In a move that expands its architectural and hospitality footprint into Rajasthan’s desert heartland, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has announced the signing of The Leela Jaisalmer, a 30-acre luxury desert resort and spa in partnership with The Godwin Group. Slated to open in 2026, the 80-key property marks the brand’s debut in Jaisalmer—India’s fabled Golden City—and its first desert resort and spa.
Set against the backdrop of the Thar Desert, near the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jaisalmer Fort, the property blends contemporary luxury with traditional design elements rooted in Rajasthan’s architectural heritage. The resort will feature tented villas, sandstone façades, intricate jaali screens, and courtyards that capture the play of desert light and shadow. Its layout integrates water bodies, landscaped promenades, and expansive lawns, offering a sense of calm within the dramatic arid landscape.
Anuraag Bhatnagar, Whole-time Director and Chief Executive Officer, The 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.”
The 45,000 sq. ft. banqueting space, specialty restaurants, spa, wellness centre, and man-made lake will create a comprehensive leisure and events destination. Beyond hospitality, the project is a study in contextual architecture—melding desert materials, climate-responsive design, and immersive spatial planning to redefine the luxury resort experience in India’s arid zones.
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.”
With The Leela Jaisalmer, the brand strengthens its Rajasthan circuit—connecting the new resort with its existing destinations in Jaipur and Udaipur—and reaffirms its commitment to purpose-driven luxury that celebrates India’s diverse geography and design heritage.
