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12 Years, 49 Holidays, and a Lifetime of Memories with Club Mahindra ❤️🌍

So you mean to say all the 3L members of CM are insane
no my point was sales people dont tell these things at the time of selling the membership.they sell the rosy picture of getting 25 years of holidays.no sane person will buy membership if he/she has been told that we will debit 3 days even if you travel for 1.

This was also mentioned that it will go up every year by the retail CPG inflation rate. I am not defending anything, stating facts - hope you get it (also covered in my post)
my asf was 20K for 20-21.now for in aug 24 its 30K.are you saying inflation increased by 50% in last 4 years.
Sherwood 3 times, no such issue. Last time in December 2020 - yes during Covid - just relaxed for 4 nights.
did you stay in bunglow?i have travelled 2 years after you.so you can not really relate with it.
I believe this is a new associate property
no the resort property is owned by club mahindra.Only villas are owned by different owners.

I am not saying club mahindra ownership is worst.all i am saying you are painting extremely rosy picture which is not true.room booking is hassle and you need to think of lots of permutations and combinations.its not about your or my experience.i was making a general point.

as i have told i may already extracted more value than you.i took 1 Red BR for 4Lac just 3 years prior to you in 2010.also got 32 inch led tv and 2 weeks of international holiday and 1 domestic holiday along with the membership.also i have once saved 2Lac+ on a trip by exchanging club mahindra holidays.also i have got 10 complimentary nights and 5000 RCP.

My point is you need to give a clear picture when recommending something.club mahindra is good only if you are ready to accept all the compromises comes with it.which are many BTW.I believe i have already extracted the membership cost.nowday its all about recouping ASF and still have 10 more years to go.

But will i buy it now in 2025 The answer is No.Its not worth it IMO.
 
My point being you cannot just call them crooks just because of some dishonest sales guys.
The way their sales pitch is designed (which you yourself confirm is still the same even after 2 decades) cannot be possible by a few "dishonest sales guys". It is clearly designed and orchestrated at the top level of the company, with the sales guys specifically trained to be dishonest and the setup specifically made to confuse and pressurize the intended customer into signing the agreement without giving proper information. Which makes it an organized scam.

I had a vacation in 1st week of March to parts of Rajasthan. As part of the tour, I stayed at one 5 star property at Jodhpur for 7.5K+GST/night and another at Jaipur for 8.4K+GST/night, both on MAP with one extra bed, and other complimentary facilities. As someone indicated, he is required to now pay 30K/year as ASF even after paying a significantly large amount initially, that too with availability as per the sweet will of CM, with quality of room and service that seems to be highly questionable. So the effective per night cost seems exorbitantly high in comparison to the normal market rates.
 
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Back in 2013, we made a decision that would shape the way we travel as a family—we became proud members of Club Mahindra with a White Studio membership. At the time, the concept of pre-planned holidays sounded exciting but uncertain. Little did we know, it would open the door to 49 amazing vacations across India’s most breathtaking destinations. 🌄✈️

As our kid grew up and bunking school became a challenge, we upgraded to a Red Studio membership—giving us greater flexibility, more choice, and wider access across the year. And now, after 12 years, we can confidently say: it’s been worth every bit. ❤️



💳 Membership Details: Our Travel Investment

Club Mahindra membership is structured around two key components: season and room type. There are four seasons — Blue, White, Red, and Purple — and four room categories — Hotel Unit (HU), Studio (STU), 1-Bedroom (1BR), and 2-Bedroom (2BR). Pricing is based on the combination of these two factors, with Blue HU being the most economical and Purple 2BR the most premium. A standard membership spans 25 years, with 7 holiday nights credited annually based on your membership tier. Flexibility is built in — you can book higher or lower seasons and room types, and the number of nights deducted is calculated by multiplying with a predefined usage factor. Additionally, an Annual Subscription Fee (ASF) is payable each year, which varies depending on your room type and is subject to periodic increases.
  • Joined in 2013 with a White Studio membership (~₹3 lakhs at the time)
  • Upgraded to Red Studio after a few years (+₹1.5 lakhs approx.)
  • Total investment: ~₹4.5 lakhs
  • Annual Subscription Fees (ASF): ~₹21,000 at present for Studio (increases by CPI inflation rate every year)
Over 12 years and 49 holidays, this has worked out to be a rewarding investment in quality family time.



🌍 Club Mahindra's Ever-Growing Network of Resorts

One of the biggest advantages of a Club Mahindra membership is the vast and diverse resort network that keeps expanding every year.

📌 Current Resort Footprint
  • 🏞️ 93 Resorts Across India — from mountains to beaches, forests to deserts, there’s something for every kind of traveler.
  • ✈️ 37 International Resorts spanning 13 countries - Thailand, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Finland, Malaysia, etc. and more, via partner properties and the RCI network.
This massive spread ensures that you’ll never run out of new places to explore. Whether it's a quick weekend getaway or a long relaxing break, there's always a destination within reach.

We have been to 25+ resorts in India, yet to make our international debut.

