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A Commitment To Conscious Luxury At The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts

By Neha Mehrotra

05-Aug-2024

A Commitment To Conscious Luxury At The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts

I've always considered myself an animal lover, petting and feeding every stray I meet. In fact, my mom even jokes that if I could, I'd be living in the countryside on a huge farm, surrounded by animals! A recent experience with The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, however, deepened my appreciation for that title.

I recently got the opportunity to attend the ‘Rhythm of Earth’ concert at The Leela Palace Jaipur, by the talented three-time Grammy winner Ricky Kej, in partnership with Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi. As the first notes resonated through the hall, the message was clear—it was set to be an evening of music with a purpose! As they played 'Kudrat,’ a piece from their album “Shanti Samsara,” highlighting the beauty of elephants and the tragedy of human-elephant conflicts, I was teary-eyed. That song struck a chord, making me rethink everything I knew about animals and the environment. I was captivated not only by the melodies but also by the thought-provoking messages they conveyed. As the concert proceeded, Ricky Kej’s music, intertwined with visuals, highlighted pressing environmental and cultural issues, making the experience both enlightening and emotionally stirring. The energy of the hall, fueled by the talented musicians, was palpable and left a lasting impression on my consciousness.

Reflecting on the evening, I realised how deeply connected our actions are to the environment and how we all should take small measures and contribute to the environment. And The Leela Palaces and Hotels truly exemplifies this thought, showing us all what it means to blend luxury with responsibility.

Leela Palaces and Hotels have always been at the forefront of exemplifying a profound commitment to societal betterment and exceptional hospitality, spearheading impactful initiatives across their properties. Through curated experiences like Icons by the Leela, which celebrates India's finest talents, and Shefs at The Leela, which honours the achievements of Indian women chefs, the luxury hotel chain has been raising awareness towards sustainability and community engagement. Their dedication to community development further shines through partnerships with Phool.co, Jodhpur Mahila Griha Udyog and Jalinga Tea Estate.

Adding to the list of these numerous initiatives is the ‘Rhythm of the Earth’ concert, in collaboration with three-time Grammy winner Rickey Kej along with Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi. The event was part of a series of concerts held across four of the Leela Palace properties. Set against the backdrop of The Leela’s majestic landscapes, the musical concert series began in Bengaluru, continued in Chennai and Udaipur, and concluded in Jaipur. The collaboration was a melodic journey that championed a shared commitment to sustainability and supported the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion (SMGC).

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To complement this meaningful event, The Leela curated a wellness-inspired dinner under the ‘Aujasya by The Leela’ menu for all the guests. What truly elevated the experience was knowing that every ingredient was chosen with care and I couldn’t help but feel a profound connection to the environment.

Sharing his views on the collaboration, Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, stated, “Today’s travellers are seeking immersive and meaningful experiences. This gives The Leela an opportunity to curate fulfilling experiences that resonate with all our patrons.”

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Supporting the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion, The Leela also contributed to a greater cause by donating the concert proceeds to the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation. Through its partnership with KSCF, the hotel has sponsored 11 Bal Mitra Grams, or child-friendly villages, in Rajasthan, which has positively impacted over 2,100 households and safeguarded the well-being of 4,256 children. Witnessing this commitment firsthand, I was deeply touched by how The Leela’s efforts transcend luxury and hospitality, making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. It was a powerful reminder that true luxury is not just about opulence, but about making a meaningful impact on the world.

An Experiential Stay

To wind down after the inspiring and thought-provoking concert, I got a chance to stay at The Leela Palace Jaipur, and it felt like stepping into the shoes of royalty. For my three-day-two-night stay, my accommodation was nothing short of luxurious. From the outdoor terrace attached to the room offering stunning views to the beautiful traditional crafts and exquisite furnishings, every detail here celebrated the rich culture of Rajasthan.

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While every corner of this place made me feel like I was living like royalty, the true highlight of my stay was the unforgettable dining experience at Mohan Mahal. The local Rajasthani meal served here is exceptional and serves your palate well. What elevates this experience is the setting. Mohan Mahal has no lights and the entire space is lit up with candles, casting a warm, flickering glow that transforms the entire space into something out of a dream. As I dined under the spell of candlelight, the intimate ambiance made the meal feel even more special.

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My journey of wellness and warm hospitality continued with curated experiences at The Spa. The spa provided a serene retreat with an array of bespoke treatments, revitalising rituals, and thoughtful wellness programmes designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.

I departed with a piece of The Leela Palace Jaipur in my heart, deeply appreciative of the thoughtful and inspiring experiences I had and eagerly anticipating my next visit. Every moment here made me feel like I was part of something extraordinary, surrounded by timeless beauty, rich heritage, and unparalleled hospitality!

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