Club Mahindra Turns Goa’s Acacia Palms Into First All-Women-Run Resort, Eyes Expansion in Gender-Inclusive Hospitality

Mahindra Holidays champions women empowerment with bold transformation at Acacia Palms​

New Delhi, May 12 — In a landmark move towards gender diversity and inclusion, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd (MHRIL) has transformed its Acacia Palms resort in Goa into its first all-women-run property under the Club Mahindra brand. This strategic initiative aligns with the company’s long-term commitment to women’s empowerment and inclusive leadership in the hospitality sector.

The 60-room resort is now managed entirely by a team of 75 women, who oversee all operations including traditionally male-dominated functions such as security, engineering, general technical services, food production, and kitchen stewarding.

A Model of Inclusive Leadership and Community Engagement​

MHRIL Managing Director and CEO Manoj Bhat said the move is a "true reflection of our steadfast commitment to gender diversity, inclusion, and women's empowerment."

Extending the impact beyond internal operations, the company is also collaborating with local women entrepreneurs and artisans, incorporating their products and services into resort experiences. This approach not only promotes sustainable development but also uplifts the surrounding community.

Building Future-Ready Talent with a Gender Focus​

The transformation at Acacia Palms is part of a larger roadmap that includes:

• Internal leadership development programmes
• Investment in a Learning Management System (LMS) for upskilling and capability building
• Expansion of women-led resorts in other regions

MHRIL Chief Human Resources Officer Tanvi Choksi emphasized that the company’s philosophy goes beyond intent. “By building an ecosystem where women can thrive, grow, and lead across functions, we are reshaping the future of hospitality while delivering a distinctive guest experience,” she stated.

Currently, 74% of all roles at MHRIL include women on the candidate slate, with ongoing efforts to further increase this representation.

Scaling Up With Grassroots Hiring and Training​

MHRIL also highlighted its focus on grassroots skilling through its HTD (Hire, Train, and Deploy) model, in addition to campus hiring via the Club Mahindra executive trainee programme, which is strategically aimed at onboarding more women into the workforce.

The all-women-led Acacia Palms is now being positioned as a benchmark for Club Mahindra’s future initiatives, setting the tone for a more equitable and progressive hospitality industry.