The Leela Debuts in Coorg with a Forest Sanctuary Centred on Wellness and Nature
The Leela Palaces expands into wellness-led luxury with Coorg debut.
By SOH Edit Team
The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary marks The Leela’s entry into nature-led, wellness-anchored luxury hospitality. Set across 76 acres of lush landscape near Madikeri, the 71 all-villa resort is scheduled to launch later this year and is positioned to redefine immersive luxury in India.
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has announced the acquisition of an ultra-luxury resort in Coorg, coinciding with its 40th anniversary. The development introduces the brand’s first “Sanctuary” concept and strengthens its presence in South India, aligning with its strategy to expand into high-value leisure destinations rooted in cultural and ecological richness.
Speaking on the occasion, Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer, 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. We invest in destinations with cultural and ecological value, and Coorg strengthens our presence in South India while advancing our strategy of building a balanced portfolio across India’s most iconic landscapes. The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary offers a rare synthesis of wilderness, wellness and warmth of true Indian luxury for travellers who seek space, stillness and a genuine connection to nature.”
Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts.
Location & Demand Drivers
Located in the Western Ghats, Coorg is a high-potential leisure destination known for its coffee plantations, mist-laden hills, waterfalls, and Kodava heritage. Its proximity to Bengaluru and Mangaluru, coupled with strong environmental quality and scenic appeal, continues to drive demand from discerning global travellers.
The IGBC Platinum-certified resort has been designed in harmony with its surroundings, combining contemporary architecture with local craftsmanship. The property currently comprises 71 villas and benefits from substantial land reserves, enabling phased expansion. An initial development phase will increase capacity to 90 villas.
The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary delivers a holistic luxury experience anchored in wellness and nature. It features multiple dining venues with global and regional offerings, including plantation-inspired coffee experiences. A 27,000 sq. ft. wellness centre integrates Ayurveda, modern recovery science, and the brand’s Aujasya programme. A seven-acre lake forms the core of the sanctuary, complemented by a private helipad and a signature presidential villa with integrated wellness facilities, positioning the resort among South India’s most immersive forest retreats.
Brand Positioning & Vision
The sanctuary reflects The Leela’s philosophy of celebrating the spirit of place through curated nature-led experiences, holistic wellness journeys, and destination-inspired culinary programming, positioning it as a distinctive slow-luxury offering.
With this addition, The Leela portfolio expands to 15 properties with over 4,160 keys across 13 cities globally. The group continues its growth momentum with nine properties in the pipeline and a target of reaching 24 hotels over the next three years across key destinations including Agra, Ayodhya, Bandhavgarh, Mumbai, Ranthambore, Sikkim, Srinagar and Jaisalmer.
The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary underscores the brand’s strategic pivot toward experiential luxury rooted in natural and cultural capital, reinforcing its position in shaping the global expression of Indian luxury hospitality.
Key Facilities:
- 71 villas
- Signature Presidential villa with wellness facilities
- Multiple dining venues
- Plantation-inspired coffee experiences
- Wellness centre
- Private helipad
