In a protected valley at the edge of Mongolia's capital, where monks once sought enlightenment beneath the sacred Bogd Khan Mountain, Ayan Hotels & Resorts unveils Ayan Zalaat Hotel & Spa as the brand's flagship luxury destination near Mongolia's capital city.
Set on a private estate near the Bogd Khan Uul UNESCO Biosphere Reserve—one of the world's oldest protected natural areas, safeguarded since 1778—Ayan Zalaat is a destination in itself. The 32-room retreat brings together refined contemporary design, ten distinctive dining and social venues, expansive wellness and cultural spaces, and immersive experiences typically found in resorts several times its size, all delivered through highly personalized service within a secluded natural setting. Ayan Hotels & Resorts is owned by Mongolyn Alt (MAK) LLC, one of Mongolia's most diversified privately owned conglomerates.
Zalaat Valley has been revered since the 12th century as a place of spiritual study and retreat, drawing monks to its quiet hills for meditation and reflection. Today, Ayan Zalaat honors this legacy as a guiding principle, creating a sanctuary where renewal, stillness, and cultural integrity remain central to the guest experience.
Conceived by the internationally renowned Mabetex Group, with interior design led by Italian architect Fabio Friso, Ayan Zalaat reflects a global design collaboration that brings European craftsmanship into dialogue with Mongolia's cultural and natural landscape. Custom-designed furniture, bespoke millwork, and Italian marble elements were created exclusively for the property, drawing on a network of artisans and specialists from across Europe and beyond.
Ayan Hotels & Resorts is a Mongolian luxury hospitality group dedicated to building culturally grounded destinations that meet international standards of design, service, and experiential depth. Named after a Sanskrit phrase meaning "gift from God," Ayan Zalaat embodies the brand's vision to express a strong Mongolian identity through excellence in every detail. Central to this philosophy is an exceptional investment in people, with a full-time team of 130-140 professionals, underscoring a long-term commitment to service mastery, training, and cultural stewardship.
Hotel Design & Accommodations
Each of the 32 guest rooms and suites is designed as a serene private retreat where European craftsmanship meets Mongolia's sense of space and quiet. Floor-to-ceiling windows ace face Bogd Khan Mountain and invite natural light and connect interiors to the surrounding landscape, while bespoke furniture, premium textiles, and carefully layered lighting create a sense of warmth and restraint.
Italian marble bathrooms feature deep soaking tubs and separate showers, complemented by soundproofed walls, blackout curtains, and precision climate control for year-round comfort. The design is a unique blend of Mongolian culture with contemporary design with thoughtful touches to showcase the brand's identity and deep connection to the Mongolian spirit such as Mongolian premium wool carpets and views that invite the surroundings in. From Deluxe Rooms to the two-bedroom Amala Presidential Suite, each accommodation balances contemporary luxury with the tranquility of Mongolia's vast, unhurried environment.
Cultural Offerings
At the soul of Ayan Zalaat are two spaces that transcend traditional hospitality offerings. The Ayan Theatre, richly adorned with traditional motifs and vibrant patterns, serves as a living stage for Mongolia's most treasured art forms, from khöömei throat singing to UNESCO-recognized Biyelgee folk dance—presented as cultural transmission rather than performance alone.
Adjacent to the theatre, the Soma Temple functions as a traditional Mongolian spiritual sanctuary for meditation, ritual, and learning. Guests may engage with a resident Buddhist monk for teachings and mindfulness practices, offering rare access to the spiritual philosophies that have shaped Mongolian life for centuries.
Culinary Experiences
Rooted in the Mongolian tradition that a guest is sacred, Ayan Zalaat's culinary program extends generous hospitality through ten restaurants and lounges, each aligned with the hotel's architectural and cultural vision. Signature venues include Roma Ristorante, serving elevated Italian and Mediterranean cuisine; 8 Ounce Steakhouse & Grill, showcasing premium local and imported cuts; Lost in China, presenting refined regional Chinese fare; and The Nipponian Room, offering modern Japanese dining with sushi and teppanyaki experiences.
Additional venues include a cigar lounge reminiscent of James Bond sophistication, a sommelier-led wine cellar, a guest-exclusive rooftop terrace, an artisanal pâtisserie and coffee lounge, and the hotel's signature Ayan Lounge and Lobby Lounge, together forming a dynamic collection of dining and social spaces.
Spa and Wellness
Ayan Spa combines Mongolian cultural wisdom with Swiss medical wellness expertise. Developed in partnership with Clinique Nescens of Genolier, Switzerland, the spa offers advanced longevity and preventive care within architecturally refined spaces inspired by traditional Mongolian forms and Buddhist symbolism.
An immersive thermal journey—including an illuminated sauna, chromotherapy shower, crystalline salt room, and indoor aquatic area—anchors the experience, complemented by signature treatments, Nescens longevity protocols, fitness and mindfulness programs, and personalized nutritional support. The spa serves as the wellness heart of Ayan Zalaat, where scientific rigor and cultural integrity meet in both space and service.
Meetings and Events
Ayan Zalaat is well suited for group clientele, offering more than 550 m² (5,920 ft²) of flexible function space across five venues for meetings, social events, weddings, and private gatherings. The multifunctional Ayan Ballroom accommodates up to 120 guests in an atmosphere that is both bright and elegant, while the boardroom-style Ananda and the Ayan Cinema provide distinctive settings for presentations and executive meetings. What sets gatherings at Ayan Zalaat apart is the ability to pair professional events with curated cultural programming, integrated wellness experiences, and private entertainment options. Audiovisual equipment, including sound systems, microphones, and presentation screens, is available complimentary, and the hotel's entertainment areas may be reserved for group functions.
Additional Experiences and Activities
On-site leisure offerings include a private cinema, bowling alley, karaoke room, games lounges, and scenic walking paths throughout the estate. Beyond the hotel, Ayan Zalaat curates fully bespoke journeys across Mongolia, working with intimate camps, off-road expeditions, and small-plane partners to access remote regions, whether for multi-day explorations or short immersive excursions.
Looking Ahead
Phase two of development will expand Ayan Zalaat with 21 residential villas and a 16-story Sports Center featuring 63 hotel rooms, serviced apartments, a Kids Play Center, and office space for local and international clientele. Recreational facilities—including tennis, basketball, and curling—will be adaptable for events, including a ballroom accommodating up to 400 guests. Plans also include introducing a helicopter service and luxury "glamping" experiences, extending the property's reach into Mongolia's natural landscapes.
Ayan Zalaat is more than a hotel; it is an expression of Ayan Hotels & Resorts' long-term vision for Mongolia as a globally sought-after destination. Rooted in a sacred landscape and shaped by a deep investment in people, the property reflects a belief that true luxury is built slowly—through place, culture, and human connection—setting a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in Mongolia.
Ayan Zalaat Hotel & Spa is now open and accepting reservations. Nightly rates from USD 850.

Published Date:2026-01-17