The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has launched its newest destination, the Coorg Forest Sanctuary, set across 76 acres of ancient forest and coffee estates in the Western Ghats. The resort blends Indian luxury with eco‑conscious design, offering a nature‑centric guest experience.
Mumbai, July 9, 2026 – India’s sole pure‑play luxury hospitality brand The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts announced the opening of its latest retreat, The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary. Spanning 76 acres of pristine forest, coffee plantations and the biodiversity‑rich Western Ghats, the property aims to fuse high‑end luxury with a deep respect for its natural surroundings.
Environmental Context and Brand Vision
Coorg, often dubbed “the Switzerland of India,” is famed for mist‑clad hills, cascading waterfalls and the distinct Kodava culture. By revitalising an historic coffee estate and earning IGBC Platinum certification, The Leela has created a resort that reflects both local craftsmanship and the region’s ecological significance. This launch marks a milestone in the brand’s four‑decade journey to embed luxury within the very soul of a destination.
Design, Architecture and Guest Experience
The sanctuary comprises 71 spacious villas—including duplex, family and private‑pool units—culminating in the flagship four‑bedroom Sunbeam Presidential Villa. Each villa draws inspiration from Kodava heritage, estate living and the rhythm of the forest, allowing guests to wake to mist‑filled mornings, birdsong and an ever‑changing canopy that becomes an integral part of their stay.
Activities and Culinary Offerings
Visitors can partake in guided forest walks, plantation trails, bird‑watching, waterfall treks, cycling routes and stargazing under clear night skies. Dining experiences feature Luma, a lakeside all‑day venue focused on seasonal produce, and Zen, a refined pan‑Asian restaurant. The 92 Degrees lounge celebrates Coorg’s coffee legacy, while the Estate‑to‑Brew journey immerses guests in centuries‑old coffee culture through curated tastings and storytelling.
Wellness and Future Outlook
The resort’s wellness philosophy, Aujasya by The Leela, is housed in a 27,000‑square‑foot centre complemented by outdoor treatment spaces and a lakeside Vinyasa yoga deck. Personalized therapies, mindfulness sessions and nature‑inspired rituals provide a holistic renewal experience. With a growing portfolio of 24 operational hotels and several more in the pipeline, The Leela aims to set a benchmark for true Indian luxury that is inseparable from the landscapes, cultures and traditions it inhabits.
