Dattatray Athalekar, senior horticulturalist and the first naturalist at Club Mahindra’s Assonora Resort, Goa is everything you didn’t imagine an agriculture graduate would be.

“After completing my BSc agriculture in 2006, I began working instead of studying further as I felt I would fare better at onsite work rather than a desk job. I did a short course - Diploma in Landscaping and began working across different industries. I wanted to explore different industries in which horticulture plays a significant part.  

But in 2013 I had a breakthrough. I got the opportunity to work as a horticulture executive in Club Mahindra - Varca. That was my first experience in the hotel industry. I was aware that hotel employ landscape artist but what kind of work they do; what is the growth potential; does one have to work with guest and communicate with them? – these are aspects, I had no idea about. 

The first year at Varca was a little challenging. I am an introvert and the idea of communication and interacting with guests was intimidating. However, gradually, I turned into a different person – more communicative, more confident and more guest-friendly. After my four-year stint at Varca I joined Club Mahindra Assonora resort in the pre-opening team and have been here since.  

Today, I feel I am the perfect fit for the hospitality business. It allows me to combine all my passions, ideas and creativity to design projects and landscapes with tangible benefits. Farming is something that directly connects one to nature, the eco trail allows me to convey these ideas, thoughts about nature to the guests – this combination create awareness a ‘wow’ moment for me. For me, this job allows me to connect directly to the Earth and with the society.  

Here at Club Mahindra, I have grown in three different ways – as an executive; as a manager and now as a senior manager.  I have been assigned different profiles and my responsibility too has increased. Initially I was assigned to one property but now whenever there is a requirement at other properties for enhancement or improvement, I am asked to help. So far, I have worked on the renovation of the Alibaug property, the Tungi resort, in Lonavala and of course I have to help and consult for all properties in the Goa cluster – all this keeps me on my toes.” 

Here is a sneak peek into the eco trail hosted by Dattatray Athalekar at Club Mahindra Assonora. The trail takes you through the meandering forest within the premises, with Dattatray pointing out medicinal plants, flora and fauna unique to the region. The resort also boasts of beekeeping farm, its own organic produce, adventure activities and lazy river.