When Capt. C.P. Krishnan Nair opened The Leela Mumbai in 1986, he was not simply launching a hotel. He was staking a claim: that India could offer the world a form of luxury entirely its own, rooted in culture, grace, and the ancient philosophy of Atithi Devo Bhava. Forty years on, that conviction has been vindicated in the most compelling of ways.
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts marked its 40th anniversary at The Leela Mumbai, the very property where the story began. The celebration brought together the brand’s leadership, teams, and long-standing partners to reflect on a journey that has taken Indian hospitality to the global stage – and kept it there.
Reflecting on the milestone, Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, captured both the weight of the moment and the clarity of the road ahead. “This moment not only allowed us to appreciate everything that has endured and evolved at The Leela, but also to celebrate the qualities that continue to define us as a brand,” he said. A highlight of the internal celebrations was recognizing long-serving associates – some of whom have been part of The Leela since its earliest days. “Their dedication represents the continuity, culture, and core values that have shaped The Leela over time, and their ongoing commitment is truly the heartbeat of our story,” Bhatnagar noted.
On the brand’s founding philosophy, he was equally direct: “Founded by the late Captain C.P. Krishnan Nair, The Leela was built on a simple but powerful conviction – that Indian luxury hospitality, in its purest form, deserves a place on the global stage. Four decades later, that vision continues to guide us.” Looking forward, Bhatnagar signalled a sharper strategic focus: “At 40, The Leela stands at an exciting inflection point, ready to scale new heights, create enduring value, and reinforce its leadership in the world of true Indian luxury.”
Today, The Leela operates thirteen award-winning properties across eleven cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Udaipur, Jaipur, Kovalam, Hyderabad and the latest addition in Coorg, with a portfolio of 3,544 keys. The brand is currently owned by a Brookfield Asset Management-sponsored private real estate fund and is on an ambitious expansion path – ten hotels in the pipeline, targeting twenty-three properties and over 5,000 keys within the next three years. New destinations on the horizon include Agra, Ayodhya, Srinagar, Jaisalmer, and Dubai.
The milestone is underscored by an impressive trail of global recognition. The Leela was named the World’s Best Hotel Brand by Travel + Leisure USA in both 2020 and 2021, and has consistently ranked among the Top 3 World’s Best Hotel Brands in 2023 and 2024. It has also been honoured as the Best Hotel Group in India by Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards for five consecutive years, from 2020 through 2024, and was named Luxury Hotel Brand of the Year at the Ultras 2024.
What has remained constant through four decades of growth and change is the brand’s cultural soul. Each Leela property is designed to reflect the spirit of its location – through architecture, art, cuisine, and ritual – creating experiences that feel unmistakably Indian while meeting the expectations of the world’s most discerning travellers. The brand has also recently earned the Great Place To Work certification, reflecting its commitment to an associate culture built on trust and purpose.
The anniversary also marks fifteen years of partnership with US-based Preferred Hotels & Resorts, a collaboration that has helped bring The Leela’s offering to international luxury travellers through curated itineraries and global marketing reach.
For Tourism India, the occasion carries its own significance. This publication has shared a relationship with The Leela and its founder, Capt. C.P. Krishnan Nair, spanning more than three decades – a bond built on shared pride in what Indian hospitality can achieve. The Captain’s vision was clear from the beginning. Four decades later, the world agrees.
Here’s to the chapters still waiting to be written.
