The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary Marks Brand Expansion
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has announced a marquee acquisition in Coorg, signaling its entry into nature-led, wellness-anchored luxury hospitality. The upcoming The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary will be a 71 all-villa ultra-luxury resort spread across 76 acres of lush landscape near Madikeri.
Set to open later this year, the property represents a significant evolution in the brand’s positioning, moving beyond traditional luxury hotels into immersive, experience-driven destinations rooted in nature and wellbeing.
The announcement also coincides with the brand’s 40th anniversary, marking a milestone moment in its growth journey.
Nature-Led Luxury in the Western Ghats
Located in the ecologically rich Western Ghats, the resort is surrounded by coffee and spice plantations, offering a setting that combines biodiversity with scenic tranquillity.
Coorg, often referred to as the “Scotland of India,” has emerged as a high-demand leisure destination due to its misty hills, waterfalls, and Kodava heritage. Its proximity to Bengaluru and Mangaluru further enhances accessibility for domestic and international travellers.
According to Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO of The Leela, the acquisition aligns with the brand’s strategy of investing in destinations that offer strong cultural and ecological value, while catering to travellers seeking space, stillness, and deeper connections with nature.
Architecture Rooted in Landscape and Craft
The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary has been designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The IGBC Platinum-certified resort integrates contemporary architecture with local craftsmanship, using materials and textures that reflect the region’s identity.
The masterplan allows for low-density development, ensuring privacy and preserving the integrity of the landscape. A phased expansion will add 19 additional villas, taking the total inventory to 90 keys.
From an architectural standpoint, the project reflects a growing industry focus on sustainable design, contextual architecture, and biophilic experiences—key elements shaping the future of luxury hospitality in India.
Wellness-Centric Hospitality at The Leela Coorg
At the core of the project is a 27,000 sq. ft. wellness centre, positioning the property as a destination for holistic wellbeing. The wellness offering will combine:
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Traditional Ayurvedic therapies
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Modern recovery and longevity practices
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Aujasya by The Leela, the brand’s signature wellness programme
The integration of wellness into the architectural and operational framework reflects the rising demand for restorative travel experiences that go beyond conventional leisure stays.
A 7-acre central lake anchors the property, enhancing the sense of calm and acting as a focal point for the overall spatial experience.
Culinary and Experiential Design in a Forest Setting
The resort will feature four dining venues, offering a mix of global and regional cuisines. A highlight will be bean-to-cup coffee experiences, drawing from Coorg’s rich plantation heritage.
The experiential design of the property extends beyond accommodation and dining to include curated nature-led activities and immersive guest journeys that celebrate the “spirit of place.”
Additionally, the property will include a four-bedroom presidential villa with a private pool and integrated wellness facilities, positioning it among the most exclusive luxury offerings in South India.
A private helipad further enhances accessibility, catering to high-end travellers seeking seamless connectivity.
Strategic Growth for The Leela Portfolio
With the addition of Coorg, The Leela portfolio will expand to 15 properties with over 4,160 keys across 13 cities globally. The brand currently has nine hotels in the pipeline, targeting expansion to 24 properties over the next three years.
Upcoming destinations include Agra, Ayodhya, Bandhavgarh, Mumbai, Ranthambore, Sikkim, Srinagar, and Jaisalmer.
Backed by the Brookfield Group, the brand continues to focus on high-value leisure destinations that combine natural capital with cultural depth.
A New Benchmark for Slow Luxury in India
The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary represents a broader shift in India’s luxury hospitality sector toward “slow luxury”—a concept defined by immersive environments, sustainability, wellness, and experiential depth.
By integrating architecture, ecology, and hospitality, the project sets a new benchmark for forest-based luxury resorts in India, appealing to a new generation of global travellers seeking meaningful and restorative experiences.
