One of the most formidable legacy brands within the hospitality domain in India, The Leela builds upon its traditions and core values, well poised to embrace the next new phase in its growth trajectory. Across The Leela properties in India and at The Leela Palace Bengaluru, they have practiced the eight ‘Leela Dharmas’. A doctrine of duties and simple virtues which are to be followed by each individual associate. “Derived from the deep-rooted Indian tradition of hospitality ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (Guest is God as translated from Taittiriya Upanishad), these Dharmas stand for what they firmly believe in. These are a doctrine of duties and simple virtues which are to be followed by each individual associate, principles that orient their associates and form the foundation of our code of conduct –towards each other and with their most cherished heritage, their guests,” explains Madhav Sehgal, General Manager, The Leela Palace Bengaluru.
Curating memories through its architecture
The Leela Palace Bengaluru brings to life everything that they love about the garden city, from the architecture to the lush green gardens, amazing culinary experiences and most importantly, its people. The hotel features décor reflecting the grandeur of the bygone era.
There are multiple design elements in place at all The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts. The interior design elements to the factor that every hotel and resort is dedicated towards an inspiration driven from its environment and historical spaces, they are a successful marriage of traditional Indian flair and modern appointments.
Elaborating on its elegantly designed spaces, Sehgal states, “Drawing inspiration from the grand architectural style of the Royal Palace of Mysore, The Leela Palace Bengaluru is built in an Indo-Saracenic form, adorned with copper domes, arches, and ornate ceilings that reflect the grandeur of palaces of a bygone era. Sculptures that adorn many Hindu temples, like the mythical creature, Yali, often sculpted on pillars and portrayed as part lion, part elephant and part horse, inspire the architecture at the hotel evoking the South Indian temple architecture of the 16th Century.
Artist Bhim Singh Hada’s work has been portrayed across the Palace, taking inspiration from famous artists such as Franz Xaver Winterhalter, who was also regarded as Queen Victoria’s favourite painter. Winterhalter’s famous painting of the daughter of Mysore’s last Rajah has been adapted by Hada and can be seen on the Palace walls. The artist’s work at the hotel also includes the portrayal of the Wadiyar brothers from the royal family of Mysore and one of Lord Cornwallis taking Tipu Sultan’s sons’ hostage. Other noteworthy pieces of artwork include a reproduction painting of the Muhammad Ali Khan the Nawab of Arcot, with the original painting by Tilly Kettle (painted between 1772-1776) which can be found in the Victoria and Albert Museum and a silver and brass scroll used as a communicative tool which contained confidential information, used by the kings during the royal era. Art at the hotel seamlessly blends into the architecture to create a unique and distinctive sense of place.”
“The Leela Palace Bengaluru brings to life everything that we love about the garden city – from the architecture to the lush green gardens, amazing culinary experiences and most importantly, its people.”
Madhav Sehgal, General Manager, The Leela Palace Bengaluru
Delicate Delicacies
Each of their dining venues brings a unique and luxurious experience to life. When it’s time to eat at The Leela Palace Bengaluru, guests can choose from fine Indian dining to Korean barbecue to French classics, or a sophisticated Sunday brunch famously known as the oldest brunch, with various offerings of beverage and music programming which changes every weekend. Jamavar, a hit in the town was the first northern-southern Indian restaurant offering a variety of well-kept secret recipes from royal homes all over India. A cocktail in the Library Bar is a must, and only the strongest can resist the fresh macaroons in the Cake Shop. Dine at Le Cirque Signature is one of the best Italian restaurants in South India, offering unique Franco-Italian gastronomic experiences. They have recently introduced our holistic wellness program Aujasya by The Leela, where they have worked with a food and nutrition consultant to create the first pillar round healthy food that also looks great and allows for guilt-free eating. They are further developing this to include speciality restaurants and include beverages.
Giving back to earth
In their aim to create luxurious experiences for their guests, they consciously believe that it is of utmost importance to act responsibly and respectfully towards the environment. They do this through green building management systems. They focus on improving indoor air quality and their commitment towards global net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The hotel is also working towards creating renewable energy solutions across its properties. 85% of electrical power is generated for the hotel through their own wind turbines
They won CII award for 2021 and 2022 for the most efficient hotel in India and were also conferred by Ex-President Pranab Mukherjee with the National Energy Conservation Award 2012 for their notable contribution towards energy savings.
The property has in place several green practices like wastewater recycling, reusing paper waste and sending waste food to piggery farms/NGOs. They also use organic waste composters to convert organic waste to manure.
To make a valuable difference in the communities, Sehgal reveals that “Through our partnership with Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation, as a brand, we support 11 Bal Mitra Grams or Child-friendly villages touching and transforming lives of over 4000 children.”
Magical experiences
The Leela Palace Bengaluru is a world on its own, amidst a bustling city. From the moment their guests walk in, it transports them to their perception of calm spaces with a view of grandeur, lush gardens and welcoming service. Scalloped arches, fluted columns, gold-domed ceilings and striking art to draw one in, and attentive staff, with a talent for knowing what the guests need even before they do, welcomes them.
Guests can look forward to a private balcony overlooking acres of lush grounds, endless luxury, complimentary yoga to soothe one’s mind and body, a pool to cool off in, and evenings filled with fine dining. As the day transitions to night, one can enjoy the magical transformation of the lobbies with the ceremonial rituals where the traditional diya lighting ceremony brings the lobbies to life together with a cultural immersion with a distinctive sense of place.
Hurdles tacked
Commenting on overcoming challenges, Sehgal explains, “We are fortunate to have an incredibly strong and aligned team, one which is innovative and adaptable, while remaining very focused on our core values and dharmas. Outside of the core issues like talent shortfalls, supply chain concerns and sustained periods of uncertainty, there is a clear and evident need to reinforce brand identity, company ethos and the narrative that goes with that. The rapidly changing market has created new challenges and pressures. To handle this, a strong resolve and commitment to the brand’s identity, sustaining quality and constantly reinforcing their dharmas is a given. In addition, the rapid change in technology and its interface with their lives, must also be something they continue to adapt to.”
Bright future prospectus
The future plans for the hotel include the completion of the CAPEX projects at hand, new F&B activations and offering more options to their guests with mindful collaborations. They will build on their preferred employer status by driving their values in a cohesive environment with a focus on sustainability and gender equality.
