Indian hospitality takes centre stage: The Leela’s global recognitions signal a cultural awakening

As the world turns its gaze towards India, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts emerge as the definitive voice of contemporary Indian luxury.

Mumbai, 20th November 2025: As discerning travellers, tastemakers, and critics from across the world increasingly look eastward, they are discovering that Indian hospitality is unlike anything else in the luxury hospitality landscape. The evidence arrives with The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, not as individual accolades but a sweeping acknowledgement of authenticity expressed and elevated with contemporary vision across every dimension of the luxury experience.  

What distinguishes The Leela's global recognition is its refusal to dilute Indian identity in pursuit of international validation. Instead of sanding down cultural edges to appeal to Western sensibilities, The Leela has deepened its roots in Indian tradition whilst simultaneously becoming fluent in the visual, culinary, and experiential codes that define contemporary global luxury.  

The results speak for themselves in the awards, accolades, and recognitions received over the last year. The Leela Palace Udaipur was named 'The Best Indian Urban Escape' by Robb Report's Best of the Best 2026. The Leela Raviz Kovalam was crowned The Best Resort in India at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, with The Leela Palace Udaipur, The Leela Palace Jaipur, and The Leela Palace Chennai receiving honourable mentions. Michelin Keys awarded two keys each to The Leela Palace New Delhi and The Leela Palace Jaipur, while The Leela Palace Chennai received one key. ZLB23 at The Leela Palace Bengaluru earned its place among Asia's 50 Best Bars, whilst The Library Bar in New Delhi joined it on India's 30 Best Bars list. Megu and Le Cirque at The Leela Palace New Delhi were featured in Condé Nast Traveller's Top 50 Restaurants. 

Most recently, The Leela Palace Udaipur was honoured as the ‘Best Sustainable Hotel’ at the 2025 ULTRAs Awards in Dubai - a distinction voted for by over 32 million members of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme and a celebration of the very best in global luxury travel.

Speaking on its recent achievements, Anjali Mehra, Executive Vice President - Brand and Communication at The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, said, “We are delighted with the accolades that we have received over the last year. Our recent wins make it clear that international juries and discerning travellers are not just attracted to beautiful properties or attentive service – though The Leela delivers both in abundance. They are responding to a coherent philosophy permeating every level of the hospitality experience, from the moment a guest encounters the building's architecture to the final farewell amenity they carry home.”   

“As global attention increasingly focuses on India’s economic dynamism, its cultural influence, and its role in shaping the 21st century, the country needs ambassadors who can translate this excellence for the world whilst maintaining its distinctiveness. We want to build on this reception to further entrench The Leela brand as the premier name in luxury hospitality for travellers across the world. This is Indian hospitality's moment – and The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts is committed to helping write its defining chapter,” Anjali added. 

About The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts is India’s only institutionally owned and managed pure-play luxury hospitality company. The Leela owns, operates, manages and develops luxury hotels and resorts under, “The Leela” brand which was ranked as #1 among the world’s best hospitality brands in 2020 and 2021, and among the world’s top three hospitality brands in 2023 and 2024, by Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards Surveys. The company operates thirteen properties across key Indian business and leisure destinations, celebrating each hotel through its location, art, culture, and cuisine with bespoke services, celebratory rituals, and immersive experiences. Promoted by private equity funds managed and/or advised by affiliates of Brookfield Asset Management Ltd., The Leela is committed to providing guests luxury experiences with premier accommodation, exclusivity and personalized service, inspired by the ethos of Indian hospitality. 

For more information, please visit our website www.theleela.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Media Contacts:
Zubair Kalsia 
+91 86579 73136
Zubair.Kalsia@TheLeela.com