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Kathmandu, Nepal | January 7, 2026 — Lumbini Palace Resort Limited, a distinguished hospitality property operating in Siyari Ward No. 5, Rupandehi since 2018, has announced a major milestone in its growth journey. Following three straight years of profitable performance, the company has entered into a formal Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with Marriott International to rebrand and operate the property as Lumbini Marriott Resort & Spa.
This partnership establishes Marriott International’s first and only resort presence in Nepal outside the Kathmandu Valley, marking a historic development for tourism in the Lumbini region.
The agreement was concluded with Global Hospitality Licensing S.A.R.L. (Marriott International) in the presence of senior representatives from both organizations. Lumbini Palace Resort Limited was represented by Chairman Mr. Deepak Pandey and Managing Director Mr. Roshan Kumar Neupane, while Marriott International’s leadership included Mr. Neeraj Govil (Chief Operations Officer, Asia Pacific), Mr. Kiran Andicott (Senior Vice President, Development – South Asia), and Ms. Juhi Roy (Vice President, Development – South Asia).
The resort is on track to obtain its official five-star operating license by the close of the current fiscal year.
Designed as Nepal’s first dedicated five-star Water Resort, Lumbini Marriott Resort & Spa will introduce advanced and futuristic attractions, including:
Musical fountains and immersive 3D water screen displays
Motor boating and mini cruise experiences
Signature water-based restaurants and spa facilitiesa
Addressing global sustainability goals, the project is being developed as a Gold-certified Green Wellness Eco-Resort, meeting stringent international benchmarks for environmental protection, energy efficiency, and sustainable construction. It will also function as a multi-specialty sports resort, featuring world-class infrastructure for major sports played in Nepal, positioning Lumbini as a new hub for sports tourism.
In another industry first, the resort will operate as Nepal’s first Organic Five-Star Wellness Luxury Resort, emphasizing naturopathy, holistic therapies, and organic-certified wellness practices.
Honoring Lumbini’s spiritual heritage as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the property will integrate a dedicated Buddha Theme Park, comprising:
Mini stupas and a Buddha museum
Meditation zones and cultural interpretation centers
To maintain global service standards, Mr. Vijayananmaran Sanmugam has been appointed Vice President – Operations and Asset Development. With more than 27 years of national and international hospitality leadership experience, he will be supported by an international panel of management and asset development consultants.
The resort is set to emerge as a premier destination for international conferences, destination weddings, and holistic tourism covering water, wellness, eco, sports, and cultural travel segments. In addition to strengthening Nepal’s tourism profile, the project will contribute significantly to the local economy through employment generation and promotion of locally sourced products.
Lumbini Palace Resort Limited has also confirmed that preparations are underway for an Initial Public Offering (IPO), opening this landmark development to public investment.
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