The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has unveiled The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary, a luxury nature retreat set among the forests and coffee plantations of Coorg in Karnataka, India.
Introduced during The Leela’s 40th anniversary year, the property is the newly reimagined identity of a recently acquired retreat. Spread across 76 acres, it combines villa accommodations, nature experiences, regional dining and a 27,000-square-foot wellness center in the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats.
The resort is designed around the idea that the surrounding forest should be an essential part of the guest experience rather than simply a scenic backdrop.
A Luxury Retreat in Coorg’s Coffee Country
Coorg is known for its mist-covered hills, centuries-old coffee estates and distinctive Kodava culture. The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary occupies one of the region’s oldest coffee estates, surrounded by forest, plantations and walking trails.
Contemporary architecture is combined with local craftsmanship and design elements inspired by Kodava heritage and traditional estate living. The property has also achieved IGBC Platinum certification, reflecting its emphasis on environmentally conscious design and operations.
Mornings at the resort are shaped by drifting mist, birdsong and views of the forest canopy. Guests can explore the property through guided nature walks, plantation trails, birdwatching excursions and cycling routes.
Nighttime activities include stargazing and guided walks that reveal a quieter side of the surrounding landscape.
The Resort Features 71 Private Villas
Accommodations at The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary consist of 71 villas, providing guests with more space and privacy than a traditional hotel-room layout.
Categories include duplex villas, family villas and villas with private, temperature-controlled pools. The collection culminates in the four-bedroom Sunbeam Presidential Villa, the resort’s signature residence overlooking the surrounding forest.
Each villa has been designed to maintain a close relationship with the landscape while providing the comforts expected from a luxury resort. The range of configurations also makes the property suitable for couples, families and multigenerational groups.
Guided Forest Walks and Coffee Plantation Experiences
The resort’s activities are intended to help guests experience Coorg at a slower pace. Guided forest walks introduce visitors to the area’s biodiversity, while plantation trails explore the agricultural history that has shaped the region.
The signature Estate to Brew experience focuses on Coorg’s celebrated coffee heritage. Guests can walk through one of the region’s oldest plantations, take part in curated tastings and learn about the journey from coffee estate to finished cup.
Other outdoor experiences include waterfall excursions, cycling, birdwatching and stargazing. Guests can also explore trails around the property’s seven-acre lake, which forms a natural centerpiece for the resort.
Four Dining and Drinking Venues Celebrate Coorg
Dining at The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape and the culinary traditions of the region.
Luma is the resort’s lakefront, all-day restaurant, serving dishes centered on seasonal ingredients. Zen offers a more refined Pan-Asian dining experience, while The Cellar provides a relaxed setting for wine, spirits and evening conversations.
At 92 Degrees, the focus shifts to coffee. The venue celebrates Coorg’s long plantation history, giving guests another opportunity to experience one of the destination’s defining products.
Together, the restaurants and lounges are designed to connect international dining with the flavors and stories of the region.
A 27,000-Square-Foot Wellness Center
Wellness is integrated throughout the resort through Aujasya by The Leela, the company’s signature approach inspired by Indian traditions.
The 27,000-square-foot wellness center is complemented by outdoor treatment spaces and the Vinyasa Yoga Deck overlooking the lake. Personalized therapies, yoga sessions, mindfulness practices and nature-inspired rituals are intended to support rest and restoration.
The setting allows wellness experiences to extend beyond the treatment room. Forest walks, quiet time beside the lake and yoga surrounded by nature contribute to a retreat experience built around a slower daily rhythm.
A New Nature-Led Addition to The Leela Portfolio
“The unveiling of The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary represents an important milestone in our journey of creating destinations that are deeply rooted in their surroundings,” said Anuraag Bhatnagar, chief executive officer of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts.
“As we continue to expand our portfolio across India’s most remarkable destinations, The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary reflects our belief that the most memorable luxury experiences are those that celebrate the unique character of a destination rather than simply existing within it.”
The property joins The Leela’s collection during a period of expansion for the Indian hospitality company. Its emphasis on nature, Kodava culture and coffee-estate living distinguishes it from the brand’s urban hotels and palace-style resorts.
Getting to The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary
The resort is located near Madikeri in Coorg, Karnataka. According to the hotel, the property is approximately three hours from Kannur International Airport, four hours from Mangalore International Airport and six hours from Bangalore International Airport.
A private helipad provides another arrival option for guests traveling from elsewhere in India.
For additional information, visit The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary.
