Accor Introduces Mantis to India with an Eco-Luxury Retreat in Nagarhole National Park

Global hospitality leader Accor has announced the signing of Mantis Nagarhole, marking the debut of the celebrated eco-luxury brand in India. Set against the pristine wilderness of Karnataka's renowned Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, the upcoming retreat signals a significant moment in India's growing luxury eco-tourism landscape. For a sense of what the Mantis brand brings globally, our coverage of the Vivari Hotel and Spa by Mantis in Johannesburg captures the brand's signature blend of superlative luxury and considered hospitality.

A Conservation-Led Luxury Escape in the Nilgiri Biosphere

Nestled on the edge of the ecologically rich Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, part of the famed Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the retreat will embody the globally recognised Mantis philosophy — immersive hospitality rooted in sustainability, conservation and authentic experiences.

Scheduled to open in 2028, Mantis Nagarhole will feature a thoughtfully designed 31-key premium wilderness retreat spread across approximately 13 acres. The development will include elegant cottages and rooms, complemented by curated nature-led experiences including guided safaris, forest trails and cultural immersions. The growing field of premium wildlife hospitality in India is well captured in our coverage of Aramness Gir National Park's magnificent blend of luxury and nature.

Where Luxury Meets Responsible Tourism

The project has been conceptualised with a strong emphasis on low-impact development and environmental stewardship. Guests can expect an experience that seamlessly blends luxury hospitality with meaningful engagement with nature.

Amenities at the retreat will include:

• A premium all-day dining restaurant
• An exclusive bar experience
• Swimming pool and wellness spa
• Gymnasium and outdoor recreation spaces
• A dedicated wildlife viewing tower
• Curated landscaped zones designed to deepen interaction with the surrounding ecosystem

The project will also integrate ESG-led frameworks aligned with Accor's global sustainability standards, focusing on biodiversity conservation, energy efficiency and long-term ecological resilience. For a wider perspective on this conversation, our piece on what sustainable luxury actually means today sets out the philosophy driving projects of this kind.

India's Luxury Wildlife Tourism Story Continues to Rise

The Nagarhole region has steadily emerged as one of India's most sought-after luxury eco-tourism destinations, attracting affluent domestic travellers, international wildlife enthusiasts and wellness-focused luxury seekers. The momentum across this category is reflected in our feature on RoaR by Shanti Banaras in search of a tiger utopia, which examines the same affluent travel cohort.

With limited ultra-premium hospitality inventory and rising demand for experiential, low-density stays, the region presents strong long-term potential for eco-luxury hospitality. International parallels are explored in our coverage of Lolebezi joining African Bush Camps in Zambezi National Park.

Accor on the Future of Experience-Led Travel

Speaking about the signing, Ranju Alex, CEO – South Asia at Accor, highlighted the growing demand for authentic, nature-driven travel experiences in India.

According to Alex, the launch of Mantis Nagarhole reflects Accor's strategy of expanding into high-value leisure destinations while remaining deeply committed to sustainability, conservation and responsible tourism.

A Landmark Hospitality Collaboration

The project is being developed by a prominent South India-based hospitality group led by Hirehal Jairaj Balram, who described the retreat as a vision rooted in sustainability, regional authenticity and immersive luxury experiences.

The collaboration brings together Accor's global expertise in eco-luxury hospitality and the developer's deep understanding of experiential tourism opportunities in South India. The wider Indian hospitality story is told in our feature on Taj Hotels as a true story of Indian luxury.

The Growing Appeal of Eco-Luxury in India

The arrival of the Mantis brand in India underscores a larger shift in the luxury hospitality industry — where affluent travellers increasingly seek meaningful, environmentally conscious experiences over conventional luxury.

As India's wildlife destinations continue to gain global visibility, projects like Mantis Nagarhole are expected to redefine the future of luxury travel by placing conservation, exclusivity and immersive storytelling at the centre of hospitality. The award-winning template for this approach is documented in our piece on an unforgettable escapade at the award-winning Indian safari lodge Aramness Gir.

About Accor

Accor currently operates 74 hotels across India under brands including Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure and ibis. The group's Indian portfolio also extends to standout regional properties — see our coverage of the Novotel Hyderabad cartographic exhibition by global artists as one example of how Accor's India properties layer cultural programming alongside hospitality.