Spanning 130,000 sqm, the Tavan Jargal Resort is a high-end wellness oasis designed by Apostoli Wellness Creators in a protected area near Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Located in a pristine landscape within an emerging luxury travel market, the masterplan integrates respectfully with its surroundings, aiming for complete resource self-sufficiency. Driven by a desire to meet global sustainability goals and create a harmony between people and nature, the concept is rooted in ‘Wu Ling’—the five elements of Chinese philosophy. Fire (symbolizing warmth and community), Wood (representing clean air), Water (the source of life), Earth (providing nourishment), and Metal (an emblem of will and determination) define the foundations of the project. This philosophy has shaped a flexible resort capable of operating across all seasons. The number five is central to this project: beyond its connection to Taoist thought, it also honors our clients, the Jargal family. Leveraging our holistic vision of wellbeing and expertise in high-end hospitality, we are working to realize their ambition: to open Mongolia’s first five-star resort dedicated to rural tourism, catering to the more than one million tourists who visit annually to discover the country’s magnificent landscapes.
Tavan Jargal Resort is set on gently rolling terrain, featuring scattered buildings designed to blend seamlessly with the landscape. The complex comprises several structures, including a 20-suite hotel, a lush greenhouse where guests can dine while enjoying panoramic views, and a wellness area complete with an infinity pool, treatment rooms, a fitness center, and leisure spaces for adults and children. The accommodation also includes 27 private villas across four distinct types, as well as 19 ‘Gers’ (traditional nomadic dwellings) reinterpreted with contemporary amenities and nestled within a small forest. A restaurant sits on the banks of the river winding through the property, accompanied by shared outdoor decks for sports or meditation, all surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. Local stone, wood, and large windows give rhythm to the architecture of this sustainable complex. Powered by renewable energy, the resort creates a stunning setting dedicated to the total wellbeing of body, mind, and spirit. Every detail enhances the context, interpreting it with a contemporary sensibility that seeks a perfect balance between the environment and humankind.
Mongolia is a rapidly developing nation. As a major coal producer, the country relies heavily on this resource for thermoelectric power and residential heating to combat the harsh climate. The new resort near Ulaanbaatar was conceived to implement innovative engineering solutions that will kickstart a gradual transition toward renewable energy, with the ultimate goal of achieving zero-emission operations. These choices were further dictated by the necessity for complete autonomy, given the resort’s remote location. Balancing sustainability with reliable service delivery posed a significant challenge, particularly regarding the choice of primary energy carriers. Due to extreme environmental constraints—including winter temperatures dropping to -35°C, deep permafrost, water scarcity, and the limited efficiency of solar and wind power in this context—hydrocarbon combustion remains an unavoidable necessity. However, this has been integrated into a strategy of progressive improvement, utilizing technological systems that are highly innovative for the region.
