Marriott to manage Lumbini Palace

Kathmandu, Jan. 8

Lumbini Palace Resort Limited, in Siyari-5 of Rupandehi, has signed a formal Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with Marriott International to upgrade and operate under the Lumbini Marriott Resort and Spa brand.

This collaboration marks a historic milestone as Marriott International’s first and only presence in Nepal outside of the Kathmandu Valley, the company said in a statement.

Chairman of Lumbini Palace Resort Deepak Pandey, Managing Director Roshan Kumar Neupane, and Chief Operations Officer of Asia Pacific of Marriott International Neeraj Govil, Senior VP, Development South Asia Kiran Andicott, and VP of Development South Asia Juhi Roy were present on the occasion.

The resort aims to secure its official five-star operating license by the end of the current fiscal year, it said, adding that it is set to become Nepal’s first and only Water Resort, introduced with futuristic and high-tech amenities.

It will feature musical fountains and 3D water screens, motor boating and mini cruises, and a dedicated water restaurant and water spa. It will also develop a Buddha Theme Park that will include mini stupas and a mini Buddha Museum, as well as dedicated meditation zones and cultural centres.

In response to global climate challenges, the resort is designed to be a Green Certified (Gold) Wellness Retreat and Eco-Resort.

“It strictly adheres to international standards for environmental protection, energy conservation, and sustainable development. The resort is being developed as a multi-specialty resort with world-class infrastructure to support all major sports played in Nepal, positioning the region as a hub for sports tourism,” read the statement.

Furthermore, the resort is set to distinguish itself as Nepal’s first Organic Five-Star Wellness Luxury Resort, promoting naturotherapy and sustainable human health through organic-certified practices.

The resort also said that preparations were underway for an Initial Public Offering (IPO). 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 9 January 2026.