'Magical, Mystical And Mesmerising, This Is The Makaibari Way Of Life'
Nestled within the iconic Makaibari Tea Estate, Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa, Darjeeling embodies the perfect harmony of luxury, heritage and sustainability. In this interview, General Manager Jitendra Singh Lote delves into how the resort integrates the estate's storied legacy into its guest offerings, from immersive tea experiences to eco-conscious design crafted with bamboo, timber, and terracotta. With dining concepts that celebrate regional flavours and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa redefines luxury as a blend of cultural connection and responsible hospitality amid the serene Darjeeling hills.
Taj Chia Kutir is located within the historic Makaibari Tea Estate. What unique elements of the estate's heritage are incorporated into the guest experience?
Nestled within the historic Makaibari Tea Estate, Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa, Darjeeling offers a bouquet of elevated experiences for its distinguished guests. Every morning is a discovery here in three shades—'Magical, Mystical and Mesmerising'. This is the Makaibari way of life. The thoughtfully curated experiences around Makaibari are a delight for guests. Tea tasting sessions, Makaibari tea factory visits, estate picnics, bush crafts in the forests of Makaibari, tea trails in tea gardens, and guided valley treks amidst the glorious and lush rainforest of Makaibari are some of the unique activities that are a must-do here.
How do these activities elevate the luxury experience by connecting guests with the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Darjeeling hills?
Modern travellers are seeking experiences beyond stay and dining. They are discerning and explicit in their wants and needs. It's our constant endeavour to step up the bar while curating such inimitable experiences. Offering a variety of activities around the natural bounty here only adds to the myriad of things to do while still being in the comforts of the luxurious Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa, Darjeeling. They can choose from an array of experiences in Darjeeling, from delving into the art of tea cultivation to guided strolls and culinary escapades.
With its design crafted from bamboo, timber, and terracotta, Taj Chia Kutir reflects a harmony with nature. How does the resort's architectural approach enhance the sense of refined living while maintaining a commitment to environmental sustainability?
Our guests seek quiet time amidst the embrace of nature, and our resort is nestled within the historic Makaibari, which is the world's first permaculture tea estate. For discerning travellers, luxury is no longer just about indulgence; it's increasingly about making responsible choices that align with their values. Our resort is a testament to environmental sustainability. From the guestrooms to food philosophy to personalised experiences, everything is thoughtfully curated keeping in mind our commitment towards nature. Local and cultural authenticity is another trend gaining momentum among travellers. This has increasingly paved the way for incorporating local art and cuisine, enhancing the guest experience while promoting sustainable, local economies. Sustainable luxury goes beyond the built environment. We actively involve guests in our sustainability journey. This includes improved air quality, contributing to a cleaner and quieter environment for guests.
With dining options like Sonargaon and Chia Verandah celebrating regional flavours and sustainable produce, how does the resort's culinary philosophy reflect the region's heritage and the expectations of discerning food lovers?
Nowadays guests prefer dining experiences with local influences. They seek the folklore behind each dish on the menu. Keeping in mind the tastes and preferences of our guests, we have carefully crafted a menu with something for everybody. Our culinary staff are very mindful of the palates of the guests and personally see to it that all the expectations pertaining to food are met. Besides reflecting heritage and regional influence, our food philosophy also reflects personalisation.
Can you highlight any eco-friendly or sustainability initiatives in the hotel's infrastructure or daily operations?
Guided by IHCL's ESG+ framework, Paathya, reflecting its commitment to sustainable practices, we have undertaken the following approach: Water conservation, waste reduction measures, the phasing out of single-use plastic, solar panel area, water bottling plant, setting a new sustainability benchmark and advancing towards a low-carbon future.