🌟 Our Top 5 Resorts

🏞️
1. Munnar – Magical Tea Gardens
🌲 2. Madikeri – The Coorg Gem
🌊 3. Puducherry – Culture Meets the Coast
🐾 4. Corbett – Into the Wild by the River
🍓 5. Sherwood (Mahabaleshwar) – Our First Love



🧳 49 Holidays, Countless Memories

Here’s a glimpse of other wonderful places we've explored with Club Mahindra:

🌊 Beach & Backwater Escapes
  • Goa Varca (3 times), Emerald Palms (2 times), Assonora
  • Cherai, Kumarakom, Ashtamudi, Poovar
  • Puducherry
  • Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island (associate properties) 🐠🌴
🏞️ Hills
  • Tungi (3 times), Hatgad (2 times)
  • Binsar Valley, Binsar Villa
  • Madikeri, Virajpet
  • Ooty
  • Baiguney
  • Darjeeling, Kalimpong
  • Kashmir Houseboats (associate property)
🌲 Forests & Wildlife
  • Gir
  • Corbett
  • Thekkady
🛕 Religious
  • Tirupati (associate property)


📲 Booking Your Holidays: Easy Once You Know How

One of the most important parts of maximizing your Club Mahindra membership is knowing how to book your holidays smoothly — especially during busy seasons or at popular resorts.

✅ Preferred Methods: App & Web Portal

Over the years, we’ve found the Club Mahindra app and website to be the most efficient ways to book:
  • The Club Mahindra App (available on Android & iOS) is user-friendly and shows live availability, your remaining holiday balance, and lets you explore resort photos, activity options, and reviews.
  • The Club Mahindra Member Portal on the website works just as well and allows you to:
    • Filter resorts by season type, region, or holiday type (beach, hill, forest, etc.)
    • Check real-time availability
    • Instantly confirm bookings
    • Raise requests for special room preferences
We usually start browsing on the opening day (3 months in advance), especially for back to back bookings spanning multiple resorts.



🍽️ Culinary Experiences: A Constant Delight

One thing we always look forward to is the food—a true highlight at every resort. Whether it’s fresh seafood in Goa, Kerala’s traditional Sadya, or homestyle thalis in the hills, Club Mahindra chefs consistently impress us. 👨‍🍳

  • Buffets: ₹600–₹1,200 per person, wide spread, local and international dishes
  • À la carte: Overpriced, great quality
  • Local specialties, kid-friendly menus, chef-curated dishes
  • Personal touches like surprise birthday cakes and themed dinners add to the joy!
As a foodie, my first mission is always to befriend the Executive Chef — they're usually warm, welcoming, and often go the extra mile to surprise you with a delightful Chef’s Special!



🎉 Always Something Fun: Activities & More

Club Mahindra ensures there's never a dull moment:
  • Adventure: Ziplining, treks, nature walks
  • Creative: Pottery, painting, cooking classes
  • Entertainment: Karaoke, movie nights, magic shows, cultural programs
  • Activities typically range from ₹100–₹500, with many complimentary surprises too



🚗 Getting There: Scenic Journeys

While many resorts are a bit remote, they offer a true break from city life. The extra travel is a small trade-off for the tranquility, fresh air, and beautiful settings that await.



📸 For the Love of Photography: A Visual Treat at Every Turn

If you’re someone who travels with a camera (or even just a good phone), Club Mahindra resorts are a paradise for photography lovers. Whether you're into landscapes, wildlife, food, or candid family moments, there’s no shortage of inspiration.

🌄 Scenic Landscapes, All Year Round

From the misty hills of Munnar to the lush green plantations of Madikeri, the dramatic cliffs of Varca to the serene backwaters of Kumarakom—every resort brings with it a changing canvas of nature.

🐘 Wildlife & Nature Moments

If you’re into nature or wildlife photography, resorts like Corbett, Gir, Thekkady, Binsar, Poovar, and Ashtamudi offer rich biodiversity and thrilling encounters—from early morning safaris and vibrant birdwatching to capturing butterflies, rare trees, and lush flora right outside your room. Bring your zoom lens—and patience—for those once-in-a-lifetime shots.

🍽️ Foodies Behind the Lens

You’ll love capturing the culinary artistry at Club Mahindra’s restaurants, from regional specialties plated with flair to themed buffets, candlelit dinners, outdoor grills, and even beautifully arranged breakfast spreads that are totally photo-worthy.

🧒 Family Portraits in Natural Backdrops

Club Mahindra resorts offer Instagram-perfect backdrops for family portraits, couple shots, or solo selfies — with floral archways, infinity pools, vintage balconies, bonfire pits, and lively cultural programs, plus friendly staff who are often happy to help you capture the moment.


Whether you're using a DSLR, a GoPro, or just your smartphone, there’s magic in every frame waiting to be captured on a Club Mahindra holiday. Just don’t forget to pack your charger, spare batteries, and memory cards — you’ll need them all! 📷✨

👉 You can check out some of my favourite captures at www.instagram.com/sjm_clicks — Posted during COVID, most of these were taken in and around Club Mahindra resorts before COVID.



