Soak Into A Tropical Experience At This Elevated Eco-Resort, The Machan, Lonavala
Tree-house hotels are now a growing trend that allows one to escape from the fast-paced and mundane urban backdrop; offering an intriguing perspective on nature. Encouraging isolationist travel, these tree resorts are not only praised for their novel design but also have a sustainable edge over conventional hotels. Embrace quiet seclusion with The Machan, a luxurious tree-house resort in Lonavala that not only offers an uninterrupted vista of the surrounding jungle but also blends in with them; all 30 to 40 feet above the forest!
Designed by Lonavala-based Shabbir Unwala, The Machan runs on sustainable resources; with a vision of creating an accommodation that reflects the idea of, ‘designing with nature’. “The location was a mountain slope and the area was limited. So, we decided to make the house around a wild fig tree. On the one side, we had a ramp that connects it to the flattish part and the tree becomes a courtyard where the house is built”, says Shabbir. An eco-resort, the property is made out of recyclable materials such as wood, glass and steel.
Every Machan is a universal and unique space. The architecture is crafted to give a completely immersive experience of the surroundings. Along with a retractable roof that further exposes you to the lap of nature; there are no distinct partition walls within the space, thus creating a seamless expanse between the living and dining area. The interiors are simplistic yet warm, which complements the tropical setting. Most of the furniture has been sourced from Jaipur and made out of Sesam wood, while the rattan furniture is sourced from Indonesia. The old rugs in combination with chatai/wicker blinds and antique switchboards strike a perfect visual balance between vintage traditional and tropical.
All the Machans are designed like floating platforms and are categorized into distinct types based on their spatial experience. The Woods Machan offers a beautiful wooden-themed room on the ground while the Canopy Machan is made from 100% recycled hardwood and has only glass walls. There is Jungle Machan, which truly brings out the forest experience as real trees sprouting from the floor are fully stretched through the roof; and the Forest Machan is truly fascinating for its spacious rooms that float 45-55 feet above the ground.
The Sunset Machan, is designed as a loft suite that has four distinct sections and known for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views; the Cabin type resembles ancient samurai houses in Japan with its sliding roof that bends on the edges and an open porch with a water feature. Delving further, there is also Heritage Machan, with a 40 feet loft built to provide a complete 360-degree view of Jambulne and the surroundings; and Starlight Machan that lets you sleep under the stars and witness several constellations.
Along with an in-house restaurant, the property also houses a spa and ample opportunities for treks and other adventures. Each Machan has been carefully designed to minimize any impact on its natural surroundings while offering its inhabitants spectacular views in luxurious comfort.
