Preferred Hotels & Resorts Welcomes Newly Launched The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary to its Prestigious Legend Collection

SUMMARY: Preferred Hotels & Resorts has welcomed The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary to its prestigious Legend Collection, expanding its portfolio with one of India's most immersive nature-led luxury retreats. Set within 76 acres of ancient forest and coffee plantation in the Western Ghats, the 71-villa property offers an exclusive blend of Kodava heritage, estate living, wellness experiences and authentic Indian hospitality. The addition also deepens the partnership with The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts and enables guests to enjoy benefits through the I Prefer Hotel Rewards loyalty program. 

 

New Delhi, India – October26, 2026: Preferred Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the addition of The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary to its prestigious Legend Collection, the ultimate portfolio of exceptional properties in the world’s most remarkable destinations. Unveiled in July 2026 following its acquisition earlier in the year, the reimagined property is set amidst 76 acres of ancient forests, coffee plantation and the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats, offering a combination of seclusion, heritage and authentic Indian hospitality, reinforcing the Legend Collection's presence in India. 

Set within one of Coorg's oldest coffee estates, The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary draws on Kodava heritage and estate living, built from laterite stone, bamboo and indigenous materials in harmony with the surrounding forest Its 71 villas include Riverstone Family Villas, Mistwood Villas, Forestlight Luxury Villas, and the four-bedroom Sunbeam Presidential Villa, several with private pools, outdoor Jacuzzis and open-air showers overlooking the forest canopy.  

As The Leela marks four decades of true Indian luxury, the property stands as one of its most immersive nature-led destinations. Guests can explore the estate's biodiversity via guided nature trails, practice yoga on a lakeside bamboo deck, and dine on an island setting. Dining spans Kodava specialties at the all-day restaurant, Luma and Pan-Asian cuisine at the overwater restaurant, Zen, with produce sourced from local plantations and spice farms. Signature experiences include cherry-to-cup coffee tastings at 92 Degrees using beans grown on the estate, while the 27,000-square-foot Aujasya by The Leela Spa offers Ayurvedic therapies and a Turkish Hammam.  

"We are proud to welcome The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary into our Legend Collection, a property that captures the spirit of Coorg's forests and coffee estates in every detail," said Saurabh Rai, Executive Vice President of South Asia, Middle East, and Africa at Preferred Hotels & Resorts. "It's a beautiful example of what the Legend Collection stands for, and it deepens our long-standing partnership with The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, whose properties across India continue to be some of the most celebrated in our portfolio. We look forward to introducing more travelers to this extraordinary corner of the country." 

Anuraag Bhatnagar, Whole-time Director and Chief Executive Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts said, “At The Leela, we believe that the truest expression of luxury lies in creating experiences that evoke a unique sense of place. At The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary, this philosophy finds expression in the quiet grandeur of ancient forests, the enduring heritage of coffee estates and the unhurried rhythms of Coorg. It is a considered approach to luxury, where nature sets the pace, a destination reveals its character, and every experience is shaped by a profound sense of belonging. As we continue to shape the future of The Leela, our endeavour remains to create exceptional destinations that celebrate India’s extraordinary diversity through a distinctive lens of Indian luxury.” 

The addition forms part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts' strategic 18-year partnership with The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts across India, bringing the number of Leela properties in the portfolio to 12: six in the Legend Collection, including The Leela Palace Jaipur, The Leela Palace New Delhi, The Leela Palace Udaipur and six in L.V.X., such as The Leela Mumbai, and The Leela Gandhinagar, to name a few.  

Guests of The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary will be eligible to enroll in I Prefer Hotel Rewards, Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ points-based loyalty program with more than 6 million members worldwide. Complimentary to join, I Prefer members earn points redeemable for cash-value Reward Certificates, elite status, and additional benefits at over 700 participating properties across the globe. Travelers seeking exceptional independent hotel experiences are invited to register at www.IPrefer.com/enroll. 

For more information about The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary and Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection, visit www.PreferredHotels.com. 

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About Preferred Hotels & Resorts 
Preferred Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest independent hotel brand, representing 650 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 80 countries. Through its curated global collections, Preferred Hotels & Resorts connects discerning travelers to the singular luxury hospitality experience that meets their life and style preferences for each occasion. Every property within the portfolio maintains the high-quality standards and unparalleled service levels required by the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance Program. The I Prefer™ Hotel Rewards program, Preferred Residences℠, Preferred Pride℠, and Preferred Golf™ offer valuable benefits for travellers seeking a unique experience. For more information, visit PreferredHotels.com. 

 

About I Prefer Hotel Rewards  

The I Prefer Hotel Rewards program from Preferred Travel Group – the parent company that operates hotel brands and programs such as Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Beyond Green, Historic Hotels of America, and Historic Hotels Worldwide – extends points, status, and other complimentary benefits to members upon eligible stays at over 700 participating hotels and resorts worldwide. In addition to earning points for eligible room nights, members receive additional benefits based on their tier status. The I Prefer program also offers a free mobile app, available on Apple and Android devices, which allows members to search and book hotel stays, and easily redeem Reward Certificates. With more than 6 million travellers currently enrolled in membership, I Prefer is complimentary to join. To learn more and to enrol in the program, please visit IPrefer.com/enroll. 

About The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts 

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts is India’s largest institutionally owned and managed pure-play luxury hospitality brand. Backed by Brookfield, The Leela’s portfolio comprises 15 operating award-winning properties spanning owned, operated, and managed hotels and another 10 in the pipeline across leading leisure and business destinations. Recognized globally for architectural excellence and bespoke services, The Leela was ranked #2 globally among the best Hotel Brand in the World by the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2026 and has been previously ranked as the World’s Best Hotel Brand by Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards in 2020 and 2021, and among the global top three in 2023, 2024 and 2026. The brand remains committed to delivering timeless Indian hospitality through world-class luxury experiences. Please visit our website www.theleela.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.