GLATTBRUGG, SWITZERLAND—The upcoming Mövenpick Dharamshala Resort & Spa in Northern India is poised to take the design and delivery of upscale remote properties to a whole new sustainable level. The 124-room resort, due to open in 2013, will be located 2,400 meters above sea level in the upper reaches of the Kangra Valley and surrounded by a dense forest and the Himalayan Mountains. Its key attraction will be a 2,500-square-meter Ayurvedic spa which will feature extensive preventive health programs, detox sessions, international treatments alongside Ayurvedic, meditation and yoga therapies.
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, along with the owning group, Kamakhya Hospitality Services Pvt. Ltd., are committed to sourcing mainly locally available materials in the construction process, installing energy-efficient systems to harness wind, solar and hydro power, and serving organic vegetables and fruits, and local products from rural farms nearby.
Links with the local community won’t end there, with guest programs set to provide the opportunity to interact with villagers and learn about their mountainous lifestyles—and perhaps pick up a tip or two on the secrets to their longevity.
In addition, the resort’s lobby will double up as the living room and serve as a center point for socialising and gathering around open fire places. The hotel will face the Dhauladhar mountain range.
Emphasis on Sustainability
“This is a project where the word ‘unique’ is truly apt, and where guests can expect a hospitality experience second to none,” said Jean Gabriel Pérès, president and CEO of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. “Getting the community involved in all stages of the project is crucial, and the sustainable emphasis underpins the entire resort.”
Vijay Sharma, chairman of owning company, Kamakhya Hospitality Services Pvt. Ltd., added, “Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is an upscale international brand with experience of operating renowned retreat resorts. We have found the perfect partner to manage the property in a long-term, sustainable fashion.”
Guests will be able to enjoy a wide range of food and beverage options, and undertake activities which are as varied as the terrain, with everything from mountain biking and trekking to adventure sports.
To access the resort, guests will take a one-hour flight from New Delhi to Gaggal, followed by a 40-minute drive through mountain ranges, trails and gorges.
Andreas Mattmüller, chief operating officer for Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, Middle East & Asia, said, “We are delighted to sign our second property in such a dynamic and fast-growing market. Adding this landmark property to our portfolio follows our global objective to expand our presence in India as we set to open the Mövenpick Hotel & Spa Bangalore this spring.”
Go to Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts.
