If your New Year’s resolution was to become more zen, we have a hotel that can help.
Ayan Hotels and Resorts is opening a spiritual retreat within a lush valley in Mongolia—and Robb Report got an exclusive first look. Christened Ayan Zalaat, the new property is designed to help guests embrace stillness and reflect. Sounds like a great place to clear your head before you venture into the thrilling Gobi Desert.
Located just outside Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, the secluded oasis occupies a prime position in a private estate near the Bogd Khan Uul UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The valley in which it sits, known as Zalaat, has long been a destination for those seeking quiet contemplation: Monks have been heading to the area, which they viewed as a place of spiritual study, since the 12th century to seek enlightenment under the gaze of the sacred Bogd Khan Mountain. Ayan Zalaat has woven that meditative sensibility and cultural importance into the new location; even the name “Zalaat” is rooted in the ethos, translated from a Sanskrit phrase meaning “Gift From God.”
Guests will step into a calming sanctuary, thanks to the work of developer Mabetex Group and Italian architect Fabio Frisco. A bright, marble-clad lobby greets you at the door, with the stone, created specifically for the property, also popping up in various other spots throughout. The 32 rooms and suites (from $850) are contemporary in design, showcasing neutral hues and sleek, bespoke furniture. Each one is also fitted with expansive, mountain-view windows, bringing a piece of that Mongolian landscape right to you. You can also expect traditional Mongolian materials and craftsmanship, like premium Erdenet carpets underfoot. The bathrooms, meanwhile, include deep soaking tubs and, again, that striking marble.
When it’s time for a bite, you can head to one of Ayan Zalaat’s 10 restaurants and lounges. If you’re in the mood for Italian, check out Roma Ristorante, an ode to Mediterranean cuisine; the Nipponian Room, meanwhile, is serving up dishes with a Japanese flair, including sushi and teppanyaki experiences. You can also dine at 8 Ounce Steakhouse & Grill to taste both local and imported cuts or Lost in China to enjoy regional Chinese creations. The cigar lounge, cloaked in rich colors and fun patterns, may be where you choose to end your evening, or perhaps the wine cellar with an in-house sommelier, the rooftop terrace, or two other lounges are more your speed.
Ayan Zalaat, as you’d expect, has plenty of ways for you to embrace Mongolian culture. The Ayan Theater, for one, is where you can experience traditional khöömei throat singing or Biyelgee folk dance for yourself. For a more spiritually focused endeavor, head to the Soma Temple, where you can tap a resident Buddhist monk to discuss a variety of teachings and mindfulness philosophies that have been synonymous with the region for centuries.
Even the spa, which offers treatments created in collaboration with Switzerland’s Clinique Nescens, has references to the region. The wellness center is inspired by traditional Mongolian architecture, and you can take in all the nods to Buddhism while enjoying the sauna, chronotherapy shower, salt room, and other treatments. The spa has also embraced the longevity trend, with preventative services aimed at helping you to live better, longer. Other hotel highlights include a bowling alley, a karaoke room, and the chance to craft your own bespoke journey across Mongolia, complete with off-roading adventures and the ability to explore remote areas via a small plane.
“Ayan Zalaat was envisioned as a place where many experiences could coexist within one setting,” Tselmuun Nyamtaishir, founder and CEO of Ayan Hotels & Resorts, said in a statement. “Combining culture, wellness, dining, entertainment, and gathering spaces, while meeting the expectations of both international travelers and local guests. More than a single opening, it reflects our commitment to shaping the future of tourism in Mongolia.”
Eventually, that future at Ayan Zalaat will include 21 residential villas, perched alongside more hotel accommodations and recreational facilities. Your adventures at the property will keep growing, too, as the team adds a helicopter service and “glamping” experiences.
To check out Ayan Zalaat for yourself, head to the hotel’s website to make a reservation starting January 20.
Click here to see more of Ayan Zalaat Hotel & Spa.

Ayan Zalaat
Authors
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Nicole Hoey
Digital Editor
Nicole Hoey is Robb Report’s digital editor. While studying at Boston University, she read, wrote and read some more as an English and journalism major. A class taught by a Boston Globe copy editor…


