Indian Hotels Expands Horizons with Majority Stake in Tree of Life

In a strategic move to broaden its hospitality portfolio, Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has taken a significant 55% stake in Tree of Life Resorts & Hotels, solidifying its foothold in the growing leisure travel sector. This acquisition aligns with the Tata Group’s ongoing vision to elevate its presence in India’s flourishing hospitality industry.

A Major Agreement for New Ventures

According to a regulatory filing, IHCL’s board approved a share subscription and purchase agreement alongside a shareholders' agreement, ensuring a majority stake in Rajscape Hotels, the parent company of Tree of Life. This acquisition, valued at up to ?18 crore, signals IHCL’s intent to leverage emerging trends in experiential travel.

Commitment to Scaling Boutique Experiences

Puneet Chhatwal, IHCL’s MD and CEO, shared that this deal reflects the company’s pioneering spirit and its commitment to developing distinctive destinations. This investment, he added, is consistent with IHCL’s growth strategy, which focuses on both innovation and partnership expansion.

A Vision for 2030 and Beyond

Chhatwal further highlighted IHCL’s ambitious plans to expand Tree of Life to 100 properties by 2030, catering to an increasing demand for unique leisure experiences. Currently, Tree of Life has resorts in over 15 sought-after destinations, including Dared, Dehradun, Varanasi, Binsar, and Udaipurwati.

Ambuja Neotia Group Elevates Its Partnership with IHCL

Harshavardhan Neotia, chairman of the Ambuja Neotia Group, emphasized that this transaction has deepened their relationship with IHCL. He expressed confidence in IHCL’s expertise in cultivating distinctive boutique properties, reinforcing India's presence in global tourism with high-quality hospitality.

Growing the Tree of Life Brand Together

The Tree of Life collection now includes 19 operating resorts and hotels, with two more under development. Earlier this year, IHCL announced its expansion through a strategic partnership with Ambuja Neotia Group, which initially acquired the boutique chain Tree of Life late last year.