Introduction:

Travellers often leave a heavy environmental footprint behind during their enjoyment. Aditi Balbir spotted a major issue in the travel world: many hotels and resorts were hurting the environment and overlooking local communities. She took action by launching V Resorts 2.0. As the founder of V Resorts, she took the mission to show that you can enjoy an amazing vacation without harming the planet. 

V Resorts hired locals, used nearby resources, and adopted eco-friendly practices to prove travel can benefit both people and nature. It’s not just about luxury but also about making a real difference. V Resorts 2.0 is now leading the eco-friendly tourism in India. Driven by her love for travel and a knack for innovation, Aditi created eco-luxury holidays that mix comfort with sustainability. The article explores how Aditi’s V Resorts transforms the Indian hospitality scene, its impact, and the journey of V Resorts.

Aditi Balbir: Early life and education

Aditi grew up in Kerala, and her curiosity for the environment began as she was always surrounded by nature. Aditi participated in many activities to keep the surroundings clean and save the environment. She pursued her higher studies in the Bachelor’s program in environmental studies. Apart from this, she joined the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad, where she refined her business skills and completed an MBA. 

Aditi Balbir also studied at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business in the United States. She also holds degrees in finance and law. Her strong educational background gave her a sharp analytical mind and a deep understanding of business. After graduating, she entered the corporate world and worked with top-tier firms like McKinsey & Company and Baring Private Equity. 

The journey of V Resorts

Founding V Resorts 1.0

After completing her MBA, Aditi worked at a venture capital firm, Bedrock, where she evaluated a business idea to manage boutique resorts in India. Aditi Balbir mentioned that her strength lies in finance and law, but her experience with travel helped her launch V Resorts. V Resorts was launched to provide stays in the lesser-known locations through local and independently owned resorts that struggled with management and marketing. 

V Resorts started as a small trial, but it proved the importance of eco-friendly hospitality. However, its success helped Aditi recognize that by focusing on offbeat destinations, her startup could offer travelers unique experiences while boosting local economies. This idea made V Resorts a leader in eco-hospitality. V Resorts 1.0 caught the attention of investors and raised $9 million from investors like Seed Fund and RB Investments. 

V Resorts 2.0: Redefining hospitality

In 2020, the hospitality startup pivoted to an eco-luxury approach. Among the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Aditi Balbir pushed the idea for V Resorts 2.0 and rebranded it as Veekends.com. The company shifted its focus to eco-luxury holidays by combining comfort with sustainability. Unlike conventional luxury resorts that don’t take the environment into consideration, V Resorts 2.0 prioritizes eco-friendly practices alongside community upliftment. 

V Resorts 2.0 operates on a circular economy model, and by offering products and services locally, the firm wants its resorts to benefit the areas they’re located in. The aim of V Resorts 2.0 was to elevate eco-luxury to world-class standards. This approach improved local jobs, income, and environmental value each year. The company uses green practices by integrating rainwater harvesting systems and organic waste composting at every location. The startup aims to minimize the carbon footprint during travel without sacrificing comfort or style. 

How does it empower local communities? 

V Resorts also benefits society and empowers women and rural communities. The company revived local crafts and offered training to women through initiatives like the Young Women’s Leadership Program. Aditi Balbir was also named as one of the Dell Foundation’s 200 most powerful women entrepreneurs in the world. The company also helps the regional economy by hiring over 90 percent of its staff from nearby regions. They also get training at a central facility in Delhi. This is how V Resorts is turning locals into hospitality professionals. 

Everything from fresh produce to materials is brought locally. This lowers transport emissions and supports farmers. The company has injected over 50 million INR annually into regional economies. Each resort created more employment opportunities and supports hundreds of people indirectly. Workshops help in the skill development of local youth. Green practices like energy-saving measures and waste recycling help to make the environment clean and achieve a sustainable future.    

The future and the road ahead

V Resorts 2.0 has expanded from two locations to seven premier locations across India. The company already operates an online platform that connects travelers with eco-friendly stays. The company also sells Organix bath and body products made from local ingredients, through its online portal and in-resort stalls. 

V Resorts has already gained widespread recognition. It also won the UN World Tourism Organization Award for Sustainable Tourism in 2015 and Lonely Planet’s Best Upcoming Resort Chain award in 2016. 

Aditi Balbir has also been awarded CNBC TV18’s Young Business Woman Award, as well in the list of Business World’s 40 Under 40. Going forward, the startup has plans to establish itself as a globally leading eco-luxury sustainable firm in tourism. Her goal is to inspire fellow entrepreneurs and travellers alike, proving that travel can be sustainable too. 

FAQs:

What is V Resorts 2.0?

V Resorts 2.0 (Veekends.com) is a startup offering eco-luxury holidays in offbeat spots, focusing on sustainability and local engagement.

How does V Resorts help local communities?

It hires 90% of staff locally, sources everything nearby, and supports artisans through cultural experiences.

What makes V Resorts sustainable?

It uses local sourcing, waste management, and energy conservation, aligning with UN SDGs. Additionally, all properties hold certifications such as LEED Gold and EarthCheck Silver.

Does V Resorts 2.0 only operate in India?

Currently, yes; however, it plans to expand into international locations in Costa Rica, Bali, and South Africa by 2027.

How does it support women?

Women lead key roles, and the company promotes female artisans and mentors women entrepreneurs.