The Leela Expands Footprint with Entry into Jaisalmer
Leela Palace, Hotels & Resorts elevates its leisure and cultural circuit in Rajasthan with its first Desert Resort and Spa.
By SOH Edit Team
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, India’s only pure-play luxury hospitality brand, has signed a management agreement with The Godwin Group for The Leela Jaisalmer, marking its debut in Rajasthan’s desert capital. The 80-room luxury Desert Resort and Spa, spread across 30 acres, is scheduled to open in 2026. This milestone underscores The Leela’s strategy of expanding through a balanced portfolio of owned and managed assets while upholding its hallmark of luxury and service excellence.
Situated near the iconic Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Leela Jaisalmer will offer refined desert hospitality with contemporary design and traditional Rajasthani aesthetics. The resort will feature luxurious rooms and tented villas, an expansive spa and salon, multiple dining venues, a man-made lake, a pillarless ballroom, and extensive outdoor spaces ideal for weddings and events. Its proximity to Jaisalmer Airport and connectivity to Jodhpur make it easily accessible for domestic and international travellers.
With this addition, The Leela strengthens its presence across Rajasthan’s luxury circuit, creating seamless itineraries with The Leela Palace Udaipur and The Leela Palace Jaipur. The new property complements the brand’s growing portfolio in India’s leading cultural and leisure destinations.
Leadership Perspective
Anuraag Bhatnagar, Whole-time Director & CEO, Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts Limited, said: “We are delighted to announce our foray into Jaisalmer with our first Desert Resort and Spa. Rajasthan continues to hold immense potential for luxury travel, and this signing aligns with our vision to curate distinctive properties that celebrate the essence of India.”
Chiranjeev Singh Bajwa, Director, Godwin Palace & Hotels Pvt. Ltd., added: “This collaboration brings The Leela’s legacy of luxury hospitality to Jaisalmer, combining world-class standards with India’s rich heritage.”
Tanveer Singh Bajwa, Director, Godwin Palace & Hotels Pvt. Ltd., remarked: “Together with The Leela, we aim to create a desert sanctuary that captures Jaisalmer’s timeless allure and redefines luxury for modern travellers.”
The Leela Jaisalmer will be officially branded in 2026, introducing a new era of luxury desert tourism in India. The property will reflect The Leela’s signature brand touchpoints and immersive experiences that celebrate Rajasthan’s regal heritage and natural beauty.
The Leela currently operates 13 properties with 3,544 keys across 11 Indian cities. With 10 hotels in the pipeline, including locations such as Agra, Ayodhya, Bandhavgarh, Mumbai, Ranthambore, Sikkim, Srinagar, Dubai, and now Jaisalmer, the brand is on track to expand to 23 properties with over 5,000 keys within the next three years.