EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, has announced the signing of a management agreement to develop The Oberoi, Makaibari Tea Estate, Darjeeling, marking a landmark addition to its luxury portfolio and a significant step in its long-term expansion strategy.
Set within the legendary Makaibari Tea Estate, established in 1859, the upcoming resort will be located amid 1,236 acres of pristine Himalayan landscape known for its rich biodiversity, ancient forests and panoramic mountain views. Makaibari is globally recognised as the world’s first fully certified organic tea estate and is widely regarded as a pioneer of biodynamic and sustainable farming practices.
The resort will feature 25 luxury keys and is scheduled to open in 2030. Designed by Nava Design Studios, Bangkok, and developed in partnership with Luxmi Tea Co Private Limited, the project has been master-planned to allow for future expansion while maintaining ecological balance. Despite its secluded setting, the property will enjoy convenient access, located approximately 35 kilometres from Bagdogra International Airport.
Makaibari is also home to one of the world’s oldest functioning tea factories, constructed entirely from wood, bamboo and cast iron—an enduring symbol of living industrial heritage. Equally notable is the estate’s deep-rooted commitment to community development, fair labour practices and long-term livelihood support, values that closely align with The Oberoi Group’s philosophy of responsible luxury.
Commenting on the partnership, Rudra Chatterjee, Managing Director, Luxmi Tea Co Private Limited, said the collaboration would bring a new dimension of experiential luxury to Darjeeling while preserving Makaibari’s natural and cultural legacy. He added that the resort would play an important role in training, skilling and creating long-term employment opportunities for local communities, with sustainability remaining central to every aspect of development.
Arjun Oberoi, Executive Chairman, The Oberoi Group, described the project as a compelling addition to the company’s development pipeline, highlighting the exceptional potential of the eastern Himalayan and Northeast regions for immersive, nature-led luxury experiences. He reaffirmed that management contracts remain a core pillar of EIH Limited’s growth strategy, enabling thoughtful expansion in unique destinations.
Vikram Oberoi, Chief Executive Officer, The Oberoi Group, said the focus would be on honouring Makaibari’s heritage while contributing meaningfully to community development through sustainable employment and long-term initiatives, delivered with the warmth and attention to detail that define the Oberoi experience.
The announcement comes as EIH Limited advances a strong expansion pipeline of 29 upcoming hotels and luxury cruisers slated to open by 2030, adding approximately 2,251 keys across India and select international markets.
With The Oberoi, Makaibari Tea Estate, Darjeeling, EIH Limited reinforces its vision of creating iconic luxury destinations rooted in heritage, nature and responsible growth.
