Minor Hotels to Open New 70-Room Hotel in Darjeeling Tea Estate in 2031
Minor Hotels signs to manage Anantara Retreat Darjeeling Hills, a 70-room tea estate property in India with event space and wellness services, opening in 2031.
Minor Hotels, a global hotel business leader with more than 640 properties and residences, signed a management agreement for the 70-room Anantara Retreat Darjeeling Hills in the state of West Bengal, India, on 29 October 2026. This project marks the first Anantara Retreats hotel in India and is scheduled to open in 2031. The development is a collaboration with JK Urbana Garden Private Limited to build a luxury property within the Tindharia Tea Estate, which continues normal commercial tea production.
Accommodation and Event Space Design in the Darjeeling Tea Estate
The project is located within the 849-acre Tindharia Tea Estate at an elevation of 450 to 1,000 metres above sea level in the Darjeeling district of the Himalayas, known as the producer of the Champagne of Teas. The property is located approximately 40 kilometres from Darjeeling town and about 33 kilometres from Bagdogra International Airport, or around 1 hour by car, with the airport offering daily direct flights connecting New Delhi, Kolkata, Bangkok and other major cities.
The buildings are designed along the hillside slopes to allow guests to view the mist and tea plantations, divided into 35 suites and 35 tented villas. Facilities include an Anantara Spa, a fitness room, a swimming pool with valley views, and wellness activities that offer an up-close look at the operations of the tea garden and tea factory. In addition, there is 750 square metres of meeting and function space for small group meetings, weddings and events.
Strategic Partnership and Expansion Plans in India
This project is a joint venture with JK Urbana Garden Private Limited, founded by JK Urbanscapes Developers Limited and Kaushal Kumbhat to open the family tea estate to people from around the world, while creating sustainable livelihoods for the community alongside nature conservation. Anantara Retreats is an extension of the Anantara Hotels & Resorts concept, focusing on tranquil natural locations to restore body and mind. Guests will receive holistic wellness care, including spa services, yoga practice, wellness treatments, exercise, nutrition and mindfulness training.
Dillip Rajakarier, Group Chief Executive Officer of Minor International, the parent company of Minor Hotels, stated that Darjeeling aligns with the identity of Anantara Retreats as guests will learn about the tea journey from garden to factory while relaxing at a simple pace of life. This signing is the fourth Anantara project in India in 2026, following Anantara Jadcherla Hyderabad Resort in September 2026, as well as Anantara Zanti Coorg Resort and Anantara Kolkata Hotel in April 2026. Furthermore, the company plans to sign additional hotel developments in India before the end of 2026.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Anantara Retreat Darjeeling Hills |
| Operator and Partner | Minor Hotels and JK Urbana Garden Private Limited |
| Location | 849-acre Tindharia Tea Estate, West Bengal, India |
| Access | 40 kilometres from Darjeeling town and 33 kilometres from Bagdogra International Airport |
| Number of Rooms | 70 rooms (35 suites and 35 tented villas) |
| Event Space | 750 square metres for small group meetings, weddings and events |
| Scheduled Opening | 2031 (signed on 29 October 2026) |
This news is of interest to hotel professionals following network expansion plans in South Asia and global wellness hospitality trends. Meanwhile, event organisers and wedding planners gain details on a 750-square-metre venue set amidst a tea estate with direct flights from Bangkok to Bagdogra International Airport. Travellers who appreciate luxury accommodation in the Himalayas can plan to experience tea estate living and comprehensive wellness care in 2031.