-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org)
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has announced the marquee acquisition of an ultra-luxury resort in Coorg, Karnataka, marking a significant evolution in its 40-year history. The property, currently featuring 71 operational villas, will be rebranded as The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary later this year, representing the brand’s first foray into its new “Sanctuary” concept—focused on nature-led, wellness-anchored luxury.
Spanning 76 acres near Madikeri, the resort is situated amidst lush coffee and spice plantations in the Western Ghats. The acquisition, valued at approximately ₹560 crore, was executed through a slump sale mechanism, reinforcing The Leela’s strategy to expand into high-value leisure destinations with rich ecological and cultural capital.
Project Highlights & Expansion Plans:
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Sustainable Design: The resort is IGBC Platinum-certified, with architecture that harmonizes contemporary aesthetics with local Kodava craftsmanship and textures.
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Thoughtful Densification: Leveraging 54 acres of additional land, the first phase of development will add 19 keys, bringing the total inventory to 90 villas.
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Wellness & Restoration: A dedicated 27,000 sq. ft. wellness center, Viyoma, will offer Ayurvedic traditions, modern recovery science, and the brand’s signature Aujasya by The Leela program. It also features the region’s only Turkish Hammam.
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Dining & Experiences: The property houses four dining venues, including Bamboo Buzz (lake-view dining) and Twisted Basil (over-water sanctuary). Experiences range from bean-to-cup coffee tours on the Modur Kaapi deck to guided forest trails and stargazing.
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Premium Access: The sanctuary includes a private helipad for seamless connectivity from Bengaluru and Mangaluru, and a massive four-bedroom presidential villa with its own pool and wellness facilities.
Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, stated: “As we celebrate 40 Years of The Leela, this acquisition represents both a milestone and an evolution. The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary offers a rare synthesis of wilderness, wellness, and the warmth of true Indian luxury for travelers who seek space, stillness, and a genuine connection to nature.”
The integration of Leela’s signature service rituals and brand standards will take place over the coming months. With this addition, The Leela’s portfolio grows to 15 properties globally, with a pipeline of 9 more hotels planned over the next three years in markets like Agra, Ayodhya, and Sikkim.
