Singaporean businessman and philanthropist Robert Kee, renowned for his decades-long commitment to improving the lives of poor and abandoned children across Asia, is preparing to launch a new luxury resort in Pokhara this December. Kee, the founder and executive chairman of the Operation Hope Foundation (OHF), is set to open the Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara – The Centara Collection, perched atop the scenic hilltops of Kaskikot overlooking the Pokhara Valley.
The 42-room boutique property, operated by Thailand’s Centara Hotels & Resorts, marks Kee’s first venture into the global luxury tourism sector. Yet, true to his life’s mission, the resort is designed to function as a social enterprise, with a portion of its profits dedicated to supporting OHF’s charity programs in Nepal and Cambodia.
Combining Luxury Tourism and Social Good
The upcoming resort promises an elevated hospitality experience, featuring skylights, private gardens, yoga classes, spa services, fire pits, and sweeping views of the Annapurna mountain range. Opening promotional rates begin at approximately USD 160 per night, with rooms starting at 44 square meters.
Kee emphasizes that the resort is not only aimed at offering world-class luxury but also at creating sustainable impact. “Some of the profits from the hotel can support my charity work,” he said. “If jobs can be created, that in itself is the best form of charity.” Having visited Nepal annually for more than 25 years, Kee proudly says, “I’m almost Nepali. I’m in love with the country.”
A Life Dedicated to Service
Robert Kee founded OHF in 2001, focusing on children’s homes, housing, sanitation, livelihood programs, and poverty alleviation projects. Over the decades, he has spearheaded humanitarian initiatives in Nepal, Cambodia, and the Philippines, continually advocating transparency and accountability within the charity sector.
In Nepal, OHF gained recognition for developing innovative quake-resistant “rice bag” homes after the 2015 earthquake. These structures, made from soil-filled rice bags reinforced with steel rebars, provided safe housing solutions in remote areas where conventional materials were difficult to transport. OHF has constructed 155 such homes across mountainous regions.
From Engineer to Hotel Designer
The journey of the Himalayan Hideaway Resort began 17 years ago. In 2008, Kee and his wife, Susan Ho, bought 400,000 sq ft of terraced rice fields directly from over 20 villagers for USD 400,000, ensuring the money went straight to local families.
The original architectural concept came from a friend who passed away before the project could be completed. Kee stepped in and redesigned the resort himself, drawing from his engineering background and long-standing experience working in developing countries. He personally oversaw every detail, from topographical planning to drainage systems, ensuring quality, transparency, and efficiency.
Employment and Community Support
When fully operational, the resort will employ 80 full-time staff, significantly contributing to the local economy. Its deep-water well also provides clean drinking water to nearby villages. During its six-year construction phase, the project created stable employment for local workers. Kee sees job creation as a cornerstone of sustainable charity. “Part of the profit from the hotel can fund my charity work,” he said. “If you can create jobs, that’s the ultimate form of charity.”
Fighting Corruption and Ensuring Accountability
Kee’s charity work is rooted in strict anti-corruption measures. Having encountered fraud early in his philanthropic journey, he introduced rigorous checks, including staff rotation for purchasing goods, weekly monitoring of supplies via Zoom, and detailed cost auditing for all OHF programs. He maintains a 20/80 ratio at OHF, ensuring 80% of all donations go directly to beneficiaries. Kee donates 20% of the foundation’s annual contributions himself.
A Family Legacy and Unwavering Passion
Though he lives comfortably in Singapore, Kee has always chosen modest accommodations while working in Cambodia and Nepal. A self-proclaimed “childish” man, he often entertains OHF children with magic tricks, a hobby he began at 12. Many of these children, now adults, still call him “grandfather.”
His family is deeply involved in his mission: two of his sons and daughter-in-law are engaged in both OHF and the new resort project. At 77, Kee has no plans to retire. Inspired by the book Halftime, he believes the second half of life should be dedicated to serving others. He even hints at exploring charity projects in Africa someday.
A Resort with Heart
With the Himalayan Hideaway Resort, Robert Kee combines luxury hospitality with a profound humanitarian vision. As Pokhara prepares to welcome this new hilltop sanctuary, the project stands as a unique example of tourism blended with compassion, an initiative that brings global travelers closer to Nepal while giving back to the communities that make the country so extraordinary.
