Minor Hotels, a global hospitality leader with over 640 hotels, resorts and residences, has signed an agreement to manage Anantara Retreat Darjeeling Hills, the first Anantara Retreat in India. The 70-key property will open in 2031 within the Tindharia Tea Estate, an 849-acre plantation in West Bengal, creating a sanctuary where guests can enjoy luxurious accommodation amid pristine surroundings while the estate continues to operate as a working plantation.
712128 Anantara Retreat Darjeeling Hills Signing Ceremony 5c42cf Original 1792391347
Photo by Minor
Darjeeling is one of India's most established Himalayan hill destinations and the source of the 'Champagne of Teas'. The retreat will sit in Tindharia, 40km from Darjeeling town. Bagdogra International Airport (IXB) is about 33km away, roughly one hour by road, with direct daily flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Bangkok and other major cities.
The tea estate rises from 450 to 1000 metres above sea level, and the Anantara Retreat design will follow its topography, inviting guests to rediscover their spirit and vitality amidst the mist and tea bushes. Accommodation at Anantara Retreat Darjeeling Hills will comprise 35 suites and 35 tented villas along the slope. Complementing the retreat experience, guests will have access to Anantara Spa, a fitness centre and a swimming pool with expansive plantation and valley views, alongside wellness experiences inspired by the region's natural surroundings and tea-growing heritage. A 750 sqm meeting and event space will serve intimate MICE groups and destination weddings. Anchoring Anantara Retreat Darjeeling Hill’s experiential programme will be the tea factory and tea garden, giving guests direct access to the working estate.
Anantara Retreat Darjeeling Hills is developed in partnership with JK Urbana Garden Private Limited, a joint venture between JK Urbanscapes Developers Limited and Mr Kaushal Kumbhat.
Anantara Retreats, a brand extension of Anantara Hotels & Resorts, is a specialised luxury concept set primarily in secluded, sanctuary-style locations. Each retreat pairs high-end accommodation and service with comprehensive wellness programmes covering spa, yoga, holistic treatments, fitness, nutrition and mindfulness. Its design reflects the natural beauty of the destination, and educational and wellness experiences connect guests with local culture and the environment.
The signing of Anantara Retreat Darjeeling Hills is the fourth Anantara property announced in India this year, following the announcements of Anantara Jadcherla Hyderabad Resort in September 2026 and Anantara Zanti Coorg Resort and Anantara Kolkata Hotel in April 2026. Minor Hotels’ development pipeline in the country has gained strong momentum this year, and it expects further signing announcements before the end of 2026.