The Glenburn Penthouse, Kolkata

Having set a benchmark for excellence and elegance in the hills around Darjeeling with the lovely Glenburn Tea Estate, the inspired owners have now raised the bar in Kolkata with the advent of The Glenburn Penthouse. The epitome of style, glamour and sophistication, this is the city’s first boutique hotel and has a fabulously central location, in the heart of historic Kolkata and just a short stroll from some of the city’s most famous sights and shopping streets. Being located at the top of a sleek new office building, the 360° views of almost every landmark in the city have to be seen to be believed.

Conceptualised and executed over a number of years, the owners have carefully amassed an exquisite collection of antique Bengali colonial furniture and artworks to create a haven of quiet luxury above the bustling streets of the city. The style, furniture and décor is traditional colonial yet understated and contemporary. Space and light are the bywords here with each grand bedroom suite having a different view.

All have four-poster beds and some have balconies, large sitting rooms, or outdoor terraces and verandahs. Original, elegant furniture has been painstakingly sought out and collections of art that reflect the historical theme of the hotel fill the walls with interesting stories, and map out journeys taken by early travellers.

Fine carpets adorn the wooden floors to add a touch of warmth, while the cool marble floors of the soothing hallways, dressing rooms and bathrooms provide a welcome respite from the heat. The large ‘white-marble’ bathrooms are equipped with bathtubs and walk-in showers, with plenty of natural light and Glenburn Therapy Darjeeling Green Tea bath accessories.

The welcoming library, leading onto a pretty courtyard and covered verandah, provides a lovely, peaceful area to relax in after a shopping spree or a historical and cultural walk having taken you to unique places in the city based on any special interest you may have. Then enjoy a soothing spa treatment prior to feasting on delicious culinary delicacies either al fresco or in the graceful dining room. The cuisine combines a curated blend of Colonial, Bengali, Anglo-Indian and Kolkata street food with a contemporary twist, using fresh local ingredients. The rooftop terrace boasts a fabulous infinity pool that looks on to Victoria Memorial and all the panoramic sights of the city.

The Penthouse beckons - come and discover an extraordinary city with a history like no other; replete with intrigue, colonists, trade, extravagance, revolution, education, gastronomy, art and culture.