💡 Pro Tips for New & Prospective Members

As much as we’ve loved our Club Mahindra journey, we’ve also learned a lot along the way. If you’re considering a membership—or just starting out—here are some pro tips to make the most of it and avoid common pitfalls:

⚠️ Don’t Fall Prey to the Sales Pitch
  • Sales representatives can be very persuasive, often making it sound like everything is “free” once you buy the membership.
  • Remember: membership only covers the stay (based on availability), and everything else—meals, transport, activities—is chargeable.
  • Take your time, ask questions, read the fine print, and understand the cost structure fully before signing anything.
Consult a trusted, longstanding member and use their referral — it not only earns you a joining bonus but also rewards your friend with valuable RCPs (Resort Credit Points).

💸 It’s Not the End of Your Expenses
  • Annual Subscription Fees (ASF) are mandatory and increase over time.
  • Food is not included, and on average, resort dining is premium priced.
  • Most activities are paid—although well-organized, they’re not free.
So while the holiday stay is prepaid, budget for food, travel, and activities to avoid surprises.

📅 Plan in Advance, Especially for Peak Seasons
  • The good resorts fill up fast during school holidays, long weekends, and festival seasons.
  • Book on the opening day to get your preferred property and dates—especially if you're planning to visit multiple resorts back to back.
🛏️ Choose Room Types Wisely
  • Studios are cozy for 2 adults + 1 child. For a family of 4+, consider upgrading to a 1BR or 2BR for more space and comfort.
  • If traveling with elders or toddlers, always request ground floor or accessible rooms well in advance.
🚕 Evaluate sightseeing and transfer costs before booking
  • Except for a few resorts, the in-house travel desk often charges significantly more than local operators.
  • You can usually Google and book rides from reputed local providers at better rates.
  • In destinations like Kerala and Goa, where taxi unions are strong, app-based cab services are often restricted. A smarter alternative—especially in Kerala—is to book a cab for your entire trip, from airport pickup to drop. It’s usually more economical and gives you the convenience of having a vehicle at your disposal round the clock.
  • While self-drive cars are available for enthusiasts, I’ve personally found it far more convenient to hire a local driver who not only knows the roads well but often doubles up as a friendly and informative guide.
🧾 Watch Out for ASF Dues & Expiry of Holidays
  • If you skip paying ASF, your bookings may get blocked.
  • Unused holidays can accumulate, but to a maximum of 21 nights, anything over and above will expire.
🧳 Utilize Exchange Partners Smartly
  • Explore Club M Select, RCI, and international tie-ups when you feel like a change beyond CM resorts.
  • You can even gift or transfer holidays to friends or relatives (with prior coordination).
🤝 Join Member Forums & Groups
  • The official Club Mahindra Community regularly hosts fun contests and rewards members with exciting goodies. During the Covid period, I took part in a few — I wrote my first Holiday Diary and won 1st prize: a 3-night stay and ₹15,000 worth of RCPs! I also bagged a ₹1,000 Amazon gift voucher in a contest called Coffee with Gul Panag. Smaller wins keep coming my way throughout the year in various mini contests — it’s a great way to stay engaged and earn extra perks!
  • Member communities on Facebook offer real experiences, booking tips, food suggestions, and even help with swapping bookings.
  • We’ve found recommendations for nearby attractions and tips on best room views from fellow travellers.


🔻 A Few Downsides to Keep in Mind

While our Club Mahindra journey has been largely wonderful, it’s only fair to mention a few things that prospective members should be aware of:

📈 Annual Subscription Fee (ASF) Keeps Increasing

When we joined in 2013, the ASF was much lower, but over the years, it has steadily gone up and is now in the range of ₹18,000–₹20,000 annually for us. It’s manageable, but it's definitely a cost that should be factored in while calculating long-term value.

🍳 No Complimentary Breakfast

Unlike many luxury resorts or hotel chains, Club Mahindra doesn’t include complimentary breakfast in the base stay. Even for members, meals (including breakfast) are chargeable. While the quality and spread are great, it can add up quickly, especially for longer stays or larger families.

💰 Food is Expensive

Dining at Club Mahindra resorts tends to be on the higher side.
  • Buffets: ₹700–₹1,200 per person
  • À la carte: Excellent but not budget-friendly
  • No access to kitchens or room cooking in most studios, which limits options for families who prefer home-style or light meals
  • Normally you won’t find any decent restaurant anywhere near the resort as most resorts are in remote locations.
That said, we always opt for meal packages, which offer much better value—and the food, while pricey, has generally been exceptional in quality and variety.



💬 Final Thoughts

Over these 12 years, Club Mahindra has helped us create a lifestyle where travel is not an occasional luxury, but a joyful habit. It has helped us explore places we might never have discovered otherwise, all with the comfort, quality, and care of a trusted brand.

There may be occasional challenges, but the value far outweighs them. If used well, this membership becomes an ever-growing collection of smiles and stories.

Here’s to many more! 🧳🌴✨
CM offering meanwhile 😉
 

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