How does Nepal’s first billionaire, Binod K. Chaudhary, spend the holidays?
With more than 190 companies on five continents, Dr Binod K. Chaudhary’s businesses include hospitality, leisure and retail. Close to Hong Kong, he owns the well-known spa getaway The Farm in the Philippines. He also has the Chaudhary Foundation, which for more than two decades has worked to improve the lives of Nepal’s least fortunate.
To me, Christmas means … a way of expressing joy and happiness, which is celebrated all over the world irrespective of caste or religion. I don’t necessarily look at Christmas from any religious perspective. I celebrate Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha in a similar manner and congratulate Muslims on these important holidays. At Christmas, we also send greetings to people celebrating as Christians.
My favourite holiday memory is … I don’t particularly remember any specific moment. But I remember there was one Christmas holiday where I took my family (my wife and three sons) to Disneyland some 25 years ago.
My favourite place to spend the festive season is … The Farm at San Benito, the eco-luxury holistic medical wellness resort in the Philippines. I first discovered The Farm as a guest, and it was a life-changing experience. It did not take long for me to realise this was something I wanted to be a part of. Eventually, The Farm came under our management, and ever since then, I have made a point to make an annual visit to this healing sanctuary.
In fact, this Christmas, I will be at The Farm with my family and friends. To me, The Farm is not just a business but a perfect gift that nature has given to humankind – a gift of health that we wish to share with all, especially with our loved ones.
My wish list this holiday season is … may this Christmas bring a sense of tolerance and brotherhood to the entire world, and may the world become more stable and less intimidating.
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Nepal’s first billionaire – and owner of luxury spa The Farm in the Philippines – says Christian and Muslim holidays are moments to express joy and happiness