Scenic Munnar – IHCL SeleQtions, Munnar
Scenic Munnar – IHCL SeleQtions is situated in the idyllic landscapes of the Western Ghats of Kerala. The charmingly decorated rooms including secluded villas with private plunge pools are surrounded by verdant hills and valleys and expansive tea plantations. The vibrant interiors of the hotel are inspired by the local flora of the Neelakurinji flower blooming once in twelve years. Guests can indulge in a culinary feast at all-day-diner, The Hub Kitchen, enjoy cocktails at Tree Sky bar or rejuvenate with the wellness offerings of the spa and the swimming pool and a state-of-the-art gymnasium. Embark on guided tea trails that capture Munnar’s living legacy. Explore a UNESCO-World Heritage Site with bespoke excursions into Eravikulam National Park, which offers glimpses of Munnar’s wildlife, including the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and rare flora.
The Glenburn Tea Estate and Boutique Hotel, Darjeeling
Glenburn is a heavenly little plantation retreat that lies on a hillock above the banks of the River Rungeet, high in the Himalayas, overlooked by the mighty Kanchenjunga mountain range. Started by a Scottish tea company in 1859, Glenburn then passed into the hands of one of India’s pioneering tea planting families – The Prakashes. Walk or drive through the tea fields with one of the guides, who will give you an insight into how the tea bush is grown and looked after. Interact with the Glenburn tea picker ladies and learn how to pluck the “two leaves and a bud” that is later manufactured into the tea that ends up in your teacup. This is a working tea estate established in 1860 with 1,600 acres of verdant forest, rolling hills, tea picker villages and a pair of river valleys to explore.
MAYFAIR Tea Resort, Silguri
A captivating confluence of old world charm and contemporary comforts, MAYFAIR Tea Resort which is India’s first Boutique Tea Resort welcomes everyone to an experience of luxury that is unlike no other. Nestled amidst an aromatic tea garden at the foothills of the Himalayas, and built in 16th century Tudor-style architecture, MAYFAIR Tea Resort, Silguru, exudes a picturesque and palatial allure where you can savour global brews at the Planter’s Club Tea Cafe.
Heritance Tea Factory, Sri Lanka
The historical Hethersett Estate is home to Heritance Tea Factory, a magnificent resort converted from a 19th century tea factory. Amidst Sri Lanka’s lush highlands, this iconic Nuwara Eliya hotel with the highest star rated elevation of rooms at 2000m above sea level is surrounded by stunning tea plantations and blends historical charm with comfort. Dress in local attire while plucking tea, have a professional tea taster guided experience, discover mini tea factories to create the famous Ceylon tea, and even cycle through the plantations.
Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka
Conceived by the Fernando family, Sri Lankan tea producers & founders of Dilmah Tea, Resplendent Ceylon is a collection of the most luxury resorts with a range of authentic experiences, while contributing towards local communities & the environment through the MJF Foundation & Dilmah Conservation. Steeped in history and immersed in the verdant scenery of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Central Highlands, Ceylon Tea Trails is the perfect blend of past and present. Perched at an altitude of 1250 metres, your day begins with the lovely ritual of Bed Tea, as the hosts bring a fresh pot of tea to you upon waking, and end with four-course dinners and post prandials by a crackling fire. Bungalows are decorated with fascinating Sri Lankan photographs revealing tantalising insights into 20th-century tea-plantation life, alongside botanical prints, monochrome floral prints, maps and more.
Cameron Highlands Resort, Malaysia
Set 1,500 metres above sea level in a forested mountainscape, Cameron Highlands Resort is built as a long extension from an existing 1930s cottage with architecture dating from the 1970s. Promising splendour, romance and nostalgia, the interiors hark back to its grand colonial heritage with tall French doors, timber-beamed ceilings and plantation shutters combined with the colours and textures of Jim Thompson’s famed Asian silks. Endearingly known as the ‘little piece of England in Asia’, the cool climate on the picturesque plateau and its hilly greenery are tailor-made for rounds of golf, pink-cheeked rambles along jungle trails, tea plantations, farms or gardens, afternoon tea with scones and spa treatments that celebrate the restorative powers of tea.
