventilation are integral to the design. Importantly, we are also building strong relationships with the local community to ensure the project supports livelihoods and enhances the region’s ecological wealth without compromising it.
Q. As The Machan expands, how are you integrating eco-friendly design and technologies across new properties while staying true to your core values of sustainability and responsible growth?
Every new Machan property is an opportunity to push the boundaries of what responsible luxury can look like. Whether it is architecture that breathes or operations that minimise waste, every decision is made through the lens of environmental stewardship. We use site-sensitive construction, source materials locally, and incorporate passive cooling, solar power, greywater recycling, and rainwater harvesting systems. But beyond tech, we are also designing for experience, giving guests the chance to live in harmony with nature, without sacrificing comfort or aesthetics. Our growth is not about building more; it is about building better.
Q. Do weddings and MICE feature in your expansion plans, and if so, how will you maintain your brand’s signature tranquillity and eco-friendly values?
Yes, but with a distinctly Machan lens. We are seeing increasing demand for mindful weddings, nature retreats, and purpose-driven offsites. Our upcoming properties in Karjat and Udaipur, for example, are being designed to accommodate small, curated gatherings where nature remains the centrepiece. We intentionally limit guest capacity, enforce noise and plastic-use regulations, and craft experiences that are rooted in simplicity, wellness, and eco-consciousness. Whether it is a wedding under the stars or a corporate retreat amidst the forest, we want our guests to celebrate with meaning and leave with purpose.
Q. Can you share how The Machan involves local communities in its operations and whether similar models will be adopted at new locations?
Community involvement is at the heart of The Machan’s regenerative model. In Lonavala, over 80 per cent of our team members are from neighbouring villages, having been trained in-house in a range of skills, from hospitality to sustainable practices. We also collaborate with local artisans, farmers, and service providers to create a supply chain that is rooted in the region.
This model is not just scalable, it is essential. As we expand into areas such as Rajasthan and Mulshi, we are proactively engaging local stakeholders from the planning stage onwards. Our aim is not only to minimise disruption but to build a sense of ownership among locals. We see our properties not just as hospitality spaces but as platforms for inclusive development and cultural preservation.
Q. As eco-tourism gains momentum in India, how does The Machan aim to stay ahead of the curve in offering authentic, immersive nature-based experiences that appeal to both domestic and international travellers?
We believe that true ecotourism is not about ticking boxes. It is about creating transformational experiences that leave a lasting impact on both the guest and the land. At The Machan, we continually enhance our offerings to remain immersive and purposeful. Guided forest walks, naturalist-led trails, meditative forest bathing, sustainability workshops, and local cultural exchanges offer more profound and immersive experiences.
We also avoid artificial experiences that dilute authenticity. Instead, we offer the raw luxury of listening to birds at dawn, walking barefoot on dew-laden trails, and dining under a canopy of stars. Our goal is to redefine luxury, not as excess, but as access to untouched nature, meaningful quiet, and conscious connection.
Q. Do you have plans to expand into ecologically rich regions, such as Northeast and South India, which also hold strong potential for sustainable and immersive travel experiences?
Yes, both Northeast and South India are deeply aligned with our vision of immersive, nature-led travel. We are in the early stages of evaluating sites in these regions, but our process is deliberately slow and thoughtful. We aim to ensure that any entry we make adds value to the ecosystem, both ecologically and culturally, as well as economically.
These regions have rich indigenous knowledge systems and fragile ecosystems, which we view not as obstacles but as assets to be respected and preserved. If and when we enter these markets, it will be with the same uncompromising standards of sustainability, community integration, and authenticity that have defined The Machan since day one.
