The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts signs The Leela Jaisalmer

Expands its footprint In Rajasthan with its first Desert Resort and Spa.

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, India’s only pure play luxury hotel brand, announced the signing of a management agreement with The Godwin Group for The Leela Jaisalmer, marking its foray into Rajasthan’s fabled desert capital, the Golden City.

Spread across 30 acres of desert landscape, this 80-room luxury Desert Resort and Spa is slated to open in 2026. The signing marks a significant milestone in The Leela’s strategic growth journey reflecting its commitment to expanding through a balanced portfolio of owned and managed assets, while maintaining its hallmark of luxury and service excellence.

Conceptualised as a luxury desert retreat, the resort will feature rooms and tented villas, spa, salon, a dedicated kids’ club, a swimming pool, multiple dining venues, a large man-made lake, a pillarless ballroom, and generous outdoor lawns and courtyards ideal for destination weddings, milestone celebrations, and experiential gatherings.

Speaking on this occasion, Anuraag Bhatnagar, Whole-time Director & Chief Executive Officer, Leela Palaces Hotels & Resorts Limited, said: “We are delighted to announce our foray into Jaisalmer with our first Desert Resort and Spa. Rajasthan continues to hold immense potential for luxury travel, with Jaisalmer emerging as a preferred destination for global travellers. This signing strategically expands our footprint in one of India’s most evocative landscapes and aligns with our vision to curate distinctive properties that celebrate the essence of India. With both domestic and inbound travel gaining momentum, The Leela is poised to be at the forefront of welcoming discerning travellers seeking meaningful and transformative experiences.”

Sharing his thoughts on the partnership. Chiranjeev Singh Bajwa, Director Godwin Palace & Hotels Pvt Ltd, said: “We are excited to partner with The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts to bring their distinguished legacy of luxury hospitality to Jaisalmer. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to showcasing India’s rich heritage through experiences that blend world-class standards with a deep sense of place.”

Tanveer Singh Bajwa, Director Godwin Palace & Hotels Pvt Ltd, added: “Jaisalmer has long enchanted travellers with its golden landscapes and living history. Together with The Leela, we look forward to creating a desert sanctuary that captures the Golden City’s timeless allure and reimagines luxury for today’s traveller.”