4 Colonial Hotels That are Ideal to Stay in During the Christmas Week

Shiny crystal chandeliers, oak wood furniture, marble floors and classy white colonnades- the old world charm of the Colonial hotels are impossible to resist. And if you are planning a holiday getaway with your family during the Christmas week, then visit these Colonial hotels:

1. Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling

Nowhere you will find this timeless allure of the Colonial era ever-present than the Windamere Hotel. Overlooking the majestic Himalayas, this hotel is a classic example of history well-preserved.

Once a boarding house for the British tea planters, this place retains its original flavour in every corner you visit. The Christmas week celebrations at the Windamere Hotel (the only British Colonial hotel in Darjeeling), is something you cannot afford to miss.

This year, performing artists Carolyn Allen and Paul Smith, starring in their show ‘The Totties – unleashed!, will be leaving the audience rolling on the floor with their witty and frivolous performances. If you want to book a hotel in Darjeeling during the Christmas season, book your stay at the Windamere Hotel.

2. Eastern  and Oriental Hotel, Malaysia

This hotel was built when Penang was the first British port in Malaysia. This hotel is operational since 1885 and was the first property of the Sarkies brother. This hotel went through major renovation between 1996 and 2001 and comprises of 100 well-fashioned suites in its heritage wing and another 122 modern luxurious suites and rooms in their Victory Annex. This place has been visited by the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Rudyard Kipling.

3. Manila Hotel, The Philippines

This Colonial hotel was built by the Americans when they acquired The Philippines from Spain. Standing just opposite to the Rizal Park, this hotel features 570 luxury rooms with hints of local decor. From John F. Kennedy to Michael Jackson, this hotel has hosted many eminent personalities from all over the globe.

4. Schoone Oordt Country House, South Africa

Compared to Colonial properties in Asia, the Colonial hotels in South Africa have a style of their own. Most of these Colonial properties were private residences that were later turned into hotels. Schoone Oordt Country House dates back to 1853. This building with an intricate Georgian facade and a Victorian verandah that’s laced with filigree, this boutique hotel is famous for its unique charm. This Christmas, take your family on a journey through the Colonial era in South Africa by staying in this beautifully restored boutique hotel.

6 Reasons to Visit India - from Food to Shopping

Mountains, beaches, valleys, spirituality, culinary delights, adventure, bustling metropolitans, desert, cultural diversity- India has something for everyone. Perhaps no other country can offer you such myriad mishmash of everything that India does. Here we give you 6 unique reasons for visiting India:

1. Absolute paradise for History Buffs

In terms of history and architecture, India is a gem. Different parts of India have been ruled by countless dynasties and each has left their unique mark in this place. The architectural style of India has developed under all those who have ruled the country, including the British during the Colonial era. From the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Charminar in Hyderabad, to the Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata, and Mysore Palace in Karnataka, there are structures that will take you back to those times. Moreover, some of the palaces, forts, and other Colonial structures were turned into hotels where you can slip back into the past.

2.  The Wildlife is Mind-blowing

The diversity of fauna of the country will simply blow your mind. From going on a wildlife trail to spot the elusive and magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger to bird watching, wildlife excursions in India is simply amazing. Some of the notable parks of the country include Ranthambhore, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench, Corbett, and Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary.

3. It’s a Gastronome’s Delight

Perhaps no other country in the world can offer you such as myriad range of cuisine that India does. From Jammu and Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, India is a smorgasbord of different regional cuisines. Food is the essence of the country. From fine-dine restaurants to the busiest corner of the street, in each corner of the country, you will stumble upon local cuisines and delicacies that are hard to miss.

4. It’s a Shopper’s Haven

Shopping is an essential part of travelling and India is a hub of shoppers. From grand malls to the bustling local bazaars and flea markets, wherever you go, you will get the best shopping experience. Street shopping is a must when visiting India. You may visit places such as Dilli Haat in New Delhi, Colaba Causeway in Mumbai, Jew Town in Cochin, and Flea Market Arpora in Goa for a shopping spree and to experience the local flavour.

