August 08, 2025
CM Content Team
In a world where sustainable travel is rapidly becoming the need of the hour, Club Mahindra Resorts is setting an inspiring benchmark for the hospitality industry with its unwavering commitment to planet-positive practices. As one of India’s leading vacation ownership brands, Club Mahindra not only delivers memorable holidays to families but also does so with a deep-rooted sense of responsibility towards the environment.
At the heart of this green transformation is Bindu Jacob Mathew, Head of Sustainability at Mahindra Holidays and Resorts, who has been championing a comprehensive, responsible tourism-focused strategy to integrate sustainability into every aspect of resort operations. This includes a visionary roadmap to make Club Mahindra’s network of resorts fully planet positive by FY2030: a bold and commendable goal that puts the brand ahead of the curve in sustainable hospitality.
Long before sustainability became a buzzword in the hospitality industry, Club Mahindra was already laying the groundwork for a greener tomorrow. The brand developed its Planet Positive Strategy, a comprehensive roadmap aimed at achieving sustainable excellence across all resorts by FY30. This roadmap is not just aspirational; it’s action-oriented, with tangible goals, measurable outcomes, and deep integration into the day-to-day operations of every resort.
This strategy is guided by the belief that hospitality businesses have the power to make either a positive or negative impact when they enter new destinations, particularly in remote areas. At Club Mahindra, the intent is to act as a destination ambassador, showcasing local culture, architecture, cuisine, and traditions while ensuring the ecological footprint remains minimal.
The “Love the Destination” campaign is one of the cornerstone initiatives of this journey. More than just a tagline, it represents a movement within the organisation to seamlessly weave sustainability into service design. The campaign ensures that every guest interaction, from check-in to checkout, reflects the brand’s commitment to respecting and enhancing the local environment and community.
Through this approach, members are not only offered a holiday but are immersed in an experience that reflects the spirit of the region. Whether it’s savouring traditional dishes made with local ingredients or witnessing performances of local art forms, every moment becomes a celebration of culture and conservation.
A defining milestone in Club Mahindra’s sustainability journey is its recognition as India’s first hospitality Company, Club Mahindra Resort, Madikeri, Coorg, to achieve the Triple Net-Zero Rating: covering Net-Zero Energy, Net-Zero Water and Zero Waste to Landfill. This pioneering status reflects years of persistent effort and innovation.
In line with its vision, Club Mahindra has transitioned to all single-use plastics from its properties. Guests will no longer find plastic PET bottles in rooms or dining areas.
In line with its vision, Club Mahindra has transitioned to single-use plastic-free resorts across its managed properties. Guests will no longer find plastic PET bottles in rooms or dining areas. Instead, 100% branded mineral water elegantly designed glass bottles have been introduced, showcasing a balance between style, sustainability, and hygiene.
The removal of single-use plastic is not just an environmental win; it also aligns with the global trend of conscious consumption, resonating deeply with modern travellers who seek responsible comfort.
Club Mahindra’s vernacular architectural design excellence has earned it prestigious recognition from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). Out of the current 29 resorts certified as Green Resorts, 26 have received Platinum Certification, the highest rating awarded, representing Global Leadership.
Green Resort is one which conserves natural resources, uses less water, optimises energy efficiency, enhances biodiversity, enhances indoor environmental quality, provides guest comfort & delight, generates less waste, provides healthier spaces, addresses the heat island effect, and contributes to the local economy.
The health and well-being of guests is the most important aspect of the IGBC Green Resorts rating system. The rating system ensures comfort, adequate ventilation, daylight, and eco-friendly guest amenities.
IGBC Green Resorts rating system® addresses green features under the following categories.
This certification is not merely symbolic. It represents excellence in multiple dimensions.
Each resort is carefully crafted to enhance the surrounding environment and support the local ecosystem. For members, this means every vacation also becomes a step towards a greener planet.
Embracing our role as responsible stewards of the environment, Club Mahindra is committed to preserving the biodiversity and unique habitats of the surrounding ecosystems, local flora, fauna and natural resources where our resorts are located. CII-IBBI, Confederation of Indian Industries - India Business and Biodiversity Initiative, have developed Case Studies on Biodiversity Initiatives at our resorts in Madikeri, Gir
One of the most meaningful aspects of the brand’s sustainability strategy is its integration of local culture and community. Each resort promotes vernacular architecture, local art, traditional cuisine, and regional festivals. This not only enriches the member experience but also supports artisans and local economies.
By championing these elements, Club Mahindra encourages a form of travel that is respectful, educational, and mutually beneficial. Every guest becomes a participant in preserving the culture and environment of the destination.
Implementing such a large-scale sustainability vision is an outcome of the Top Management’s commitment to Sustainability. As Bindu Jacob Mathew rightly points out, the true success lies in collaboration across departments. By engaging all teams, from frontline staff to resort managers, corporate departmental leads, and cluster Leads across remote locations in understanding and living the purpose, Club Mahindra fosters a culture of shared responsibility across the verticals.
Communication plays a crucial role here. When the vision is communicated clearly and passionately, the employees feel empowered to innovate, collaborate, and contribute. It’s this internal cohesion that has enabled Club Mahindra to lead India’s green hospitality transformation.
For guests and members, every stay at a Club Mahindra Resort is an invitation to be a part of this larger sustainability journey. It’s not just about luxury or convenience; it's about loving the destination. Through their Club Mahindra Membership, families can enjoy unforgettable vacations while knowing that their holidays are treading lightly on the planet.
As the travel industry continues to evolve, Club Mahindra’s commitment to sustainability positions it as a leader in eco-conscious hospitality and responsible tourism. With planet-positive strategies in place and a vision that looks far beyond just business, the brand is redefining what it means to offer responsible, meaningful, and memorable holiday experiences.
Club Mahindra’s green transformation is not a destination; it’s a journey. And every member is an essential part of it.
Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd. (MHRIL), a part of Leisure and Hospitality sector of the Mahindra Group, offers quality family holidays primarily through vacation ownership memberships and brings to the industry values such as reliability, trust and customer satisfaction. Started in 1996, the company's flagship brand ‘Club Mahindra’, today has over 300,000 members , who can holiday at 140+ resorts in India and abroad.
