6 minute read
Luxury at New Heights: Preview of Kunda Himalayan Resort & Spa
Situated at an altitude of 3,100 meters with panoramic views of the Mount Everest Himalayan range, Kunda Himalayan Resort & Spa is a destination in itself. Working towards its grand opening in March 2025, International Glamping Business spoke to Managing Director Naomi Elizabeth to learn more about the process of building a resort so isolated from the rest of the world.
Q: Can you give us an overview of Kunda Himalayan Resort & Spa and the inspiration behind the concept?
Perched at 3,100 meters with with Mount Everest as the centre backdrop, Kunda Himalayan Resort & Spa is designed to become a destination resort for those seeking transformative journeys while cocooned in a luxury geodesic dome. Kunda’s IUL (Isolated Ultra Luxury) philosophy blends seclusion, comfort, and deep cultural immersion through bespoke itineraries and personalized wellness programs.
The heartbeat of Kunda is Tathastu, one of the world’s highest boutique Ayurvedic wellness centers, which is designed through the simplified methods of: Ghyan, Dhyan, Rasayan and Snāna. To rejuvenate the Self and experience the beginning of transformation through personalized wellness programs during their stay (which is based on the guests individual Vedic astrology chart and pulse reading).
The Sagarmatha – Himalayan Cuisine restaurant – offers an all-inclusive menu from farm-to-table initiatives that sources local organic food (as the nearby village does not use pesticides). Guests can enjoy a seamless, personalized dining experience, interacting directly with the chefs to tailor meals to their tastes and personal preferences.
Q: What distinguishes Kunda within the evolving glamping market?
Bringing luxury to the remote area of 3100m, Kunda seeks to introduce an elevated glamping in par with the majestic Himalayas. The inclusion of 24/7 private butler service sets to elevate the sense of exclusivity and personal care. The resort is designed for the preservation of Nepal’s heritage craft, art, fabric, food, and ways of life by integrating traditional designs with modern comforts. Kunda seeks to redefine glamping as a deeply personalized, all-inclusive retreat that harmoniously blends luxury and wellness with authentic Nepali heritage.
Q: What accommodation and experiences will you offer at Kunda?
Kunda offers private eight geodesic dome villas (each 52+ sq m) with a private deck and hot-tub. The dome features a king size bed, with a large twin size mattress option, as well as attentive individual bathroom amenities, a fireplace and a 160-degree window with views of the Himalayas from the comfort of your bed.
Kunda offers wellness experiences, including daily yoga and meditation sessions, Ayurvedic consultations, aromatic steam room, and massage treatment.
Guests can explore the Himalayan region beyond the resort by engaging in curated experiences designed to immerse them in the local culture and Himalayan life. These activities include daily hikes, horseriding through rhododendron forests, stargazing, archery, and guided visits to nearby monasteries, villages, and farms to learn sustainable farming techniques that have been practised in the region for years.
Kunda provides an all-inclusive experience, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the surrounding beauty and culture. For the adventurers, a 12-minute helicopter ride from the resort to Everest Base Camp offers an unforgettable Himalayan experience.
Q: Did you consider any other types of accommodation in what can be a volatile climate?
The geodesic dome structure has a superior durability, suited for Phaplu’s unpredictable weather. The geometry of the domes evenly distributes stress, making them ideal for enduring strong winds and heavy snow loads. This design not only ensures resilience in harsh conditions, but also blends harmoniously with the surroundings, providing guests with comfort and security all year round. They are also in compliance with the Building Code NBC: 105:2020, ‘Seismic Design of Building in Nepal’.
Q: Have you faced any challenges in the development of Kunda – how did you overcome them?
The primary challenge we faced was building a sustainable access road, which took 7 months of manual labour using natural stones. Thereafter we developed the essential utilities by building a water pump and reservoir (which we share with the community) and constructed an electricity control center powered by hydropower.
Logistic challenges included the supply of materials to site, as trucks take a day to reach the resort from Kathmandu. Heavy rainfall recently destroyed the highway leading to the site, leading to a significant delay as we wait for the road to be repaired.
Local workers initially required training in large-scale projects using new techniques. We had to train and impart knowledge and technology methodology, which they quickly adapted to and learnt – thus opening higher income opportunities for them in the future.
Q: Who will be your typical guest at Kunda – how will you approach marketing and branding?
Kunda is designed for the discerning luxury traveler who seeks wellness, cultural immersion, comfort with the purpose of creating forever memories – delivered by the highest level of cultural hospitality, deep sense of personalized service and high-end experiences. Our marketing strategy focuses on working with agent platforms who specialize in high-end travel.
Q: How have you approached sustainability in the development process? What practices will you implement after opening?
Sustainability is at the center of Kunda’s ethos. We have used 50% locally sourced foundational materials (wood/stone/sand/ aggregate) and 30% materials manufactured in Nepal during construction. We strive to implement Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a comprehensive approach that integrates sustainability into every aspect of the resort’s operations, services, and community engagement.
The interior design reflects Nepalese heritage, with handcrafted elements such as Newaristyle hand carved doors, stinging nettle fabric, hand carved stone elements, and copper lights have been meticulously hand crafted. Cultural clay bricks were used for the wellness structure, while repurchased locally sourced Himalayan black stone used for restaurant roofing.
The itinerary is based on community involvement and integration. We partner with the local communities to offer eco-friendly hikes to visit small family farms, schools and monasteries.
Q: Are there any big plans for the grand opening in March 2025?
Plans for the grand opening in March 2025 will involve the local community with traditional performances and ceremonies, while invited guests will be introduced to Kunda’s signature wellness offerings, such as personalized Ayurvedic programs and immersive cultural experiences. The celebration aims to capture the essence of Kunda, merging high-end hospitality with deep-rooted cultural connections and wellness.
Q: What are your plans and goals for Kunda in the years to come?
The parent company, Pumori Journeys, intends to use Kunda as a benchmark for future glamping resorts across Nepal, bringing luxury to remote areas while maintaining high standards of comfort and service.
The Cultural Hospitality Management (CHM) program developed by Pumori Journeys is rooted in Nepali culture, principles and sustainability, and will be implemented into Kundas operation. This will be Kunda’s USP. Every future property will focus on luxury, cultural immersion, and personalized service, fostering a sustainable wellness tourism industry in Nepal.
