Anuraag Bhatnagar on The Leela’s Commitment to Arts, Culture and Luxury Tourism

If you have visited any Leela property all across India, you would be aware how it is especially known for being a patron of the arts. The brand believes art as a quintessential element that is a part of its holistic experience that its guests are privy to. We spoke to Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts to understand the brand’s efforts towards fostering a culture of arts and heritage in the country.

Elaborate on Leela’s attempts to make Indian art accessible.

At The Leela, we believe that true luxury extends beyond opulence—it is about creating meaningful experiences that immerse our guests in India’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. We have consciously woven art into the very fabric of our properties, transforming them into living galleries that celebrate the country’s artistic legacy through carefully curated collections.

Each of our properties serve as a custodian of Indian craftsmanship – offering guests with an opportunity to experience indigenous art forms up close. From the intricate Thikri mirror work at The Leela Palace Udaipur and The Leela Palace Jaipur, to the gold-foil-embellished Tanjore paintings at The Leela Palace Chennai, every element reflects a deep commitment to preserving and celebrating Indian art. Mohan Mahal at The Leela Palace Jaipur, crafted by artisans of Sheesh Mahal at Amer Fort, revives centuries-old mirror work while bringing in the highest level of verity, while contemporary masterpieces by Paresh Maity like at The Leela Palace Chennai bridge tradition with modernity. Through immersive spaces and storytelling, we offer guests an opportunity to engage with India’s rich artistic legacy in an authentic and meaningful way.

What sort of a response have these initiatives garnered from the public?

The Leela’s commitment to True Indian Luxury has been appreciated by discerning travellers, art connoisseurs, and cultural enthusiasts. Our palaces serve as living expressions of India’s artistic heritage, seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary luxury.

A key highlight of this journey is our Palace Art Walks—an experience that has been truly appreciated by travellers from around the world, as it allows them to engage with India’s artistic traditions without leaving the comfort of their stay. These curated walks take guests through our exquisite art collections, offering an enriching, immersive experience. This initiative has further reinforced The Leela’s position as a patron of Indian artistry, enhancing our reputation as a brand that embodies cultural storytelling through luxury.

Leela has been engaging in cultural and artistic exchange through a series of programmes. Can you give me an overview?

At The Leela, luxury is more than opulence—it is an immersive celebration of India’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. Through curated experiences, we offer guests an opportunity to engage with India’s timeless traditions, seamlessly blending grandeur with authenticity.

Nakshatra by The Leela is one such signature initiative, a celestial soirée that brings India’s artistic heritage to life through classical performances, set against the backdrop of regal palace settings. Similarly, Polo in the Pink City, just having finished its third season in 2025, revives the royal sport with The Leela Polo Team, led by His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur, underscoring our commitment to reviving the stories of a bygone era. Our association with leading cultural platforms such as the Jaipur Literature Festival, where The Leela Palace Jaipur hosts the prestigious Author’s Lounge and Writer’s Ball, and the India Art Fair, where The Leela Palace New Delhi continues to celebrate contemporary art, further cements our role in highlighting India’s cultural narrative.

Beyond these marquee events, every evening, our palaces come alive with ceremonial rituals, such as the Devi Aarti at The Leela Palace New Delhi or folk performances at The Leela Palace Udaipur, honoring India’s spiritual and cultural ethos.

 What is your outlook for inbound tourism in 2025?

India is emerging as a global luxury destination – with inbound tourism witnessing strong momentum – and in turn, captivating global travellers with its rich heritage, diverse landscapes, and cultural vibrancy. Travellers today seek more than just a stay—they desire immersive experiences that connect them to the country’s rich cultural and historical fabric. As a brand that stands for the embodiment of Indian Luxury, The Leela is positioned to cater to this evolving demand and the discerning audience through a suite of offerings that seamlessly blend tradition with contemporary elegance.

As travellers seek authenticity and deeper engagement with local culture, The Leela remains committed to curating exceptional experiences that embody True Indian Luxury, making India an irresistible destination for the global connoisseur.

Tell us more about Leela’s association with the Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh?

In May of 2024, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts welcomed His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur as an Icon of India by The Leela. As a custodian of Jaipur’s royal legacy, a globally recognised polo player, and a cultural ambassador, his vision aligns seamlessly with The Leela’s commitment to celebrating India’s heritage while presenting it in a way that resonates with today’s discerning traveller.

Through this collaboration, we bring to life experiences that immerse guests in the grandeur of India’s past, ensuring that its legacy is not just preserved but actively lived. This is beautifully captured in “Time Travel with The Leela”, an initiative that showcases India’s rich traditions, arts, and cultural narratives through bespoke experiences. His Highness’ belief that “heritage is not frozen in time—it is alive, vibrant, and needs to be seen, felt, and lived” echoes The Leela’s philosophy of offering immersive stays that bridge the past with the present.

The Leela’s association with His Highness also extends to the regal sport of polo, a game deeply intertwined with India’s royal history. With The Leela Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Polo Cup, we celebrate this legacy while introducing it to newer audiences through curated experiences that blend sporting excellence with unmatched luxury. As the captain of The Leela Polo Team, His Highness plays a key role in keeping this tradition alive, ensuring that the elegance and discipline of polo continue to inspire generations.

At its core, this association is about bringing India’s cultural and sporting heritage to the world, offering guests rare opportunities to witness and engage with experiences that define True Indian Luxury.

How have itineraries for luxury tourism changed in 2025?

Luxury tourism in 2025 is increasingly defined by experiential luxury, where travellers seek not just opulence but also deep, meaningful connections with the destinations they visit. Today’s discerning traveller is no longer content with conventional luxury; they crave immersive experiences that offer a sense of place, culture, and authenticity.

At The Leela, we have always believed that luxury is about creating unforgettable moments. Our focus remains on curated, hyper-personalised experiences that celebrate India’s rich heritage, traditions, and craftsmanship while presenting them in a way that resonates with modern sensibilities. Whether it is through Palace Art Walks, evening ceremonial rituals, or bespoke culinary journeys, we craft itineraries that allow guests to engage with India’s vibrant culture in a way that is both refined and immersive.

Across the luxury industry, we see a shift towards thoughtfully packaged cultural and wellness experiences—a space where we have been leading with offerings like Aujasya by The Leela for holistic well-being and Tishya by The Leela for signature olfactory indulgences. Travellers today want to ‘live’ a destination rather than just visit it, and at The Leela, we bring India’s stories to life with elegance and authenticity.

 Your vision of the travel industry this year?

Our vision for the travel industry in 2025 is shaped by a dynamic blend of innovation, sustainability, and immersive experiences. The modern luxury traveller seeks more than just indulgence—they desire meaningful connections, cultural authenticity, and highly personalised experiences that go beyond traditional hospitality.

At The Leela, our strategy is rooted in experiential storytelling, ensuring that every interaction with the brand is engaging, evocative, and immersive. Whether through digital-first campaigns, exclusive collaborations, or high-touch experiential activations, we continue to craft narratives that position The Leela as more than just a hospitality brand—it is an experience to be lived.

This year, our focus remains on reinforcing our positioning of true Indian luxury for the world, offering travelers an unparalleled sense of place. Sustainability-led luxury is also an area of focus, ensuring that our offerings remain as conscious as they are opulent. Personalisation continues to be at the forefront, with hyper-customised stays that anticipate and exceed guest expectations.

By embracing the evolving aspirations of modern travellers while staying rooted in our rich heritage, we aim to craft experiences that are as timeless as they are extraordinary.