5. Spirituality

This is one of the reasons that make people fall in love with the country. India is the land of spirituality and you will find umpteen places for practising spirituality. Some of the famous destinations for spirituality includes Rishikesh, Varanasi, Pushkar, Auroville,s Bodh Gaya, and Dharamshala.

6. A Land of Performing Arts

Performing Arts is the heart and soul of the country. From Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, and Kathakali to Theatrics and Drama, you will get ample of opportunities to experience the diverse talents of the country.

Book Hotel in Darjeeling

If you are planning a visit to India and want to experience the rich Colonial history of the land, book your stay at the Windamere Hotel, the only authentic British Colonial hotel in India.

Popular Colonial Hotels in Asia

While worldwide chains of luxury hotels boast of providing state-of-the-art facilities and modern luxuries, Colonial hotels have withstood the tests of time and echo in their rich heritage, culture and history.
Although the era of British Empire now rests in the distant past, there still remains an enigmatic nostalgia induced by the Colonial hotels which attract a diverse group of ‘the golden era’ aficionados.

Here’s a compilation of the popular colonial hotels in Asia that are as magnificent today as they were back in their heydays.

1. Raffles – Singapore

Raffles was built by the Sarkies brothers in 1887 and is popular all over the world for its literary associations – Rudyard Kipling, Somerset Maugham, Alfred Hitchcock and Ernest Hemingway. Legend has it that all of these great personalities drank at the hotel’s bar.

Raffles fuses an intoxicating blend of colonial design, history and luxury with its classic architecture. The hotel is a stark distinction from the city’s modern skyscrapers and provides six categories of available suites.

2. The Eastern & Oriental - Penang

Another Sarkies Brother’s creation, The Eastern and The Oriental were two separate hotels back in the days brought together in 1885. Now known as The Eastern and Oriental (aka E&O), the hotel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. E&O is remembered for its white facade embellished by the tropical palms that add to the grandeur of this monument.

The Eastern & Oriental has attracted glamorous British personalities including Somerset Maugham, Noel Coward, Douglas Fairbanks and Rudyard Kipling.

3. Windamere Hotel – Darjeeling

Windamere Hotel offers and bestows the guests with a magnificent skyline of Mount Kanchenjunga.As Windamere Hotel is an authentic British Colonial hotel in India, the place is devoid of the world outside and visitors can certainly relish an undisturbed and peaceful stay.

4. The Strand – Yangon

The Strand in Yangon is one of the purest reminders of the Colonial period as it is the third creation of Sarkies Brothers. The architectural masterpiece quickly became a sensation in all over Asia when it first opened in 1990. This mansion-like property faces straight to the Yangon River and remains true to its architectural past and rich heritage.

5. The Metropole – Hanoi

The Metropole is popular for its Indochina-chic in all over Vietnam. With rigorous refurbishments, this grand dame still embraces its colonial charm with bottle green shutters, Parisian style terrace, and roof-top gardens - all in the backdrop of a white facade. The hotel’s guests include notable names like Charlie Chaplin, Jacques Chirac, Graham Greene and Francois Mitterrand.

The Story Behind Darjeeling Tea

Darjeeling is the area that produces the most aromatic variety of tea, the Darjeeling tea. It has a unique aroma and a perfect flavour accompanied by a musky spiciness. No doubt, connoisseurs have rightly dubbed it as the Champagne of Teas. Let's take a look at the brief history of Darjeeling tea:

