Ekostay, an Indian villa brand founded in 2018, is reshaping the hospitality landscape by focusing on sustainability through property conversion rather than new construction. The company now manages over 150 villas across 12 leisure destinations, generating $4.8 million (₹40 crore) in revenue for FY 2025–26 without external funding.
How Ekostay’s Model Differs from Traditional Hotel Development
Instead of building new hotels, Ekostay renovates existing homes, significantly reducing the environmental footprint typically associated with hospitality construction. This approach is particularly relevant in ecologically sensitive regions such as the Nilgiris and the Western Ghats, where preserving natural landscapes is critical. By repurposing existing structures, Ekostay minimizes construction waste and land disruption.
“Our expansion is not just about increasing numbers. It is about deepening our connection with travellers across India,” said Husain Khatumdi, Managing Director and Co-Founder.
The brand’s Villa Makeover Programme not only transforms properties but also empowers local communities. Renovations are carried out by local workers, ensuring that tourism benefits flow directly to those living near these destinations. “This initiative strengthens our long-term vision to create sustainable, profitable models for property owners,” noted Sohail Mirchandani, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder.
Ekostay’s model also promotes resource efficiency. Villa stays consolidate consumption, reducing environmental impact compared to traditional hotels. As travel preferences shift towards private, experience-led stays, Ekostay’s model offers a sustainable alternative. “India’s travel behaviour has fundamentally shifted towards private, experience-led stays,” said Varun Arora, CEO and Co-Founder.
This shift aligns with broader trends in the travel industry. As noted in a recent analysis, India leads global domestic travel trend for 2026, with cost and geopolitical factors reshaping traveler plans. Ekostay’s villa model caters directly to this demand for private, domestic getaways.
For hoteliers and investors, Ekostay’s approach offers a blueprint for sustainable expansion without the capital-intensive burden of ground-up construction. The model also presents opportunities for property owners in leisure destinations to generate income while contributing to local economies.
As the hospitality industry increasingly focuses on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, Ekostay’s model demonstrates that sustainability can be both profitable and scalable. The brand’s success in India may inspire similar initiatives in other markets, particularly in regions with existing housing stock in desirable tourist locations.
For travel professionals, Ekostay represents a case study in how to align business growth with community development and environmental stewardship. The company’s ability to achieve $4.8 million in revenue without external funding underscores the viability of this approach.
