D.A.T.A Resort by Della operates as a military-themed luxury glamping property in Lonavala, Maharashtra, positioning itself within India’s growing outdoor and experiential hospitality segment.
Developed by the Della Group and conceptualised by designer and hotelier Jimmy Mistry, the resort was introduced at a time when experiential and purpose-driven travel was beginning to gain traction in the Indian market.
Unlike conventional glamping resorts, the property combines outdoor accommodation with structured, military-inspired activities delivered by former armed forces personnel.
The resort is set in a forested area overlooking Shirota Lake and consists of 27 permanent glamping tents, each measuring approximately 500 square feet.
The accommodation model reflects a hybrid approach, pairing fixed luxury tent infrastructure with curated outdoor programming rather than relying solely on accommodation-driven revenue.
Programming includes physical training exercises, leadership and teamwork sessions, and guided activities led by ex-military commandos. According to the operator, these activities are designed to be conducted in a controlled environment, allowing participation from a range of guest profiles, including families, couples, and corporate groups.
Since opening, D.A.T.A Resort has maintained a relatively low public profile compared with other destination-led hospitality developments.
According to Bold Outline, the property operates with a limited inventory and does not actively pursue high-volume tourism, instead focusing on advance bookings and smaller group formats. Guests who have stayed at the resort often describe it as a “hidden gem,” reflecting both its secluded location and its deliberate positioning outside mass-market hospitality channels.
For outdoor hospitality professionals, the resort offers a case study in niche positioning within the glamping sector. Rather than competing on scale, D.A.T.A Resort demonstrates how thematic design, specialised staffing, and experiential programming can be used to differentiate a property and potentially support premium pricing.
The use of trained former military personnel also highlights an alternative staffing and partnership model that may be relevant for operators exploring activity-based guest engagement.
The resort’s operational strategy also underscores the trade-offs associated with limited inventory properties, including lower guest volumes balanced against higher per-guest spend and operational complexity.
As experiential travel demand in India has expanded over the past several years, particularly for corporate off-sites and small-group retreats, properties like D.A.T.A Resort illustrate how outdoor hospitality assets can diversify revenue through programming rather than accommodation alone.
As glamping and outdoor accommodation continue to evolve across India and other emerging markets, the resort’s approach may be of interest to campground, glamping, and RV park operators evaluating themed concepts, activity-led experiences, and controlled-capacity development models.