HMD Asia has partnered with Kathmandu-based Sherpa Hospitality Group to open the first Shinta Mani hotel outside Cambodia.
Located in The Forbidden Kingdom, the 29-suite Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley Collection is slated to open in March 2023 with interiors by Bill Bensley, bringing a unique verve to a location which remains untouched.
Interiors will incorporate warm coloured fabrics and materials to reflect the rich tones of the surrounding landscape, which can be viewed from every window of the lodge. Huge fire pits on the outdoor terrace will allow guests to admire millions of stars in the night sky in warmth as the temperatures dip. Inside, every area will be complemented by the artwork of the late artist Robert Powell, a friend of Bill’s who drew the regions vernacular architecture in incredible detail. In his typical upcycling style and with his sustainable mindset, Bill has used recycled materials that he has repurposed into unique new furniture.
Each of the 29 suites measuring 45m2 are conceived in the style of a traditional Tibetan home with an open-plan bedroom combined with a living area and a separate bathroom. Floor-to ceiling-windows will offer majestic views of the Nilgiri mountain.
“This is perhaps one of the most exciting projects we have ever had,” states Bill 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 Forbidden Kingdom 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.”
Culinary options will include the 60-seat Nilgiri Restaurant, named after the majestic mountain it looks out onto and a large outdoor dining patio where modern Nepal cuisine and western cuisine will be served, using locally sourced and foraged produce. The Aara Bar is named after an exotic local Tibetan/Sherpa liquor.
The Wellness Centre has 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. The Tibetan wellness programme will be developed by a local 11th generation Tibetan Amchi Doctor, using traditional herbal medicine.
“We are delighted to be entering into this agreement with the Sherpa Hospitality Group and highly value our partnership with them,” comments Sokoun Chanpreda, Managing Director of HMD Asia. “We have incredible synergies between our brands and look forward to a fruitful and successful alliance in this unique and very special destination.”
“Our group has been promoting experiential travel in remote areas of Nepal for many years now,” explains Namgyal Sherpa, Owner of Sherpa Hospitality Group. “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 budget traveller.”
