Nepal’s Shinta Mani Mustang Crowned the World’s Best Luxury Hotel by Robb Report

Nepal has achieved a landmark milestone in global luxury tourism after Shinta Mani Mustang was ranked the No. 1 luxury hotel in the world for 2026 by the internationally acclaimed lifestyle magazine Robb Report.

The 29-room retreat, located in the windswept Kali Gandaki River Valley of Lower Mustang, topped the publication’s annual “50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth” list. It surpassed prestigious, high-end properties located across the globe—including top-tier destinations in Rwanda, Scotland, Japan, India, Italy, France, and Panama.

Designed by renowned maximalist architect Bill Bensley, the resort is built using traditional local Baglung stone to blend seamlessly with the dramatic, high-altitude desert terrain. Robb Report’s panel of 24 “Travel Masters”—elite advisers who curate journeys for high-net-worth travelers—praised the property as a “masterful far-flung palace of fantasy” and “the ultimate retreat for the body, mind and spirit”.

Every room at the retreat offers expansive, unobstructed views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. To guarantee a deep and restorative guest experience, the property enforces a minimum five-night stay policy.

Rather than traditional resort amenities alone, guests at Shinta Mani Mustang are offered deeply localized experiences that highlight the region’s unique heritage. These include:

• Horseback riding, archery, and high-altitude trekking across rugged landscapes.
• Guided walks to Lubra, an 800-year-old village that serves as a stronghold for Bon Buddhism.
• Access to complementary traditional Tibetan medicine and wellness consultations from an on-site Amchi (traditional doctor).

Operated by the Sherpa Hospitality Group, the resort’s rise to the top spot has been swift, having previously been featured in global lists in 2024 and winning the Best Luxury Adventure Hotel award in 2025.

Industry leaders and the Nepal Tourism Board have hailed the top ranking as a watershed moment. It solidifies Nepal’s re-emergence not just as a traditional destination for backpackers and mountain climbers, but as a premier contender in the global luxury hospitality sector.