Located in the heart of a 250-acre biodiversity park, exemplifies the perfect blend of luxury and ecological harmony, serving as a shining testament to the principles of sustainable hospitality. Directed by Tejas Chavan, the resort seamlessly weaves eco-conscious principles with upscale offerings, carving a unique niche in India’s hospitality sector.
“Unlike conventional resorts, which focus solely on opulence, our retreats are designed to reconnect guests with nature,” explains Chavan. “Grape County is a living example of this commitment, a 20-acre resort within a 250-acre biodiversity park, a sprawling green haven meticulously rewilded with over 52,000 native trees and teeming with diverse species of birds and butterflies.” Chavan emphatically states, “At Grape County, sustainability is in our DNA and not a label. From its very inception, the resort embarked on a comprehensive rewilding of the land, creating artificial lakes for groundwater recharge and exclusively using locally sourced and low-impact construction materials.”
Beyond the serene backdrop, guest engagement is paramount for the brand, says Chavan. Grape County offers a plethora of activities designed to foster a genuine connection with the natural world. Guests can adopt a tree, planting their own sapling which the resort then diligently cares for, leaving a lasting mark on the landscape. For active exploration, there’s cycling through scenic trails, kayaking on calm waters, and horseback riding through the green outdoors.
Grape County’s commitment extends far beyond environmental stewardship to deeply enrich its surrounding communities. “At Green Spaces, we believe that true sustainability goes beyond environmental impact—it must also uplift local communities,” Chavan asserts. The resort prioritises hiring local talent, including skilled workers and tribal farmers, providing them with training to enhance their skills in hospitality, sustainable farming, and craftsmanship. “A remarkable 65% of our raw material requirement, spanning construction, groceries, and other products, is procured from nearby villages, ensuring direct economic growth at the grassroots level. Additionally, locally made products are showcased and sold in souvenir shops, providing artisans with a vital platform, he adds. “These aren’t just CSR initiatives, they’re woven into our operational model,” Chavan emphasises.
Operating independently in a market dominated by major brands presents its own set of challenges. “Major brands have higher recall value, better sales and service. They are definitely more profitable. However they do not align with core principles,” says Chavan.
Chavan highlights Grape County’s commitment to core values, emphasizing their choice to support local small brands despite challenges. “Smaller brand owners often lack experience and need guidance, but we remain steadfast in our principles,” he shares.
Architects Shabbir Unwala and Sanjay Patil have crafted accommodations that blend luxury with environmental harmony. “The Maharaja Suite Condo spans 3,000 sq. ft., offering opulent retreat, while the 800 sq. ft. Garden Condo boasts serene lake views. The cozy 450 sq. ft. Patio Condo provides a tranquil water-side escape, and Sky Rooms offer panoramic vistas,” says Chavan. The resort also features 36 eco-villas. Dining reflects this ethos, with GC Cafe offering light bites and The Deck Restaurant serving fresh, locally sourced regional and global cuisine. “The bar showcases Nashik’s finest wines,” Chavan proudly adds.
For corporate clients, Grape County redefines team-building with activities like kayaking, group cycling, and guided nature walks.
While discussing future collaborations Chavan says, “We love to collaborate with brands that share our values. We regularly host farmers market at our resort, where we provide a platform to tribal farmers and local small businessmen to sell their products directly to the consumer.”
Managing demand fluctuations is another area where Grape County exhibits its unique operational model. “With an impressive average occupancy rate of around 85%, our resort effectively manages staffing during off-peak seasons by shifting our staff to other departments,” Chavan explains. “This flexibility means that during non-wedding season, our banquet staff helps out in the restaurant. When peak season demands additional hands, Grape County prioritises giving the opportunity to people from nearby tribal villages, providing them with basic training and further solidifying their community engagement,” he says.
