Arya Hotel & Spa: A luxurious blend of Newari heritage and modern hospitality in Thamel

KATHMANDU: Nestled in the vibrant heart of Thamel, Kathmandu’s bustling tourist hub, Arya Hotel & Spa has emerged as a beacon of luxury, culture, and authentic Nepali hospitality. With an investment of NPR 2.5 billion, this luxury heritage hotel seamlessly blends Newari architecture with modern elegance, offering an unparalleled experience for global travelers and locals alike.

As Nepal’s first luxury heritage hotel with a sky lounge, Arya Hotel & Spa is redefining Nepal tourism by showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage while catering to the demands of modern hospitality.

A Grand Welcome Rooted in Nepali Culture

From the moment guests step through the intricately designed main entrance, they are enveloped by the essence of Nepali craftsmanship. The hotel’s lobby, adorned with Newari woodwork featuring peacock and desmaru window designs, exudes a sense of timeless artistry. Staff dressed in traditional Nepali attire extend warm hospitality, embodying the spirit of Nepali culture and creating an immediate connection to the country’s heritage.

The hotel’s pillars, chairs, and cushions are crafted to reflect Nepali identity, while traditional artifacts like tundal, falcha, and aankhijhyal (ornate wooden window frames) captivate visitors. The Corner Brew Café in the lobby offers a cozy spot to relax, blending modern comforts with cultural aesthetics. Every detail, from the Bhaktapur telia bricks in heritage rooms to the wood-carved mirror frames, tells a story of Nepal’s artistic legacy.

A Vision Born from Global Inspiration

The mastermind behind Arya Hotel & Spa is Krishna Simkhada, a non-resident Nepali from Dhading who spent nearly two and a half decades in Japan. After achieving success with a chain restaurant in Japan, Simkhada returned to Nepal with a vision to create a luxury heritage hotel that would showcase Nepali art and culture to the world.

“When I lived in Japan, I learned how they have preserved their art and culture for a long time,” Simkhada said. “This inspired me to return to Nepal and start this hotel project.”

Simkhada chose Thamel, Kathmandu’s iconic tourist district, as the location for his ambitious venture. “Thamel is a medium to introduce Nepal to the world. Almost every tourist visiting Nepal stops by Thamel,” he explained. His goal was to create a space where visitors could immerse themselves in Nepali hospitality and take home an unforgettable experience of the country’s cultural heritage.

Investment in Cultural Preservation

Built on approximately 20 aanas of land, Arya Hotel & Spa represents a monumental NPR 2.5 billion investment, including the cost of the land. Simkhada’s vision goes beyond creating a luxury hotel; it is a commitment to preserving and promoting Nepali heritage.

“While everyone comes to see sleek foreign hotels, building a hotel that reflects Nepali art and culture helps preserve and promote our heritage,” Simkhada said.

This dedication is evident in every corner of the hotel, from the antique bathroom hardware to the traditional Nepali paintings adorning the rooms. By integrating Newari craftsmanship with modern amenities, Arya Hotel & Spa sets a new standard for luxury hotels in Nepal.

Luxurious Accommodations with a Cultural Touch

Arya Hotel & Spa offers 72 meticulously designed rooms, catering to a range of preferences and budgets, with prices ranging from USD 160 to USD 1,680. The hotel features:

41 Arya Deluxe Rooms: These rooms blend modern and traditional styles, with the traditional rooms showcasing Nepali art through intricately carved wooden frames and paintings. Guests can enjoy stunning views of Swayambhu, Dharahara, and the Kathmandu cityscape.

29 Arya Suite Rooms: Equipped with jacuzzi facilities, these suites feature falcha (traditional low seating) instead of sofas, tundal carvings of winged horses, and aankhijhyal-inspired drawer designs. Some suites include balconies with wooden railings for an authentic Nepali experience.

Executive Suite: Spanning 65 square meters, this suite offers an in-built television, jacuzzi, and sauna, with Nepali-style bedrooms adorned with intricate woodwork.

Presidential Suite: The crown jewel of the hotel, this 100-square-meter suite includes a master bedroom, interconnected bedroom, kitchen, dining room, private bar, jacuzzi with an in-built television, and sauna facilities.
All rooms are equipped with French press coffee, ensuring a touch of luxury for every guest. The heritage rooms, featuring Bhaktapur telia bricks and wood-carved designs, offer a deep dive into Nepali craftsmanship.

