India-based hospitality group Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts have launched the new 260-bedroom Leela Palace New Delhi property in the Diplomatic Enclave area at Chanakyapuri.

The hotel boasts a 6,500sq ft (604sq m) Spa by ESPA, which has been designed by Jeffrey Wilkes across two levels - the first hosting an 'active' spa with fitness studio. Heat experiences including a sauna, steamroom and drench showers and changing facilities also comprise part of the 'active' spa, while the second level boasts the 'passive' area.

Seven treatment rooms and one private spa suite offering Ayurvedic-inspired treatments; a female relaxation room; and the Finishing Studio also comprise the 'passive' area. Other facilities at the Leela Palace New Delhi include five restaurants and lounges, such as The Qube; Le Cirque's first Asian eatery; and Megu - offering Japanese cuisine.

The Library Bar and Jamavar are also among the food and drink options at the hotel, which has seen Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart and Stewart Group of the US work on its creation. US-based KNA, Japan-based Design Spin Studio and Singapore-based Lim Geoffery were also involved in the design phase.

Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts chair Captain C P Krishnan Nair said: "This property will be our flagship hotel, setting new benchmarks for luxury in the hospitality industry in India." ESPA founder and CEO Susan Harmsworth added: "Opening ESPA at The Leela Palace New Delhi is a wonderful opportunity for us; the city has a unique juxtaposition between rambunctious Old Delhi and the cosmopolitan and very contemporary New Delhi."