The Leela Acquires Luxury Resort in Coorg, Karnataka.
The Leela Palaces Hotels & Resorts has announced its entry into nature-led, wellness-focused hospitality with the purchase of an ultra-luxury resort in Coorg. The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary, a 76-acre property near Madikeri with 71 villas, will be launched later this year.
The acquisition expands the brand’s portfolio into one of South India’s most alluring leisure areas and debuts the brand’s first Sanctuary, coinciding with The Leela’s 40th anniversary. Coorg, which is located in the Western Ghats and is close to Bengaluru and Mangaluru, is known for its mist-covered hills, picturesque waterfalls, rolling coffee plantations, legendary Kodava heritage, and consistently good air quality. These features support the region’s ongoing premium demand from discriminating tourists from around the world.
Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer of The Leela Palaces, Hotels, and Resorts said, “As we celebrate 40 Years of The Leela, this acquisition represents both a milestone and an evolution of the brand into nature-immersive, wellness-focused hospitality. Coorg advances our aim of creating a balanced portfolio across India’s most iconic landscapes while strengthening our footprint in South India. We invest in places with cultural and ecological significance. For tourists looking for peace, quiet, and a true connection to nature, the Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary offers a unique blend of wildness, wellness, and warmth of authentic Indian luxury.”
With architecture that combines modern form with regional craftsmanship and the textures of its surroundings, the IGBC Platinum-certified resort has been constructed in conjunction with its natural setting. The property has substantial land reserves that allow for careful densification; in a first phase, 19 keys were added, bringing the entire inventory to 90 villas.
The four dining establishments of the Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary provide a variety of regional and international cuisines, including bean-to-cup coffee experiences inspired by the area’s plantation past. Aujasya by The Leela, the brand’s distinctive wellness program, Ayurvedic tradition, and contemporary recovery science are all incorporated into a 27,000-square-foot wellness center that serves as the cornerstone of a more comprehensive approach to lifespan and repair. The peaceful center of the sanctuary is a 7-acre lake, and visitors may enter with ease thanks to a private helipad. The facility stands out among South India’s most immersive forest sanctuaries thanks to its spacious four-bedroom presidential villa with a private pool and integrated wellness amenities.
The Leela’s philosophy of honouring the spirit of place is intimately aligned with the property’s destination-inspired culinary programming, holistic health excursions, and nature-led experiences. When combined, these features establish the resort as one of India’s most unique vacation spots and a unique, slow-luxury haven.
The Leela has influenced the world’s perception of authentic Indian elegance for forty years. The Leela’s strategy expansion toward high-value leisure locations characterised by natural capital and cultural depth is reflected in this acquisition. Before formally starting its future chapter as The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary, the property will incorporate distribution strength, service customs, and signature Leela brand standards over the following few months.
The Leela portfolio currently includes 15 properties, including 7 owned, 7 managed, and 1 franchised hotel, with over 4,160 keys spread over 13 locations worldwide, thanks to the addition of Coorg. The brand is still on course to develop to 24 properties over the next three years in high-growth markets including Agra, Ayodhya, Bandhavgarh, Mumbai, Ranthambore, Sikkim, Srinagar, and Jaisalmer, with nine hotels in the works.
