Take a tea estate as iconic as Makaibari in Kurseong, Darjeeling. Plant a  Taj resort and spa in it. And, you get the Taj Chia Kutir Resort and Spa. Now open, the resort is set plush amidst the tea estate, green acres rolling upon each other as far as the eyes can see, intruded upon only by the sweeping mist. The air is as crisp and fresh as the Makaibari second flush.

Land at Bagdogra airport and just over an hour by car, you’re in heaven, at 6,700 feet (2,042.2 m) above sea level.

The Makaibari estate itself dates back to 1859 and is now a fully organic tea garden. The Taj Chia Kutir Resort and Spa sits on 22 acres within the tea estate with its 72 rooms and plantation suites offering Himalayan views, especially the majestic Kanchenjunga.

The restaurants serve seasonal, provincial and small farms produce, apart from a range of Asian and international cuisine. Meeting rooms and a panoply of airy spaces are fine spots for leadership retreats or for destination weddings.