Guest reviews Glenburn Tea Estate

by CentralMAyaWorld Bolton, Massachusetts

Not sure we were in India!

Our family of 4 stayed here just before the Christmas holidays in Dec 2019. The entire staff was warm, welcoming, informed, and conversational. The ride to Glenburn is an experience itself, and I took my dramamine a bit too late. However, upon arrival, it was as if we'd arrived at an oasis of tranquility. We all agreed we should have reversed our trip and taken this in at the end of our northern Indian tour as it spoiled us a bit. Bring boots to hike as well as a variety of clothing as it was cool at night and mornings but warmed nicely during the day. The toy train was a UNESCO experience, and our children loved seeing the Red Panda. One note: one of our children has food allergies, and the Glenburn staff was wonderful about making sure he was accommodated.

by Eggweena

A Little Corner of Paradise

We stayed here for three nights at the end of our busy trip to the area. The tour company had warned us that the road down to the estate is very bumpy but it was still a shock to the system just how bad it was (and we’d been used to the other roads) - if you have any back or joint problems, please do take this into account. When we finally arrived after 50 minutes from the main road, we were met by our wonderful host, Rudolph and took in our beautiful surroundings - a pretty long bungalow and lovely terraced gardens. We were shown to our room, which had an enormous antique bed which was very high - helpfully, there was a stool provided to climb into it and it was extremely comfortable, made up with lovely linen. We were advised that we’d meet for drinks in the drawing room and then dine with the other guests - dinner is a most convivial event, rather like a house party where we all sat round an enormous table. The food was pretty good over the three days - it’s not Michelin star quality but really wholesome and quite imaginative, given how difficult it must be to get supplies in. Alas, Rudolph wasn’t able to join us until after dinner on our first night as he apparently (according to our fellow diners) had to look after some other guests but when he did join us he was most charmingly apologetic and, by way of an apology, entertained us by playing his acoustic guitar (minus one string which he was waiting to be delivered!). Breakfast is served outdoors on the lower terrace and at separate tables (so you don’t need to be sociable if you’re not a morning person). The views are just lovely and the clouds did part for us from time to time so that we were able to see the distant Himalayas. They offer tours of the tea factory, nature walks and a really great barbecue picnic lunch down by the river - having a knee problem, I took the offer of a 4x4 to take me there but other hardy souls walked down (it’s a fair hilly hike). Be warned though - there are sandflies about so keep your feet covered to avoid bites. To sum up, this place is simply stunning and worth the pretty dreadful drive to get there. It’s luxurious, comfortable, the staff are knowledgeable, really attentive and focussed on you having the best time ever. We loved it and Rudolph is a fantastic host.

by worktotravel010 Perth, Australia

Much to Recommend

Having read the reviews we thought we knew what to expect with the drive in, the last 30-40 mins on the horrendous road could have been done without however, the driver was exceedingly skilled and we had every confidence that he would get us there unharmed. Enough about the road, the 3 night stay was the peace and quiet we had craved in a very crazy, colourful, noisy and confusing 4 weeks in India. Driving in we copped our first view of the snow capped Himalayas and knew instantly that the fog had lifted just in time for our arrival. We reneged on the trip to Darjeeling as we suddenly realised we were in a peaceful haven and to go back on the bumpy road for a day of craziness was something we could do without. Instead we walked, ate and looked in awe at the view. Being somewhat loners as travellers, it did us good to partake in the communal dining, not something we would normally do but we were amongst some very interesting guests from various parts of the world and several couples from India and even set off walking one day with a couple from Mumbai who were open to talk about life in India. We ate way more than we needed and could have kept going but self control kicked in a couple of times. The overall experience was enhanced by the hospitality provided by Glenburn hosts, Bertie and Audrey, who were both interesting and very well travelled and were more than happy to share their experiences.

by Mags S Walsall, United Kingdom

It really is - A Corner of Heaven

The approach to the Tea Estate is a very rough, bone shaking ride but well worth the experience. You arrive at a beautiful converted plantation owners house. A warm welcome from Rudolph (Manager) was followed by a tasteful meal. At dinner guests all sit around a large oval table giving an atmosphere of being part of a family. Very well appointed suites, fine bed linen with tea leaf and flower motifs. Our party was eleven, reception and departure was effortless. Our party had breakfast served outside overlooking snow capped Himalayas - wonderful start to the day. Visits to the tea processing factory which was interesting and informative and the picnic by the river was delightful. Comprehensive Spa treatments are also available - I had a full body massage, very good. The guide we had was very informative and looked after us very well when we were on Toy Train and in Darjeeling. The drivers were exceptional and safe - traffic can be horrendous, we never felt insecure or unsafe Thank you to Rudolph, guide, drivers and all the staff for making this a very memorable stay

by mumtips Doha, Qatar

Beautiful estate with a “country house” experience

The rough track down to Glenburn is an adventure, but once there the atmosphere is pure calm. The estate is truly beautiful with views to Kanchenjunga which can be enjoyed from the veranda, and our suite in the main bungalow was spacious and comfortable. What makes this place more unusual, and not like other five star hotels is that in the evening, guests gather on the veranda for pre-dinner drinks before eating all together in the dining room. Our wonderful hosts Bertie and Audrey make you all feel like guests at a country house party, and it is so enjoyable to meet a diverse range of people from all over the world. You are, of course, free to dine privately in your suite, but that would be to miss out on this unique friendly experience. Many thanks also to assistant manager Rudolph for ensuring that everything runs smoothly and his great tips on where to visit next in India. We left with happy memories of birdwatching and dawn views of the mountains - a very special place.