The Leela expands into Jaisalmer, signs The Leela Jaisalmer, A Luxury Desert Resort and Spa

A leading hospitality brand has announced the signing of a management agreement with The Godwin Group for a new luxury desert resort, marking its debut in Rajasthan’s desert capital, often referred to as the Golden City. This move further solidifies the brand’s strategic expansion across India’s key leisure destinations.

Set across 30 acres in the heart of the Thar Desert, the upcoming 80-room Desert Resort and Spa is slated to open in 2026. The property will blend traditional Rajasthani architecture with modern luxury, offering guests a distinctive experience rooted in the cultural and natural richness of Jaisalmer.

Nestled in the storied Thar Desert and strategically located near the majestic Jaisalmer Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the resort will offer an oasis of bespoke luxury. It will be well-connected to Jaisalmer Airport and easily accessible from Jodhpur, creating seamless connectivity for travellers. Conceptualised as a luxury desert retreat, the property will feature elegantly designed rooms and tented villas, an expansive spa, multiple dining venues, a swimming pool, a pillarless ballroom, and outdoor spaces ideal for destination events.

With this signing, the brand strengthens its footprint across Rajasthan’s high-demand leisure circuit, creating synergistic itineraries with its properties in Udaipur and Jaipur.

Regarding the development, Anuraag Bhatnagar, Whole-time Director and CEO of the hospitality group, stated, “Rajasthan continues to hold immense potential for luxury travel, with Jaisalmer emerging as a preferred destination for global travellers. This signing aligns with our vision to curate distinctive properties that celebrate the essence of India.”

Chiranjeev Singh Bajwa, Director of The Godwin Group, shared, “We are excited to partner to bring distinguished luxury hospitality to Jaisalmer. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to showcasing India’s rich heritage through world-class experiences.”

Tanveer Singh Bajwa, Director of The Godwin Group, added, “Together, we look forward to creating a desert sanctuary that captures the Golden City’s timeless allure while reimagining luxury for today’s traveller.”

The resort will implement signature brand touchpoints and programming ahead of its 2026 opening. Featuring evocative architecture and curated experiential programming, it will celebrate Rajasthan’s regal heritage through refined luxury.

The group currently operates 13 properties across 11 cities in India, with 10 new hotels in the pipeline across high-growth markets including Jaipur, Udaipur, Agra, Ayodhya, Bandhavgarh, Ranthambore, and international destinations.