Inside The Oberoi's Luxury Resort Planned at Darjeeling's Makaibari

In Darjeeling’s legendary Makaibari Tea Estate, EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, has announced the signing of a management agreement for a new Oberoi luxury resort.

The project marks a landmark moment in the group’s strategy to create immersive hospitality experiences rooted in extraordinary natural and cultural settings.

Established in 1859, Makaibari is one of the world’s oldest and most storied tea estates, spread across 1,236 acres of pristine Himalayan terrain.

Key Highlights

• Oberoi luxury resort to rise within Makaibari Tea Estate, Darjeeling
• Intimate 25-key retreat set amid Himalayan landscapes and heritage tea gardens
• Strong focus on sustainability, organic living, and community-led design

Known for its dramatic mountain views, dense primary forests, and rare biodiversity, the estate offers a setting that seamlessly blends heritage, nature, and mindful living.

The upcoming resort, The Oberoi, Makaibari Tea Estate, Darjeeling, will feature just 25 keys, ensuring an intimate, low-density luxury experience. Scheduled to open in 2030, the property is being designed by Nava Design Studios Co. Ltd., Bangkok, in partnership with Luxmi Tea Co Private Limited, the custodians of the estate.

Makaibari’s global reputation extends beyond tea. It is recognised as the world’s first fully certified organic tea estate, pioneering biodynamic and permaculture farming practices decades before sustainability became a global movement. The estate also houses one of the world’s oldest functioning tea factories, built entirely from wood, bamboo, and cast iron—an enduring symbol of living industrial heritage.

Sustainability here is deeply human as well as environmental. Makaibari’s long-standing commitment to fair labour practices, livelihood enhancement, and community development aligns closely with The Oberoi Group’s philosophy of responsible luxury and care for local ecosystems.

Located just 35 kilometres from Bagdogra International Airport, the resort balances accessibility with a sense of secluded escape. The master plan also allows for future expansion, ensuring any growth remains in harmony with the landscape.

Rudra Chatterjee, Managing Director, Luxmi Tea, said, “Makaibari is a living legacy shaped by nature, craftsmanship and community over 150 years. With its pristine forests, panoramic Himalayan views and rare biodiversity, it offers a setting that is truly exceptional. We are delighted to partner with EIH Limited and The Oberoi Group to create a resort that reflects this heritage and brings a new dimension of experiential luxury to Darjeeling. The Oberoi Group’s enduring legacy of excellence makes them the ideal partner for this venture. The hotel will also play an important role in training and skilling local people, enabling long-term employment opportunities within The Oberoi Group. Every aspect of the development will prioritise sustainable practices, ensuring that the estate’s existing flora and fauna remain fully protected.”

Arjun Oberoi, Executive Chairman, The Oberoi Group, further added, “The Oberoi, Makaibari Tea Estate, Darjeeling is an inspiring addition to our development portfolio. Makaibari’s natural beauty, artisanal traditions and historical significance make it an extraordinary setting for an Oberoi resort. This partnership reflects our commitment to creating transformational experiences in destinations where nature, culture and heritage come together in meaningful ways. We also see exceptional potential in the broader eastern Himalayan region, including parts of the Northeast, which is blessed with unspoilt natural beauty and remains largely unexplored. As New India seeks to explore the country’s most exceptional landscapes, we believe authentic luxury hospitality can play a meaningful role. Management contracts such as this remain central to our long-term growth strategy, enabling us to expand thoughtfully in regions that hold extraordinary promise for immersive luxury experiences.”

Vikram Oberoi, Chief Executive Officer, The Oberoi Group, said, “Makaibari is an extraordinary location, distinguished by its natural beauty, rich biodiversity and remarkable heritage. As we develop this resort, our priority is to honour this exceptional setting and contribute meaningfully to the communities that have long been its custodians. We are committed to creating sustainable employment, advancing skill development and strengthening long-term community initiatives. Our endeavour is to shape an experience that reflects the timeless character of Makaibari complimented by warmth, sincerity and attention to detail that define The Oberoi Group.”

Also Read: Oberoi Group teams with Ladhani Group to set-up 2 Luxury Resorts in Rishikesh

This signing comes as EIH Limited advances a wider expansion roadmap, with 29 upcoming hotels and luxury cruisers slated to open by 2030, adding approximately 2,251 keys. With this Darjeeling project, The Oberoi Group reinforces its vision of shaping iconic destinations where heritage, sustainable design, and refined luxury coexist effortlessly.