Leela Palaces Hotels & Resorts has unveiled The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary, a new identity for its recently acquired retreat in Coorg, marking a significant expansion of its nature-led luxury portfolio. The reimagined property spans 76 acres of ancient forests and coffee plantations within the Western Ghats, reinforcing the brand's vision of creating destinations deeply rooted in their surroundings. This launch coincides with the brand's 40th anniversary of True Indian Luxury and aims to capitalize on Coorg's status as a compelling leisure destination.

The IGBC Platinum-certified retreat is designed to harmonize with the landscape, drawing inspiration from Kodava heritage and estate living. It features 71 spacious villas, including duplex, family, and private pool options, culminating in the four-bedroom Sunbeam Presidential Villa. The property includes a seven-acre lake, a private helipad, and a 27,000-square-foot wellness centre offering personalized therapies and yoga.

Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer of Leela Palaces Hotels & Resorts , stated that the unveiling represents a milestone in creating destinations that celebrate the unique character of a location. He emphasized that memorable luxury experiences are those deeply integrated with the destination's environment rather than simply existing within it.

Dining options at the sanctuary include Luma for lakefront all-day dining, Zen for Pan-Asian cuisine, and The Cellar for unwinding. Guests can explore Coorg's coffee heritage at 92 Degrees or experience the Estate to Brew journey, which combines plantation walks with curated tastings. The retreat also offers immersive experiences such as guided forest walks, birdwatching, and waterfall explorations.

The Leela Palaces Hotels & Resorts currently operates 24 hotels in key gateway cities and leisure destinations. The brand is backed by the Brookfield Group and comprises 15 award-winning properties across India. In the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2026, the company was ranked the #2 Hotel Brand in the World.

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has been ranked the #2 Best Hotel Brand in the World in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2026 Survey. This recognition places the brand among the world's finest luxury hospitality providers and reinforces its standing as a leading Indian luxury brand globally. The survey, voted by readers of Travel + Leisure, is a prestigious benchmark evaluating hotels on rooms, facilities, location, service, dining, and value.

The achievement highlights specific accolades for key properties within the group's portfolio. The Leela Palace Udaipur was ranked the No. 2 Resort in India and featured in the top 100 Hotels in the World. Additionally, The Leela Palace New Delhi was recognised and ranked #2 among the Best City Hotels in India in the same survey.

Performance and Historical Context

This milestone comes as The Leela celebrates four decades of operations. The brand has a history of strong performance in these awards, having previously been ranked the World's Best Hotel Brand in 2020 and 2021, and securing the #3 position in 2023 and 2024. The latest ranking reflects a sustained commitment to hospitality standards and guest experience over the years.

The company attributes its success to its philosophy of Atithi Devo Bhava, or “Guest is God,” and its focus on delivering gracious Indian hospitality. The brand's Net Promoter Score stands at 86, which it cites as an industry-leading indicator of guest advocacy and loyalty.

Leadership and Strategic Outlook

Mr. Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer of leela palaces hotels & resorts , stated that the recognition is a powerful affirmation of the company's founding vision. He noted that a luxury hospitality brand rooted in Indian values can represent the best of India among global leaders. He credited the achievement to the associates, guests, owners, and partners who have supported the journey.

Looking ahead, the brand plans to continue its expansion and investment in people as it enters its fifth decade. The Leela aims to build on its legacy through the creation of distinctive luxury experiences that celebrate India's heritage with contemporary relevance. The group's portfolio comprises 15 hotels and resorts across India's leading business and leisure destinations.