A Bensley Collection
Designed by Bill Bensley, Shinta Mani Mustang perches high above the town of Jomsom at the gateway of Mustang, an isolated kingdom in Nepal, forbidden to outsiders for centuries. This almost mythical region, hidden in the Kali Gandaki valley between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, is one of the deepest valleys and most unusual places in the world.
Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley Collection will be an all-inclusive experience, with the guests’ journey curated to provide the most remarkable 360-degree, luxury experience in the Himalayas; one of the most unique and preserved regions in the world. “Mustang” in Tibetan, translates to “Plain of Aspiration”. It is bordered by the Tibetan plateau with an elevation that rises from 1,372 to 8,167 meters above sea level.
ACCOMMODATION
29 Environmentally-friendly rooms are designed in local materials stone, slate, and wood based on traditional Tibetan homes, and adorned with locally-sourced, soft natural fabrics. Our well-appointed rooms come with indulgent ensuite bathrooms and huge floor-to-ceiling windows delivering panoramic views, and Nilgiri mountain as the backdrop to your stay. Rooms have an open-plan bedroom combined with a living area and a separate full bathroom.
LOCATION
Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley Collection is located an area known as The Forbidden Kingdom; a gateway to Tibet. This magical and spiritual destination has dramatic landscapes, and is rich in Buddhist culture with many monasteries and has some of the highest snow-capped peaks in the world, including the formidable Mount Nilgiri Himal.
FACILITIES
Culinary options at Shinta Mani Mustang 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 a local Tibetan/Sherpa liquor. The mixed use activity room which can be used for meetings, presentation or yoga and exercise classes.
The Wellness Center comprises two exquisite treatment suites with floor to ceiling windows facing the mountains; each with a hot plunge pool, steam room, sauna, shower and massage beds. The Tibetan wellness programme will be developed by a local 11th generation doctor using traditional herbal medicine.
ACTIVITIES
A highly personalised privately guided guest experience programme honours the traditions of Sherpa hospitality and has been curated exclusively for our guests. These include unique cultural excursions, trekking, horse riding, rock climbing, cycling, archery, hiking, helicopter tours and wellness.
DESIGN AND SUSTAINABILITY
Prior to opening, design genius Bill Bensley will add his creative magic to the resort. 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 property. 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.