As travellers increasingly seek holidays that combine nature, adventure and meaningful experiences, experiential tourism is emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments within India’s domestic travel market. Responding to this shift in traveller preferences, Nature Trails—the experiential hospitality brand of Thomas Cook (India) Limited—has expanded its footprint beyond Maharashtra with the launch of Nature Trails Rock Valley in Ponda, Goa. The opening marks the brand’s fourth resort and its first property outside Maharashtra, representing an important milestone in Nature Trails’ growth journey.
Nestled amidst a picturesque valley at the foothills of the Western Ghats, the resort spans 15 acres of lush landscapes, offering guests an immersive escape into nature. Designed around the philosophy of outdoor living and experiential travel, the property seamlessly blends adventure, relaxation and local experiences, creating a unique retreat for families, groups of friends, students and corporate travellers alike.
Accommodation at Nature Trails Rock Valley has been thoughtfully designed to maximise guests’ connection with the surrounding environment. Spacious rooms, each exceeding 250 square feet, feature private sit-out areas overlooking forests, rivers and open farmland, allowing visitors to experience Goa’s natural beauty from the comfort of their stay.
Among the resort’s standout attractions are its two infinity pools—one overlooking the valley and another offering scenic river views—providing tranquil spaces to unwind amidst the region’s stunning landscapes. Complementing these leisure facilities is an extensive adventure zone that caters to travellers seeking active and engaging experiences.
Guests can participate in a wide variety of adventure activities, including zip lining, rappelling, ATV rides, archery, target shooting, kayaking and both high-and low-rope courses. All activities are supervised by trained facilitators, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for participants of all ages. The resort’s combination of adventure and nature-based activities makes it particularly appealing for family holidays, group getaways, corporate off-sites and team-building programmes.
For those seeking a slower pace, kayaking and boating experiences on the tranquil Khandepar backwaters offer an opportunity to explore the region’s natural beauty in a more immersive way. Guests can also discover Goa’s rich agricultural heritage through guided walks across the resort’s in-house spice farm, gaining insights into local biodiversity, traditional farming practices and the state’s renowned spice culture.
The property has also been designed as a destination for educational and experiential learning. Specially curated outdoor programmes for schools and colleges combine adventure activities with environmental awareness and hands-on learning experiences, encouraging participants to engage more deeply with nature and sustainability.
Nature Trails Rock Valley offers an all-inclusive stay experience, with dining options showcasing authentic Goan flavours alongside a variety of Indian and international cuisines. Guests can also enjoy scenic walking trails, recreational spaces, dedicated children’s areas and pet-friendly facilities, ensuring a welcoming experience for travellers of all ages.
In addition to leisure facilities, the resort is equipped to host corporate events and group gatherings. Multiple dining venues and a conference facility accommodating up to 120 guests make it an attractive destination for corporate retreats, incentive programmes and team-building engagements.
Strategically located in Ponda, the resort enjoys excellent connectivity. It is situated approximately one hour from Dabolim Airport, 40 minutes from Madgaon Railway Station and just 45 minutes from Colva Beach, making it easily accessible for both domestic and regional travellers.
Speaking on the expansion, Mahesh Iyer, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said: “Nature Trails is Thomas Cook’s strategic investment to tap into India’s booming domestic opportunity by offering novel, experience-led travel offerings blending nature, activity and adventure rooted in authentic, local hospitality and flavor. Our expansion beyond Maharashtra into Goa was logical, given Goa’s strong year-round appeal, connectivity, varied landscapes and appeal across multiple traveler segments. We plan to open more Nature Trails resorts at other exciting destinations soon – so watch this space for more.”
The launch of Nature Trails Rock Valley reflects the brand’s continued commitment to creating immersive hospitality experiences that celebrate nature, adventure and local culture. As demand for experiential travel continues to grow, the expansion into Goa strengthens Nature Trails’ position in the domestic hospitality sector and sets the stage for further growth across some of India’s most compelling destinations.