1. It was in 1841 when tea planting began in Darjeeling. Dr Arthur Campbell was the first person to plant tea seeds in his garden just as an experiment to see what type of crops are suitable in that area.
2. In 1847, the British government established tea nurseries across Darjeeling. The tea nurseries were successful, and this venture encouraged the tea growers in the area to procure land and start tea plantations. The tea seeds were brought from the Botanical Gardens in Calcutta.
3. The first tea gardens or plantations in Darjeeling were started in Makaibari and Alubari. This was followed by plantations at Tokvar, Dooteriah, Moondakothi, and Margaret’s Hope.
4. Many Europeans such as Capt. Masson, Dr Grant. The Barnes Brother, Mr George Christison, were some of the pioneers of Darjeeling tea.
5. By 1866, about 39 tea estates were covering 405 hectares of land in the region.
6. It was W. O'Brien Ansell, an engineer, who further propelled the development of the tea industry in Darjeeling. He was the first to introduced tea sorters and power-driven tea roller in the region.
7. After independence, by 1956, ownerships of the majority of tea estates changed hands. It was noted European tea planters like Mr T.J Hardingham and Mr C. W Emmett who stayed back and helped in promoting the Darjeeling tea.

Want to experience the richness of Darjeeling tea while enjoying the magical beauty of the hills? If yes, then visit The Windamere Hotel, the truly authentic British colonial hotel in India. The hotel is the best place to enjoy a delightful afternoon tea, whilst soaking in the history of colonial India. Nothing could be as luxurious as sipping the finest cup of pale gold Darjeeling tea while sitting back and enjoying the view of the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga. So, if you want to a book hotel in Darjeeling, book your stay at the Windamere Hotel.

Authentic Continental cuisine in Darjeeling

Nestled among the majestic mountains, Darjeeling, the Queen of Hills is famous for its natural splendour, great weather, and of course, the legendary Darjeeling Tea. However, there is something more to this picturesque place. It is also famous for treating you with delectable cuisines. There are a number of places in Darjeeling that will treat your taste buds with a variety of Indian and authentic Continental cuisines. Here is a list of places where you can gorge on mouth-watering authentic continental cuisine:

1. The Windamere Hotel

This is one of the most authentic British Colonial hotel in India and is well-known for its unmatched hospitality and of course, authentic Raj-era cuisine. The continental food served in Windamere Hotel will take you straight back to the Colonial era. For breakfast, you will be served:  fresh fruit/ porridge/cereal/muesli/eggs any style with bacon or sausages OR Indian cuisine. You can wash everything down with the perfect Darjeeling tea or the splendid coffee from the Baba Budan Hills in Mysore. A stay in The Windamere Hotel in itself is a lifetime experience.

2. Glenary’s Restaurant

This is one of the oldest restaurants in Darjeeling that serves authentic continental cuisine along with a variety of other cuisines. A trip to Darjeeling is incomplete if you haven’t had enjoyed the elaborate platter at Glenary’s Restaurant. The wooden floor, the fireplace, linen-draped tables adds to their cosy atmosphere and old-world charm. Glenary’s Restaurant is famous for its continental sizzlers and baked items.

3. Keventer’s Restaurant

When you are in Darjeeling, there is no other place than Keventer’s Restaurant to treat you with an authentic English breakfast. From tasty sandwiches, pork sausages, and meat loafs, a breakfast at Keventer’s Restaurant will leave you craving for more. Located at the Nehru Road, the ground floor constitutes the bakery. The rooftop sitting arrangement at the Keventer’s restaurant is a delightful experience. You can sip your cup of Darjeeling tea, enjoy authentic continental foods while enjoying the lovely view of Darjeeling.

4. Magnolia Restaurant

This is a multi-cuisine restaurant at the Mayfair Hotel, Darjeeling. This restaurant is famous for serving sumptuous continental dishes. The restaurant has highly skilled chefs and each dish is carefully prepared to give you an authentic taste. The interior decor will give you a feeling of the colonial times. Apart from continental dishes, you can also enjoy lavish buffet spreads of various Indian and Oriental cuisines.

5. The Junction

This is yet another popular restaurant that serves a variety of traditional Chinese, Indian, and Continental dishes. This is a multi-cuisine restaurant and is famous for great food and hospitality. They have elaborate breakfast and lunch buffets where you can enjoy elaborate continental cuisines. The place also offers customised menus. In case you are on a specific diet, the staffs will ensure that the food is prepared with additional care.