Shinta Mani Hotels will open its first hotel outside of Cambodia in August 2023 – the Bill Bensley-designed Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley Collection.

Sitting at 9,186ft high, Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley Collection is located in Jomsom, between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Each of the property’s 29 suites, measuring 2,484ft², are designed in the style of a traditional local home, with an open-plan bedroom, living area and bathroom. Taking advantage of the resort’s natural surroundings, suites are complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering views of the Nilgiri mountain.

The hotel’s structure was originally built in 2017, designed by Nepalese architect Prabal Shumsher Thapa. Now, Bill Bensley has breathed fresh life into the space. Interiors are set to incorporate warm-coloured fabrics and materials to reflect the rich tones of the landscape, while – as is typical of Bensley’s designs – recycled materials are used throughout, repurposed into unique new furniture.

Culinary options at Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley Collection will include the 60-seat Nilgiri Restaurant – named after the mountain it looks out onto – and a large outdoor dining patio, where modern Nepali cuisine will be served, using locally sourced and foraged produce.

Meanwhile, the resort’s wellness centre comprises two treatment suites with floor to ceiling windows facing the mountains, each with a hot plunge pool, steam room, sauna, shower and two massage beds. An additional mixed-use activity room can be used for meetings, presentations or yoga and exercise classes.

“This is perhaps one of the most exciting projects we have ever had,” says Bensley. “I have never seen such wildly dramatic landscapes as the mountains and valleys of Mustang, and am thrilled that Shinta Mani can be the first to introduce this mystical land to international adventurers – and all the more so under the special wing of Bensley Collection. This will be their base camp for explorations all around these phenomenal mountains, as always guided by our kind and infinitely knowledgeable Bensley Adventure Guides, for the experience of a lifetime.”

Namgyal Sherpa, owner of Sherpa Hospitality Group, adds: “Our group has been promoting experiential travel in remote areas of Nepal for many years now. It was our dream to create world-class, luxury hotel experiences in the Himalayas and we couldn’t find a better partner than Shinta Mani Hotels to collaborate with on this vision as we share similar values. We are very excited to be pushing the boundaries and creating a new and exciting project that will position Nepal as a quality, luxury destination and not just for the budget traveller.”