Ambuja Neotia’s Guras Kutir, Luxury Resort & Spa, at a glance

1 Situated in the scenic Pangthang (less than an hour’s drive from Gangtok’s MG Road), Guras Kutir offers a gorgeous view of the Kanchenjunga and Kabru peaks.

2 Guras Kutir is named after the rhododendron, a favourite flower in Sikkim.

3 The 14-acre property (artist’s impression above right) will be developed in three phases and is expected to take around five-six years. The first phase is expected to be complete in two years. The total investment is Rs 100-crore plus.

4 Apart from kutirs or cottages, there will be a 60-room star hotel as well as time-share villas modelled on local house styles. Another highlight is a casino.

5 The project will be spearheaded by Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatte. An associate architect from the region, Prashant Pradhan, will bring in his local expertise.

6 The interiors will be minimal and simple. “It’s like framing the Mona Lisa with an ornate gilt frame — who cares! When people come to enjoy nature, that should be the focus,” explains Harsh Neotia.

7 From paragliding to birdwatching and a host of walking trails, there is something for everyone.

On the way from Bagdogra uphill, there’s no way you can miss the signature colour scheme of City Centre Siliguri. It’s sprawling. Anchored by biggies like Shoppers Stop, Reliance Trends, Max Lifestyle and INOX and supported by a host of other brands like Benetton, Biba, Color Plus, Adidas, Nike and Cafe Coffee Day, you need more than at least half a day to browse and buy here!

There’s Club Montana Vista at Uttorayon. Stop right there if you wish to, well, stop for a sip and bite. Or stay overnight — they have 24 guestrooms too. Spread over three acres, the club encompasses everything you need to charge yourself — and your phone!

This “family club” is quite the sassy destination in Siliguri. Centred around a sparkling blue pool and inviting deckchairs (picture above), there’s a bar called 360 Degrees, an all-day dining Cafe Montana and their Indian restaurant Insignia. Designed by architect Vivek Singh Rathore, the club is contemporary and chic, tastefully dotted with artefacts not too few or too many.

Drop in for a dekko at their uber-modern boardroom and have a look at a cosy but efficient Anaya Spa. But if you don’t have time on hand, we suggest you stay away from the spa. It’s just unfair to tempt yourself with those come-hither aromatic essential oils!

PS: Big shout out to their spotless loos! So much #win

ALSO COMING UP

Vanya Kutir (Dooars)
Chia Kutir (Makaibari Tea Estate, Kurseong)
Himal Kutir (Ghoom)
Sagar Kutir (Digha)
Shanti Kutir (Santiniketan)

Shradha Agarwal