The phrase “living like a maharajah” typically conjures up images of grand palaces and riches beyond compare: after all, the old rulers of India were known to be fabulously wealthy, with a matching lifestyle to boot.

While there are no longer maharajahs today (at least, not in the traditional sense), you can still experience living like one at The Leela Palace, New Delhi, a stunning five-star luxury hotel in the heart of the Indian capital. Inspired by the beauty of Lutyens Delhi, the hotel houses 254 suites, some of which boast their own private plunge pools.

I was here for a night’s stay as part of a press trip by Abercrombie & Kent, and after the six-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur, stepping into the The Leela’s lobby felt like entering another world. True to its Lutyens’ style, the architecture is a regal mix of British and traditional Indian elements, as can be seen from the rich floor carpeting, golden chaise lounges, and grand chandeliers.

An Opulent Stay

Check-in was fast and seamless, and it wasn’t long before I found myself in a Grand Deluxe Room. At 552 sq ft, the room is extremely spacious, and includes a lounge area, work desk, and ensuite bathroom.

As befitting its regal theme, gold is the colour of choice, complemented by earthy tones of cream and wood, plus luxurious touches like embroidered pillows, gilded mirrors, and soft carpets. The bathroom is almost as large as the room and has its own bathtub.

I was spoiled from the moment I entered as there was a welcome platter of sweet treats waiting, which included a photo of yours truly complete with an edible, gold-dusted chocolate frame. Moments later, a member of staff came in with a pot of premium tea and biscuits – so I essentially had a mini high tea in the comforts of my room.

A Luxury Hotel-cum-Art Gallery

Just like how the palaces of old housed priceless treasures and art, The Leela Palace New Delhi features close to 80 unique artworks, from paintings and statuettes to silverware and tapestries. We catch a glimpse of these on an Art Walk of the premises, guided by the hotel’s resident curator.

Near the lobby is a silver figure of the elephant god Ganesha, seated atop an intricately carved platform and garlanded in fresh roses. According to Hindu belief, Ganesha is the remover of obstacles, also revered for his wisdom and intellect, and a patron of the arts and sciences.

Every Leela is designed to reflect the local culture and architecture, and since Delhi used to be the seat of the mighty Mughal empire, you’ll find pieces such as the above, called Royal Dict-Art II by local artist Masuram Ravikanth. The painting is done in the traditional style, where royals were often portrayed in profile, while commoners may appear in a three-quarter or frontal view.

Another eye-catching piece is Harnessing by the late Satish Gujral, a renowned painter, sculpter, poet, and writer. Showing a man pulling the reins of a fluid horse-like figure, the piece is meant to represent the human force’s triumph over power.

Floral motifs are common in Islamic art, and they feature prominently in many of the artworks at The Leela as well, such as on these tapestries that are also studded with semi-precious stones and silver beads.

Our tour concludes at the gardens, where we are just in time for the evening pooja (prayers), which the priest performs in front of a 16-foot bronze statue of the goddess Devi’s head, by celebrated Indian artist and sculptor Satish Gupta. Gupta’s work is greatly influenced by religious elements – also within the property you will find two of his murals of lotus flowers made from copper, pewter, and gold.

While it was commissioned as an art piece, the curator explained that the Devi image has been consecrated, as prayers are held to her each day. We watch in fascination the priest blows a loud blast on a sacred conch shell (called a shankha) before sprinkling fresh flower petals in front of the statue, lighting a fire, and chanting mantras.

After the prayers, we were treated to a live music show featuring musicians playing the tabla (drums) and sitar, a classical Indian instrument.

The Art Walk is just one of the many curated experiences that The Leela offers guests – there are other ones too that cater to different preferences, whether you’re interested in history, culture, shopping, or entertainment, and are available on request.

Dining Fit for Royals

There are six F&B outlets at The Leela Palace New Delhi offering myriad cuisine and culinary experiences: I got to try two during my stay.

After our Art Walk, we adjourned to The Library Bar for pre-dinner drinks. As the name suggests, the establishment is inspired by literary greats, with a creative menu that has made it a regular on India’s 30 Best Bars list.

Interiors are cosy and intimate, with Chesterfield chairs and a real fireplace. True to its theme, you’ll also find a curated selection of leather-bound first edition novels, which you can browse while enjoying cocktails and wines, or if you prefer, a cigar or two.

Cocktails on the menu are named after either famous works of literature, or authors, such as Around the World in Eighty Days (Jules Verne) and The Goldfinger (Ian Fleming). I got the former, which fittingly brought together ingredients from all over the globe to pair with Indian gin: pisco, aperol, cacao, yuzu, egg white, chamomile, and strawberry.

For the health conscious, the bar offers a unique wellness-oriented cocktail menu as well called AUJASYA by The Leela, which infuses alcohol with ingredients that have beneficial health properties such as turmeric, honey, fresh betel leaves, and ginger.

Megu

Next was dinner at Megu, the hotel’s award-winning modern Japanese restaurant which made Asia’s 50 Best in 2022, and World’s 50 Best Discovery in 2024. The centrepiece of the main dining area is a crystal Buddha, which sits underneath a giant Japanese Bonsho bell.

Our multi-course menu featured both vegetarian and meat options.

It’s hard to pick a favourite since everything is done so well, but some highlights include the yellowtail carpaccio (the zesty citrus sauce brings out the natural flavours of the seafood), the signature Shira Ae (pressed tofu and spinach in a sesame sauce), and the MEGU Fried Chicken (because you can’t go wrong with fried chicken, and the version here is a winner – moist and juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside).

As for mains, the Seabass Garlic Soy, which features chunky slabs of Chilean sea bass in a savoury soy sauce glaze, then grilled to achieve a slightly charred exterior, is perfection itself.

One thing to note, though (and this is my personal taste, could just be my Cantonese palate) – I found a lot of the dishes to be on the salty side. Would have been a 10 if the flavours were lighter – right now they’re an 8.5 in my book.

Breakfast the next morning was at The Qube, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. The selection is decent (mostly Western and Indian favourites), and you can choose to sit outdoors on the green as well.

Since my time here at The Leela Palace New Delhi wasshort, I didn’t get to experience the full extent of what the hotel has to offer, such as its gym, spa, and rooftop pool facilities. But even one night here beats a stay in many other palatial places, and I really appreciate the small gestures that elevated the stay, such as the welcome snacks and the warm service.

Reasons to stay:

• Opulent rooms and suites, attentive service with bespoke touches
• Beautiful interiors and architecture, unique art pieces celebrating local artists makes it feel like you’re staying in an art gallery
• Great food options

Location:

The hotel’s central location makes it a great choice for both business and leisure travellers, since it’s located in New Delhi’s central Diplomatic Enclave district, close to government buildings, commercial areas, and tourist attractions.

Website: www.theleela.com/the-leela-palace-new-delhi

PS: My stay at The Leela Palace New Delhi was part of a press trip and the stay was complimentary. Views here are my own.