Polo Hotels and Resorts, the largest hospitality group in Northeast India by number of hotels (as of March 31, 2025), has joined hands with Varun Tea Plantations Private Limited, owner of Ellenbarrie Tea, to launch the Polo Planters Lodge Resort in Dooars, West Bengal.
This unique collaboration blends Polo Hotels & Resorts’ expertise in immersive, locally inspired guest experiences with Ellenbarrie Tea’s rich planter heritage, crafting a destination that balances indulgence with authenticity.
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A Villa-Only Escape Amidst Tea Gardens
Set across approximately 20 acres, the Polo Planters Lodge Resort will be an all-villa property, including exclusive pool villas overlooking the lush “chai bagan” (tea gardens). Every element of the resort has been designed to immerse guests in the planter lifestyle, where life moves at the pace of rustling leaves and clinking teacups.
Guests can look forward to “Polo-Curated Experiences” that are sensorial and deeply rooted in the local culture, along with menus that highlight garden-fresh produce, heritage recipes, and tea-inspired pairings.
Signature offerings include:
The Planter’s Lounge – An elegant space overlooking the tea fields, serving Ellenbarrie’s finest blends.
Tea & Wellness Rituals – Infusions, spa therapies, and meditations inspired by the healing power of tea.
Deval Tibrewalla, CEO, Hotel Polo Towers Group, said:
“Our vision for Polo has always been to create not just hotels, but experiences that capture the local essence of surroundings. With Polo Planters Lodge Resort, we are opening a new chapter, where Ellenbarrie’s planter heritage and Polo’s narrative-driven hospitality will together create an immersive experience in the Dooars.”
Aradhita Agarwal of Ellenbarrie Tea commented: “The Dooars have always been the heart of India’s planter culture, and Ellenbarrie has been a proud custodian of this tradition. By collaborating with Polo, we are transforming that heritage into an experience guests can live, breathe, and carry home.”
From the clouds of Cherrapunjee to the waters of Kolkata’s Polo Floatel, Polo Hotels & Resorts has redefined experiential hospitality in East and Northeast India. With this new venture, the group continues to expand, combining global standards with local narratives. Currently, Polo operates nine hotels and resorts, with several more in the pipeline.
For Ellenbarrie Tea, whose legacy lies not only in producing fine blends but also in nurturing planter community traditions, this partnership marks a way to extend its heritage into hospitality—giving travelers a chance to experience tea culture beyond the cup.
