AUGUST 2017 81With the mountains, valleys and flowers surrounding the quaint
luxury Elgin hotel, it’s perfectly apt that “Nor-Khill” translates to
the “House of Jewels”. Built by the King of Sikkim in 1932 as a royal
guesthouse to recieve heads of states and royal dignitaries, the
beautiful Kanchen Garden is a prime feature where the king would
set up his easel and paint for hours. Situated 5,000 feet above the
Himalayas, the well-preserved and restored hotel is snug and cosy
with Burmese teak furniture, oak floorboards and panelling,
crackling fireplaces, music from a grand piano and candle-lit tables
on top of a well-stocked library, and games room – almost like
you’re transported back in time. It’s also within walking distance of
High Street, where there are cafes, restaurants and bars.CHECK IT OUT: Set amidst genteel gardens, the refined hotel
offers a range of special arrangements and packages such as
accommodation across the various locations in the region,
Darjeeling, Gangtok, Pelling, and Kalimpong and specially arranged
honeymoon itinararies for newly-weds to enjoy, with trails by the
lake, candle-lit dinners and sightseeing options. Scenic walking
trails are also available for the brave at heart, as well as afternoon
tea, and spa therapy.RATE:from £131++/night
elginhotels.com/gangtok- The Elgin Nor-Khill
Gangtok, India
Known affectionately as ‘The E&O’ to multiple generations of travellers, the
hotel has remained a testament to the island since the British colonial era,
having braved through two World Wars and the very birth of Malaysia. Its
name, synonymous with what was once known as the Pearl of The Orient,
has been associated with the khaki-clad doormen and its charming exterior
since its establishment in 1885. It has 100 elegant suites, a Heritage Wing
with an echo-domed lobby, a Victory Annexe with 118 studio suites and 14
corner suites and impeccable hospitality and 24-hour guest service.
Complimentary scheduled shuttle services are also available daily for
guests to explore Penang.CHECK IT OUT: Cooking classes and complimentary yoga sessions are
conducted in-house by masters of the trades themselves. Discover roots of
the exotic local ingredients that go into your grub, along with cooking
techniques, the history behind the region’s favourite dishes and menus that
have carried on through generations. In fact, the E&O Gallery at the Victory
Annexe is a preservation project that invites visitors and guests to
contribute to with objects, mementos, artefacts and anecdotes with
cultural, social and historical value in the telling of the island’s rich story.
The experiential narrative of Penang’s history is perfect against the heritage
hotel itself, having already developing a legacy over a century.RATE: £116++/night
eohotels.com- The Eastern and Oriental
Penang, Malaysia
EXTRAORDINARY PLACES TO STAY
AUGUST 2017 81