The Indian Hotels Company Ltd. (IHCL), owners and operators of the iconic Taj hotel brand under the Tata Group, has launched in India “Ama Trails & Stays,” a branded homestay product. The properties include heritage bungalows, guesthouses and homestays at unique locations across the country.
IHCL has signed a management contract for nine heritage bungalows with Tata Coffee (another Tata Group company) in Coorg and Chikmagalur and is adding two of its own bungalows in Goa by mid-2020 under the Ama umbrella.
“IHCL has launched Ama Trails & Stays in response to evolving guest needs for local, immersive and authentic experiences,” said Puneet Chhatwal, managing director and CEO of IHCL, adding he is confident the group can scale this product to 100 unites before the end of 2020 across the Indian sub-continent.
Ama Plantation Trails comprise nine bungalows. Eight are located in and around the coffee estate of Pollibetta in Coorg set amidst 20,000 acres. Guests have a choice of taking a tour of the plantation, go birding with the region’s 300 bird species or play golf. Ama Homestays will commence operations with two units in Candolim, Goa.
The guests will also be able to earn and burn loyalty points through the Taj InnerCircle Loyalty Program. Bookings open effective March 1, 2019.