EkoStay, a fast-growing vacation home brand in India, is doubling down on private villas as the preferred accommodation for the emerging 'calmcation' trend—holidays centered on rest, privacy, and disconnection from the usual tourist rush. With India topping global wellness destination rankings for 2026, the company's expansion into nature-rich areas aligns with a broader shift toward restorative travel.
Founded in 2018, EkoStay now manages over 160 villas across more than 15 destinations. The brand's positioning taps into a clear market signal: travelers are increasingly prioritizing downtime over packed itineraries. "The holiday is no longer about the destination. It is about how rested you feel when you leave," said Husain Khatumdi, Co-Founder of EkoStay.
Expansion into key leisure markets
For 2026, EkoStay plans to add a 40-villa boutique cluster in the Nilgiris, covering Ooty, Coonoor, and Kotagiri—hill stations that have long attracted domestic tourists seeking cooler climates and scenic landscapes. The brand has also entered Karnataka with the Forest Cube Villa in Chikmagalur, a coffee-growing region that is gaining traction among wellness travelers. In Maharashtra, new homes have launched in Nashik, Wada, Igatpuri, and Lonavala, all within a few hours' drive from Mumbai and Pune.
"Our expansion choices are a direct reading of this demand," noted Varun Arora, Co-Founder and CEO. The company's strategy is to be present in emerging leisure destinations where travelers want well-managed, private homes rather than conventional hotel rooms.
The calmcation concept contrasts sharply with traditional holidays. Instead of rushing between sights, guests at EkoStay villas enjoy slow mornings, unstructured time, and the comfort of a private space. This model appeals to a wide demographic, from couples and families to remote workers looking for a change of scenery.
EkoStay is also investing in technology to enhance the guest experience. AI-driven personalization tailors recommendations and services to individual preferences, while smart lock integrations allow for seamless check-ins and secure access. These features are designed to make the stay as frictionless as possible, letting guests focus on relaxation.
The private villa segment is seeing similar momentum globally. In Bali, for instance, new properties like Buyan Lakeside Villas and The Kayon Resort Ubud's new villa categories cater to the same desire for seclusion. In Europe, operators like CV Villas are expanding into new markets, while Jet2Villas has added 1,000 villas and entered Galicia for Summer 26.
As wellness travel continues to gain momentum, EkoStay aims to be a key player in India's villa market. The company's focus on emerging leisure destinations, combined with a tech-enabled service model, positions it to capture a growing share of travelers who value privacy and well-being.
With the Nilgiris cluster and new properties in Karnataka and Maharashtra, EkoStay is not just following a trend—it is helping to define what a calmcation looks like in India. For travel professionals, the brand's growth signals a broader opportunity in the private villa sector, which is increasingly seen as a viable alternative to traditional hospitality.