Unparalleled Dining and Sky-High Experiences

Arya Hotel & Spa elevates the Nepal hospitality scene with its innovative dining and lounge offerings. The 12th-floor Sora all-day dining restaurant, with a capacity for over 100 guests, serves a diverse menu in a culturally rich setting. Adjacent to it is the Skyline Sora, a unique dining space where guests can enjoy a skywalk experience while savoring their meals. With a capacity for 50 people, Skyline Sora is set to become a premier dinner destination in Kathmandu.

The hotel’s crowning glory is The Thirteenth Retreat, a 360-degree view lounge on the top floor. Offering breathtaking vistas of Swayambhu, Boudhanath, Dharahara, and the surrounding Kathmandu hills, this lounge provides an unmatched perspective of the city. The Ninth Wave bar on the ninth floor adds a sophisticated touch to the hotel’s nightlife offerings.

Wellness and Modern Amenities

Arya Hotel & Spa is a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation, with a fully equipped spa catering to both residential and local guests. The spa features separate sauna and steam rooms for men and women, with a jacuzzi offering views of Swayambhu. Experienced therapists ensure a personalized wellness experience, while a well-equipped gym caters to fitness enthusiasts.

The ninth-floor temperature-maintained swimming pool is a standout feature, accompanied by an outdoor jacuzzi that accommodates up to eight people. These amenities make Arya Hotel & Spa a top choice for travelers seeking luxury wellness experiences in Nepal.

Event Spaces for Every Occasion

The hotel is well-equipped to host events, with a first-floor hall accommodating 25 people and an 11th-floor conference hall with a capacity for 70 people. These spaces are ideal for business meetings, cultural events, and social gatherings, making Arya Hotel & Spa a versatile destination for both tourists and locals.

A Milestone for Nepal Tourism

Arya Hotel & Spa’s soft opening in Thamel’s Narsingh Chowk marks a significant milestone for Nepal tourism. By combining Newari architecture with modern luxury, the hotel offers a unique value proposition for travelers seeking cultural tourism experiences. Its sky lounge, a first in Nepal, adds a modern twist to the traditional hospitality narrative, positioning the hotel as a must-visit destination in Kathmandu.

For global travelers searching for luxury hotels in Nepal, Arya Hotel & Spa stands out as a cultural gem. Its commitment to preserving Nepali heritage while offering world-class amenities makes it a beacon of sustainable tourism in the region. Whether you’re exploring Thamel’s vibrant streets or seeking a serene retreat, Arya Hotel & Spa promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Nepal’s cultural and hospitality landscape.

Why Visit Arya Hotel & Spa?

Cultural Immersion: Experience Nepali art and culture through Newari-inspired design and traditional hospitality.

Luxury Accommodations: Choose from a range of rooms, from Arya Deluxe to the Presidential Suite, with prices from USD 160 to USD 1,680.

Unique Dining: Dine at the Skyline Sora with a skywalk experience or relax at The Thirteenth Retreat with 360-degree city views.

Wellness Haven: Unwind at the spa, swim in the temperature-maintained pool, or enjoy the outdoor jacuzzi.
Prime Location: Located in Thamel, the heart of Kathmandu’s tourism scene, close to iconic landmarks like Swayambhu and Dharahara.

Arya Hotel & Spa is more than a place to stay; it’s a celebration of Nepali culture, craftsmanship, and hospitality. With its Newari-inspired architecture, luxury amenities, and Nepal’s first sky lounge, the hotel offers a one-of-a-kind experience that bridges tradition and modernity. Whether you’re a tourist exploring Thamel or a local seeking a luxurious retreat, Arya Hotel & Spa promises to leave you enchanted with its authentic Nepali hospitality and breathtaking views. As Nepal continues to grow as a global tourism destination, Arya Hotel & Spa stands as a shining example of how heritage and luxury can coexist to create unforgettable memories.

Arya Hotel & Spa is a testament to the vision of Krishna Simkhada. As Nepal tourism continues to grow, this luxury heritage hotel is poised to become a global icon, inviting travelers to discover the soul of Nepal in unparalleled style.