IHCL Signs Tree of Life Wayanad Resort in Kerala with Enhancing their Luxury Hospitality, Nature-Led Tourism and Driving Regional Travel Sector Growth

Written By: Gishan Das

Gishan Das

Gishan Das is a dedicated graduate with academic backgrounds in History and Political Science and practical experience in journalism and digital content creation. He completed his History Honours from Serampore College under the University of Calcutta and Political Science Honours from Indira Gandhi National Open University in 2025. His academic credentials are supported by professional certifications including a B2 level Certification in French language, NISM Financial Education certification in collaboration with the Aditya Birla Group alongside Gishan has strong expertise in journalism, news research and SEO-based content writing. He has demonstrated skills in news analysis, fact-checking, headline creation, digital storytelling and search-optimized reporting, which are also reflected in the journalism and media skills

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May 22, 2026 13:54 GMT+5:30

Tree of Life Resort, in Wayanad, Kerala, has been signed by Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, as an extension of its footprint in this area of great potential from a leisure standpoint. This is the company’s first venture in the brownfield segment in which guests are expected to have a unique experience of staying amidst nature.

Speaking on the development, Suma Venkatesh, EVP – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “With growing preference for travel experiences that involve an immersive experience and exposure to nature, Wayanad emerges as an important tourist destination. Tree of Life, with its unique philosophy of bringing experiences through nature-based stay, adds to the portfolio in this respect. This marks our entry into the state of Kerala.”

Partnership with Local Investor

Saeed Edavankandy, Chairman of Geeone Exports Pvt. Ltd. and Managing Director of Geeone International LLC, shared: “We are delighted to partner with IHCL to bring Tree of Life to Wayanad. We are confident the resort will enhance Wayanad’s positioning as a preferred getaway, attracting travelers seeking authentic, nature-based experiences.“ This partnership exemplifies a public-private collaboration in hospitality that supports regional tourism development, local employment, and economic growth.

Tourism Growth Opportunities in Wayanad

Wayanad, located in the Western Ghats, is known for its biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and cultural heritage. Key attractions include:

• Banasura Dam and Banasura Lake, popular for boating and sightseeing
• Pookode Lake, a natural freshwater lake surrounded by forests
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants, tigers, and diverse wildlife

The arrival of Tree of Life Wayanad is expected to:

• Drive higher tourist arrivals to the region
• Promote eco-tourism and nature-led travel experiences
• Increase demand for local accommodations, dining, and tour services
• Support employment in hospitality, wellness, and guiding services

By offering high-value stays, IHCL helps attract premium domestic and international travelers, boosting average spend per visitor and enhancing regional economic activity.

IHCL’s Kerala Presence and Strategic Growth

With this signing, IHCL now operates 23 hotels in Kerala, including five under development, reinforcing the company’s focus on strategic expansion in leisure markets. Tree of Life Wayanad complements other properties in Kerala, such as those in Kochi, Kovalam, and Munnar, and supports the state’s positioning as a leading leisure and nature-based tourism destination in India.

The expansion aligns with broader trends in hospitality, where travelers increasingly value sustainable practices, wellness, and immersive cultural experiences over conventional luxury alone.

Hospitality Sector and Economic Impact

The Tree of Life Wayanad is expected to generate significant benefits for the hospitality and tourism sector:

• Luxury hospitality growth: Expanding high-end accommodation options for domestic and international visitors
• Regional employment: Jobs in hospitality, wellness, F&B, and tourism services
• Sustainable tourism promotion: Eco-conscious design and nature-led experiences enhance Wayanad’s attractiveness to environmentally aware travelers
• Boost to local businesses: Increased demand for crafts, excursions, and ancillary services supports small-scale enterprises
• Extended visitor stays: Immersive resort experiences encourage longer bookings and repeat visits

By catering to nature-seeking travelers and wellness tourists, the resort strengthens Kerala’s position in India’s growing leisure tourism market.

Supporting Responsible and Experiential Travel

The Tree of Life brand is recognized for experience-led hospitality, emphasizing:

• Cultural immersion through local traditions, cuisine, and storytelling
• Nature-based recreation, including guided treks, wildlife observation, and eco-activities
• Wellness and rejuvenation, with spa, yoga, and holistic treatments integrated into the guest experience

These elements align with changing traveler preferences, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z, who increasingly seek sustainable and purpose-driven travel.

Broader Tourism Sector Opportunities

Tree of Life Wayanad also supports regional tourism growth:

1. Destination Diversification: Encouraging visitors to explore less-crowded, nature-rich regions beyond typical Kerala destinations.
2. High-Value Travel Segment: Catering to premium travelers with higher per-guest spending, increasing revenue for hotels, F&B, and local attractions.
3. Eco-Tourism Development: Promoting sustainable practices and responsible visitor management in sensitive natural areas.
4. Wellness and Leisure Travel Expansion: Integrating spa, wellness, and recreational experiences to tap into growing wellness tourism markets.

These initiatives strengthen local tourism ecosystems, support long-term conservation, and create resilient economic benefits for communities in and around Wayanad.

IHCL Strengthens Kerala’s Travel and Hospitality Landscape

Signing of Tree of Life Wayanad highlights that IHCL remains committed to its plans for increasing their luxury and nature-based tourism offerings, which is an indication of their contribution towards growth and development of tourism industry in India. Resort will have the potential to attract more eco-friendly and premium tourists who will bring substantial amount of business for local economy as well as contribute to the growth of Kerala into one of the best leisure tourism destinations.

Wayanad, with the advent of this resort, will become one of the most prominent places for experiential and wellness tourism in line with the growing trends of luxury and eco-tourism in India.

Image Source: IHCL