Club Mahindra Expands Coastal Empire: 110-Key Dapoli Resort Signals Major Tourism Push

Published on March 4, 2026

By: Tuhin Sarkar

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India’s leisure hospitality landscape is set for another significant expansion as Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited (MHRIL) strengthens its footprint along Maharashtra’s scenic Konkan coastline. The company has announced the signing of a new Club Mahindra resort in Dapoli near Murud Beach, marking a strategic addition to its growing portfolio of holiday destinations across India.

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The new development introduces 110 keys in phases and forms a crucial component of the company’s ambitious growth roadmap aimed at scaling its resort network dramatically over the coming years. Positioned as a contemporary coastal retreat, the upcoming property is expected to attract families, leisure travellers and event organisers seeking a premium seaside escape within driving distance of major urban centres such as Mumbai and Pune.

With tourism demand rising across India’s domestic travel sector, the move underscores MHRIL’s strategy of expanding into high-demand leisure corridors while strengthening its leadership position in the country’s vacation ownership market.

Strengthening Presence Along Maharashtra’s Western Coast

Dapoli, located in Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district, has emerged as one of the state’s fastest-growing coastal tourism destinations. Known for its serene beaches, lush landscapes and historic forts, the town offers travellers a tranquil alternative to the more crowded coastal hubs.

By signing the new property near Murud Beach, Club Mahindra is tapping into the region’s growing popularity among urban travellers seeking short coastal getaways. The area’s accessibility by road from Mumbai and Pune has significantly boosted its tourism potential, especially among families looking for weekend escapes.

The new resort marks MHRIL’s first development in Dapoli and signals the beginning of a broader expansion strategy along India’s western coastline. According to the company, the project will be among several developments planned in the region as demand for coastal leisure travel continues to rise.

Part of an Ambitious Long-Term Growth Plan

The Dapoli signing is closely aligned with Mahindra Holidays’ long-term expansion roadmap for FY26 to FY30, which targets a dramatic increase in room inventory across its Club Mahindra portfolio.

The company aims to add 1,000 new rooms in FY26 alone, contributing to its broader ambition of crossing 10,000 keys under the Club Mahindra brand and achieving an overall portfolio scale of 12,000 keys by FY30.

To achieve this growth, the company is adopting a multi-pronged strategy that includes new resort signings, greenfield developments and management contracts in key tourism destinations across India.

These efforts reflect MHRIL’s long-term vision of becoming India’s number one leisure hospitality player, catering to the rapidly expanding base of Indian families choosing vacation ownership and experiential holidays.

Resort Development in Phases

The upcoming Club Mahindra Dapoli Resort will be spread across 13 acres, offering guests sweeping views of the surrounding coastline and natural landscape.

The development will be introduced in two phases to ensure a carefully planned launch. The first phase will feature 52 keys and is scheduled to open in Q1 of FY27. The remaining rooms will follow shortly thereafter, with the second phase expected to be completed by Q2 of FY27, bringing the total inventory to 110 keys.

This phased approach allows the company to optimise development timelines while gradually introducing the resort to the market.

A Contemporary Coastal Retreat for Families

The design concept for the property focuses on creating a modern coastal retreat that blends comfort, leisure and immersive experiences. The resort is being developed with families in mind, reflecting Club Mahindra’s core focus on creating memorable vacation experiences for multi-generational travellers.

Guests can expect a range of thoughtfully designed amenities aimed at providing both relaxation and recreation. Among the highlights planned for the property are a sea-facing all-day dining restaurant offering expansive coastal views and a menu that celebrates regional flavours alongside international cuisine.

The resort will also feature an open-air café, providing a relaxed setting for guests to enjoy refreshments while overlooking the surrounding landscape.

A swimming pool and spa facility will form the heart of the leisure offering, while a fully equipped fitness centre will cater to guests seeking active holidays.

For younger travellers, the resort will include a dedicated Happy Hub, Club Mahindra’s signature recreational space designed to keep children engaged through games, creative activities and entertainment.

A New Destination for Celebrations and Events

Beyond leisure travel, the new Dapoli resort is also being designed to cater to large gatherings, destination celebrations and corporate events.

The property will feature a 500-capacity indoor banquet hall, providing a versatile venue for weddings, conferences and social events. Complementing this indoor facility will be a spacious outdoor lawn capable of hosting between 800 and 1,000 guests.

This combination of event spaces positions the resort as an attractive venue for destination weddings and large-scale celebrations, particularly given its scenic coastal setting.

As destination weddings continue to grow in popularity across India, hospitality companies are increasingly designing resorts that can accommodate both leisure stays and grand events.

Leadership Perspective on the Expansion

Speaking about the new resort signing, Manoj Bhat, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd, emphasised the strategic importance of the development.

He noted that Dapoli plays a crucial role in strengthening the company’s western coast circuit while aligning with its broader goal of expanding high-quality resort inventory in destinations with strong travel demand.

According to Bhat, the company remains committed to growing its resort network thoughtfully while maintaining a disciplined expansion strategy that reinforces Club Mahindra’s reputation as a trusted leisure hospitality brand.

He highlighted that the focus remains on delivering meaningful holiday experiences to India’s rapidly growing base of families who increasingly prioritise travel and leisure.

Growing Demand for Drive-to Holiday Destinations

The choice of Dapoli reflects a broader trend within India’s domestic tourism sector: the rising demand for drive-to holiday destinations.

Following the pandemic, travellers across the country have shown increasing preference for destinations that can be easily reached by road, allowing families to plan spontaneous short breaks.

Locations within a four-to-six-hour driving radius of major metropolitan cities have witnessed strong tourism growth as travellers seek quick escapes from urban life.

Dapoli fits perfectly into this trend, offering scenic coastal beauty within manageable driving distance from Mumbai and Pune.

Strengthening Club Mahindra’s Resort Network

The addition of the Dapoli resort further enhances Club Mahindra’s extensive network of properties spread across India and international destinations.

Over the years, the brand has built a reputation for offering family-centric vacation experiences, combining comfortable accommodation with activities, entertainment and curated local experiences.

With new properties such as the Dapoli resort, the company aims to deepen its presence in emerging leisure markets while ensuring that its members have access to a diverse range of holiday destinations.

A Strategic Move in India’s Expanding Leisure Tourism Market

India’s domestic tourism market has been experiencing strong growth, driven by rising disposable incomes, improved infrastructure and an increasing emphasis on experiential travel.

Hospitality companies are responding by expanding their resort portfolios and investing in destinations that combine natural beauty with accessibility.

For Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited, the Dapoli resort represents more than just a new property—it signals the company’s confidence in the future of India’s leisure tourism industry.

As development progresses, the resort is expected to become a key addition to Maharashtra’s coastal tourism landscape, offering travellers a new gateway to experience the beauty of the Konkan coast.

Original article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/