2024 - Ongoing
Project Type: Hospitality | Geography: Nepal
The current spa at the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is being transformed into a holistic wellness center, with its area doubling in size. This expansion is designed to move away from the typical single-facility model found in most resorts. Instead, the wellness venue will feature purposely spread-out programs across multiple areas and levels, with a layout that opens the interior spaces to natural light and expansive outdoor views. The new design, centered around a tranquil rainwater pond and an interconnected water court with a veranda, is conceived to create a truly immersive and restorative experience.
Architecturally, the new additions will ensure a seamless visual and physical connection with the existing resort. This is achieved by integrating the original structural grid and by echoing familiar design elements, such as wooden screens. The goal is to provide a sense of continuity while offering a fresh, expansive new space that feels both modern and authentically connected to its surroundings. The strategic placement of facilities within nature fosters a sense of discovery, guiding guests through a serene and integrated landscape – a journey of ‘Arogya’.
A cornerstone of the wellness center’s design is the critical role of the surrounding landscape, which acts as a powerful branding element for the entire wellness experience. In a testament to this deep integration, even the new facades and roofs are covered with lush vegetation. This greenery serves a dual purpose: it helps to naturally camouflage the new structures within the resort’s environment while also providing privacy and seclusion for intimate spaces, such as treatment rooms. This thoughtful blending the architecture and nature promises an unparalleled sense of tranquility and healing.
FACTS
Site Area: 32,600 SF
Open Space: 15,200 SF
Total Built-up Area: 17,400 SF
Design Director: Kiran Mathema
Consultant Team: Ajaya Mathema, Dipesh Shrestha, Bibek Shrestha, Parmila Maharjan, Rashid Ahmed, Shital Maharjan, Guddu Karna, Rashid Ahmed, Shital Maharjan, Eva Maharjan, Priyanka Shrestha.
