Anjali Mehra has a rare talent for turning luxury into an experience that lingers long after a journey ends. Over three decades, she has shaped the narratives of some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality brands across India, the Middle East, Africa, and the Indian Ocean. She joined The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts in 2020, quickly rising from Vice President, Marketing to Chief Brand Officer and Senior Vice President, Marketing, leading transformative initiatives that redefined the brand’s global presence. Beginning her career in aviation, Mehra found her true calling in hotels, holding leadership roles at Starwood Hotels, Marriott International, Hilton, and Taj Hotels. After a brief entrepreneurial and personal sabbatical, she returned to The Leela with a renewed vision, overseeing brand strategy, communications, hotel repositioning, subbrand creation, and loyalty programmes. A passionate writer, traveller, and trend watcher, Mehra blends insight, creativity, and elegance to craft experiences that resonate across cultures and markets. “Luxury, to me, is about meaning. It’s the ability to choose quality over quantity, to surround yourself with things and experiences that carry intention.” | 13 Born to a North Indian, Sikh family and raised amidst the lush greenery of North-East India, Chef Amninder Sandhu has a love for food that is akin to devotion. With her career spanning over two decades, Sandhu has championed the art of slow cooking using traditional techniques, open fire, no seed oil cooking methods and honest recipes that pay homage to India and our rich produce. Today, she helms many India forward projects in the country. She founded Bawri in Goa in 2023 followed by its Mumbai launch six months later. She is also the Founder Partner–Dining Experiences at Tipai — a boutique wildlife escape in the heart of Maharashtra. Earlier in 2025, she founded Kikli in New Delhi, a restaurant that celebrates the vibrant landscape of Chadh Da Punjab and Lehenda Punjab. That’s not all. She is also at the helm of Bliss Food Experiences, a luxury wedding catering company. Over the course of the past decade, Sandhu has won several accolades, including the Best Lady Chef Award in 2016 from India’s Ministry of Tourism. In 2019, she was endearingly labelled “The Girl With Gold In Her Fingers” by legendary chef Marco Pierre White. She was also featured in the 50 Best Discovery list by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. “My take on responsible luxury is rooted in empowering women, uplifting local communities, and preserving the natural world.” | 12 Anjali Mehra Executive Vice President, Brand and Communications, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts Amninder Sandhu Award-winning Chef & Culinary Innovator; Founding Partner – Kiklo, Bawri, Tipai by Wildlife Luxuries and Barbet & Pals
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