The Machan’s sustainable expansion across India is rooted in the ethos of thoughtful travel

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.