Nepal’s northern frontier presses up against the Tibetan plateau, a sublime landscape of dramatic Himalayan peaks, hilltop villages and ancient riverbeds. Here, on the outskirts of the regional capital Jomsom, Shinta Mani Hotels is set to unveil its latest masterpiece.
Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley Collection, is a 29-suite hillside lodge overlooking the snow-capped peaks and sweeping valleys of the Lower Mustang region, one of the most remote corners of Nepal. When it opens in March 2023, following an overhaul by designer and Shinta Mani co-founder Bill Bensley, the lodge will welcome intrepid visitors with bespoke programmes led by Bensley Adventure Guides.
After trekking along rarely trodden trails, horse riding, rock climbing or cycling across the spectacular landscape, guests can recharge at Nilgiri Restaurant, which borrows its name from the formidable Mount Nilgiri, whose peak fills the view. Modern Nepali and western cuisine prepared using locally-sourced and foraged ingredients will provide sustenance for action-packed days ahead, while Aara Bar, named after a local liquor, is the perfect spot to watch the inky twilight spread across the land each evening.
Shinta Mani Mustang’s spa promises a Tibetan wellness programme developed by an 11th generation Tibetan Amchi Doctor using traditional herbal medicine, and two treatment rooms will look out towards the meditative mountain peaks.
Over the next few months, Bensley will transform the lodge into a vibrant mountain retreat embellished with his unique style, with warm interiors accented with bright colours that reflect the surrounding landscape, crackling fire pits and artwork by the late artist Robert Powell.