Tradition meets elegance
Kathmandu, May 15
A new benchmark in Nepal’s hospitality
industry has been set with the soft opening of Aarya Hotel and Spa, a premium
hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu.
The facility is built with an investment of
Rs. 2.5 billion.
Spanning approximately 20 aana of land, the 'heritage'
hotel blends modern luxury with rich Nepali art, culture, and traditional
architecture which offers a unique experience for both domestic and
international guests.
This ambitious project is the brainchild of
Krishna Simkhada, a Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) from Dhading who spent over 25
years in Japan. Inspired by how the Japanese preserve their heritage, Simkhada
returned with a mission: to create a hotel that showcases Nepal’s artistic
legacy to the world.
“I saw how Japan protects its culture, and
that inspired me to return home and build something meaningful,” he shared with
a group of journalists at a programme organised at the hotel on Wednesday
evening.
“Thamel represents Nepal globally, and I wanted tourists to experience the essence of Nepali identity before they leave,” he added.
The hotel offers 72 rooms across various
categories, ranging from USD 60 to USD 1,680 per night. The traditional rooms
are adorned with carved wooden panels, painted frames, and fine Nepali details.
Rooms have an ambience of Nepali architect,
culture and feelings. For example, Tundals inside the room will surprise many
guests, especially the foreign ones.
Similarly, the lobby is a gallery of Nepali
art, featuring a stunning fusion of Mayur Jhyal (peacock window) and Desemaru Jhyal
carvings. "Guests are welcomed with traditional Nepali hospitality,
creating a warm, culturally grounded arrival experience," said Simkhada.
The hotel also features multiple premium
amenities. On the 12th floor is Sora, an all-day dining restaurant
with a capacity of over 100 guests. Adjacent to it is Skyline Sora, a
skywalk-style dining space enclosed in glass, where guests can dine while
enjoying aerial views of Kathmandu including iconic landmarks like Swayambhu
and Dharahara.
Atop the building, The Thirteenth Retreat
offers a 360-degree view lounge, showcasing landmarks like Swayambhunath and
the surrounding hills. The ninth-floor houses Ninth Wave, a sophisticated bar,
along with a temperature-maintained swimming pool and an eight-person outdoor
jacuzzi.
Simkhada hopes that Arya Hotel and Spa will
not only offer comfort and luxury but also help preserve and promote Nepal’s
cultural identity through architecture, design, and hospitality.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 16 May 2025.
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