The Leela Is Turning 40, and Its Most Ambitious Year Is Just Beginning

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts opened its first property in Mumbai in 1986 with a founding philosophy borrowed from Sanskrit: Atithi Devo Bhava, which translates to "the guest is god." Forty years and 15 properties later, backed by the Brookfield Group and twice ranked as the number one hospitality brand globally, The Leela continues to stay rooted in its core philosophy.

How The Leela Is Marking the Moment

The anniversary began, tellingly, with the people. A simultaneous all-employee town hall was held across every Leela property on the same day, followed by a commemorative pinning ceremony where associates received specially designed 40-year insignia, and long service awards for those who have shaped the brand across decades. For a hospitality brand, there is no more honest signal of priorities.

The rest of the year is dense with programming. Arq by The Leela debuts at The Leela Palace New Delhi. The Azulian House opens at The Leela Palace Bengaluru, a dining destination built around gastronomy and storytelling. The Leela Palace Chennai extends its private membership philosophy. Aujasya by The Leela, the brand's wellness programme, expands with curated menus, signature rituals, and retreats across properties. Sarod maestros Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash record a commemorative musical album. The Leela Centre of Excellence launches as a structured investment in the next generation of hospitality professionals. The year closes with a charity gala in November.

What the Next Chapter Looks Like

Three new properties define the expansion story. The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary, an all-villa retreat across 76 acres of coffee and spice plantation near Madikeri in the Western Ghats, introduces the brand's Sanctuary format for the first time. The nature-led, wellness-centred proposition is a deliberate shift from the palace and urban hotel model the brand has built its name on. The Leela Jaisalmer follows, placing the brand in one of Rajasthan's most atmospheric addresses. The Leela Luxury Residences in Mumbai moves into the branded residences space. Nine more hotels are in the pipeline across Agra, Ayodhya, Bandhavgarh, Ranthambore, Sikkim, Srinagar, and beyond.

Anuraag Bhatnagar, chief executive officer of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, summarises it simply: "From our beginnings in Mumbai to a growing portfolio of iconic destinations, our endeavour has always been to showcase India's rich cultural heritage through the lens of refined luxury.’ He adds, “as we look ahead, we remain focused on thoughtful expansion, elevating guest experiences, and continuing to set new benchmarks for Indian luxury on the global stage."