IHG Hotels & Resorts and the Shangri-La Hotel & Resort Group has appointed 1508’s Bangkok studio as the interior designer for three debut hotels for the brand in Nepal – Hotel Indigo Pokhara Gharipatan, InterContinental Resort Pokhara Begnas Lake, and InterContinental Resort Chitwan, Meghauli. The signing will see IHG Hotels & Resorts add close to 500 rooms to its luxury lifestyle portfolio in Nepal, and debut two of its global brands, InterContinental and Hotel Indigo in the market.
Established in 2010 in London, 1508 is renowned for their seamless quality of work, having designed some of the most luxurious hotels and branded residences schemes in the world such as the Carlton Tower Jumeirah and the OWO Residences by Raffles, both in London, and the Grand InterContinental Seoul. The international design firm’s Bangkok studio has been appointed on the project.
Commenting on the appointment, Dylan Larsen, Regional Director for the APAC region for 1508 said: “Our debut hospitality project in South Asia marks an exhilarating milestone for the 1508 brand. We are delighted to be working alongside IHG Hotels & Resorts and the Shangri-La Hotel & Resort Group to deliver these hotels in Nepal. We are shaping a new identity in an already remarkable region, and we are confident that these hotels will define ultimate luxury in Nepal.”
Laura Lockwood, Partner & Studio Director at 1508, commenting on the 1508 Bangkok’s studio appointment explained: “We believe that great design transcends borders. Operating across four regions with eight offices, our diverse and multi-disciplinary team is composed of talented designers whose design tastes are multicoloured as well as multicultural. We love the added value of this proposition and what it offers in terms of design language and output. There is a firm belief in collaboration amongst our global studios, and that guides our design principles, developing unique design narratives for our clients. The global lens with which we’re designing our projects sets the tone for the calibre of work we’re capable of, and I’m excited to showcase our capabilities to a new audience in the region.”
Hamish Brown, Partner at 1508, shares his excitement about their appointment: “We are thrilled to be appointed on these luxury hotel projects in Nepal. Our design philosophy which favours an approach derived from measured principles, inspired by history, geography, and the architectural vernacular of a project, will guide our approach. With our global presence, including our talented team in the Bangkok studio, we are poised to deliver exceptional and timeless spaces. This opportunity allows us to bring our diverse, multicultural design expertise to a new and exciting market, and we look forward to creating unique and memorable experiences for our clients and their guests in Nepal.”
Currently under construction, the new hotels are scheduled to open in the next 1-2 years in the most sought-after leisure destinations of Nepal – Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. Nepal is slated to be one of the top emerging luxury travel destinations and the hotels mark an exciting phase for both interior designer and developers alike.
Hotel Indigo Pokhara – Opening Q3 2025
Hotel Indigo properties provide a gateway to discover some of the world’s most inspiring neighbourhoods and locations. Just as no two neighbourhoods are alike, no two Hotel Indigo properties are the same, taking inspiration from the area around each hotel to inform all aspects of the guest experience, from the boutique design to locally inspired restaurants.
Strategically located in Pokhara’s Gharipatan area, a key commercial and residential hub, Hotel Indigo Pokhara will serve the growing demand from business and leisure guests in the city. The 100-key hotel will feature facilities such as a retail store, health club, spa, club lounge, business centre, indoor and outdoor recreation areas, and swimming pool. To cater to MICE demands, the hotel will be equipped with two meeting rooms, a ballroom, and a boardroom. For guests to unwind, there will be a neighbourhood café, specialty restaurant, a lobby lounge, and a bar.
This project draws inspiration from the region’s natural hues, framing the beauty of the local traditions. Incorporating refined indigenous materials and textures to seamlessly give it a distinct local identity. Emphasising a sense of neighbourhood, mirroring the close-knit bonds of Nepalese communities to create an immersive and enriching experience.
InterContinental Pokhara Begnas Lake – Opening Q2 2025
Located along the banks of Begnas Lake in Pokhara, InterContinental Pokhara Begnas Lake will feature 80 rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge, and a bar among other dining options. This 80-key property will also include a kids and teens club, a spa, Club InterContinental, and a swimming pool. The hotel will be easily accessible from the national highway and Pokhara Airport, which is a 20-minute drive away. The hotel will welcome guest segments across small groups, solo travellers, and families. It will also be able to cater to MICE demands and host more intimate celebrations and meetings.
The 1508 Bangkok studio design draws inspiration from Nepalese art, crafts, materials, colours, and textures, each element carefully selected to harmonize with the surrounding landscape and native textures. The aim is to preserve and enhance the beauty of the surroundings without disrupting the delicate balance of nature.
InterContinental Resort Chitwan – Opening Q3 2025
InterContinental Resort Chitwan is located in the popular tourist destination of Meghauli Village. The resort will feature 80 rooms and facilities such as all-day dining and a specialty restaurant, Club InterContinental, bars, a kids and teens club, a spa, indoor and outdoor recreation areas, a swimming pool, as well as spaces to host meetings and celebrate occasions. Near to the dense forest and green plains of Chitwan National Park, InterContinental Resort Chitwan will cater to leisure guests and is conveniently an hour away from Bharatpur city centre and the airport.
The 1508 Bangkok studio has created a design that reflects the vibrant life along the Rapti River by drawing inspiration from wildlife, indigenous artistry, and culture. Elements such as tribal architecture, agricultural and fishing equipment, traditional music and dance forms, as well as jewellery and clothing, are thoughtfully incorporated.
The presence of Chitwan’s wildlife is subtly woven into the design, adding a unique charm to the ambiance. These cultural and natural elements are integrated with a modern twist, creating a harmonious blend of past and present. This approach ensures an authentic sense of place, offering an immersive and culturally rich experience that embodies the true spirit of Chitwan.
