Leela’s global wins spotlight a new era of Indian luxury

MUMBAI: Indian hospitality is having its moment in the global sun, and leading the charge is The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts. As international travellers and tastemakers look eastward for fresh interpretations of luxury, The Leela has emerged as the clearest, most confident voice of modern Indian elegance.

Its ascent has been marked by a year of sweeping international recognition. The Leela Palace Udaipur was named the best Indian urban escape by Robb Report’s Best of the Best 2026, while The Leela Raviz Kovalam claimed the title of India’s best resort at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. Udaipur, Jaipur and Chennai properties also earned honourable mentions, underscoring a nationwide signature of excellence.

In the culinary and lifestyle leagues, the accolades continued. Michelin Keys awarded two keys each to The Leela Palace New Delhi and The Leela Palace Jaipur, with Chennai securing one key. Bengaluru’s ZLB23 entered Asia’s 50 Best Bars, while New Delhi’s Library Bar joined India’s 30 Best Bars. Megu and Le Cirque at The Leela Palace New Delhi made it to Condé Nast Traveller’s top 50 restaurants, strengthening the brand’s gastronomic influence.

Adding to this haul, The Leela Palace Udaipur was recently named Best Sustainable Hotel at the 2025 Ultras Awards in Dubai, a vote of confidence from over 32 million members of the Gha Discovery loyalty programme.

What sets this success apart is The Leela’s uncompromising embrace of Indian identity. Rather than polishing away cultural depth to chase global trends, the brand has fused tradition with contemporary design, craft and service, creating an experience that feels both rooted and relevant.

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, executive vice president – brand and communication Anjali Mehra, said the awards reflect more than beautiful properties and attentive service. “Guests are responding to a coherent philosophy that flows from architecture to amenities, from the first welcome to the final farewell,” she said.

As India’s cultural confidence rises on the world stage, The Leela aims to be one of its most compelling ambassadors. “This is Indian hospitality’s moment,” Mehra added. “We are committed to helping write its defining chapter.”

With its growing list of global honours, The Leela is not just collecting trophies; it is quietly redrawing the map of luxury, placing India firmly at its centre.