The Dwarika’s Resort is a serene oasis amidst the bustling chaos found on the streets of Kathmandu. As Kathmandu underwent rapid change in the 1970s and historic buildings faced destruction, the Dwarika Hotel was created as a tourist hotel to preserve the rich heritage of the Kathmandu Valley and to celebrate the architectural legacy of the Newari civilization.
The building that was saved is a historic red brick tiered structure inset with layers of wooden windows. Gardens intertwine at its base, with courtyards merging into walkways bordered by flowerbeds and pots packed with brightly colored flowers, ferns, and tropical plants. Sculptures and intricate detailing in the walls and window frames enhance the historic feel of the hotel, and water features, including fountains, water spouts, and ponds reflect the emphasis on wellness that this hotel promises.
Location
Kathmandu is a lively, dusty, and gritty city—chaotic yet undeniably captivating and this hotel is a beautifully preserved escape from the outside world. Getting to The Dwarika’s Resort in Dhulikhel, Nepal, is easy as it is only around four kilometers or a 15-minute drive from Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). The hotel offers a pickup service, or you can pick up a taxi from outside the airport.
Kathmandu is home to awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and the intricately carved Patan Durbar Square. Strolling through the bustling streets of Thamel, you’ll find a mix of traditional artisan shops, lively markets, and cozy cafés.
The hotel’s location provides awe-inspiring views of the mountain ranges and immerses guests in the region’s rich tradition of holistic healing, spiritual energy, and natural beauty.
Style & Character
The Dwarika’s Resort offers a tranquil retreat with luxurious amenities and stunning views of the surrounding hills. The resort blends wellness with heritage, offering yoga sessions, meditation spaces, and spa treatments rooted in Himalayan traditions. The resort’s design fosters a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living, inviting guests to bask on the numerous patios with outdoor seating.
The architecture reflects a deep respect for nature, with spaces consecrated to attract positive energy while keeping negative forces at bay. The thoughtful use of local materials and traditional craftsmanship is evident throughout the property. From the cactus-lined boundaries to the meditation spaces and gardens, every corner of the resort is imbued with a sense of tranquility and reverence for the environment.
The reception area is reached via a patio offering a padded wrought iron seating area to one side. Inside, the foyer is generous in size with historic stone floors and more seating staring out at the gardens through arched windows.
Big pots containing plants or reeds are dotted around the room, and to one end is a double-height red brick wall housing a huge fireplace. A balcony hangs above and looks down upon this airy room, and a grand piano sits in one corner, waiting to be played.
The feel of this space is a mish-mash of history, and the big rugs that have been placed to soften the space and add warmth to the cold parquet and red stone flooring add to the eclectic feel. We love the fact that this hotel feels so unusual and unique. There is no question that you are in Nepal and enjoying a slice of history that most travelers will never get to appreciate.
The corridors within the hotel continue the historic feel with red tile floors and old chests, and more pots, vases, and other historic elements decorating their walls and floors.
Service & Facilities
Service at Dwarika’s Resort is as thoughtful as its design. The staff embodies the resort’s philosophy of nurturing harmony, providing warm and attentive care to every guest. From yoga masters and Ayurvedic doctors to chefs and meditation guides, the resort’s team ensures a personalized and enriching experience.
The Dwarika’s Resort is a sanctuary for those seeking harmony between body, mind, spirit, and the natural world. Rooted in ancient Hindu Vedic scriptures, Buddhist medicine, and Himalayan traditions, the resort offers a holistic approach to wellbeing.
The facilities are extensive and designed to support a journey of self-discovery. Guests can indulge in the Himalayan Rock Salt Room, Chakra Sound Therapy Chambers, and the Meditation Cave. The Pancha Kosha Himalayan Spa offers treatments inspired by Ayurveda and Buddhist medicine, addressing the five layers of being: physical, energetic, mental, intellectual, and blissful.
Activities such as yoga, pottery, painting, and guided meditation sessions are complimentary, adding immense value to the stay. The resort’s farm-to-table dining experience and cooking classes connect guests with the source of their nourishment, emphasizing the importance of food in holistic well-being.
Alternatively, you can just stay, enjoy a swim in the pool, use the hotel gym and lounge on the loungers in the sunshine.
Rooms
The rooms at The Dwarika’s Resort reflect the character of the original building. They are spacious with period features, including hugely ornate window frames with a Taj Mahal-shaped arch at the top. Red stone floors are draped in plush rugs, and a window seat built into the wall gives guests a great space to sit and gaze outward.
A desk sits at one side of each room that looks to be made of original materials, and a large wooden sideboard sits to the other with a TV on top. The TV seems to be the only thing out of place in the time warp that hosts this room.
Bathrooms are large and modern with black slate tiles, a deep soak bath, and a separate walk-in shower. We like the gold taps in particular.
The Junior Suites are available in terrace-attached and terrace-shared configurations. These suites feature king and twin bedrooms, locally crafted furnishings, and private or shared terraces with divans. The attached terraces allow for quiet moments under the stars, while the shared spaces provide ample privacy within a tranquil setting.
The Executive Suites offer a private garden or expansive terrace for those seeking elevated luxury. These suites are meticulously designed to foster relaxation, with lush outdoor furnishings and luxurious bathrooms that seamlessly integrate with nature.
At the pinnacle of indulgence is the Royal Suite, a sprawling sanctuary with over 3,000 ft² of space, a private hot tub, and a personal chef available on request. Perched at the resort’s highest point, the Royal Suite provides unparalleled views of the Himalayas and the ultimate retreat experience.
Every suite is equipped with organic toiletries produced in-house, ensuring that guests’ experiences are both indulgent and environmentally conscious.
Food & Drink
Dining at The Dwarika’s Resort celebrates natural and wholesome nourishment, guided by the principles of Fresh, Local, Organic, Seasonal, and Less Travelled ingredients. Sourced from the resort’s six eco-organic farms across Nepal, every meal embodies the healing power of food, blending Ayurvedic and Buddhist culinary principles to nurture the body, mind, and soul.
Nature’s Flavours Restaurant highlights Himalayan and Nepalese flavors, while Mako’s Zen Restaurant offers mindful Japanese Zen Buddhist cuisine. Ananta Poolside Restaurant pairs Nepalese and international dishes with breathtaking views, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
For a more intimate setting, the resort’s Khet-Bari Lounge & Deck allows guests to pick fresh produce for a personalized farm-to-table meal. Meanwhile, the Gol Lokdham Lounge & Bar offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, and the cozy Fusion Lounge & Bar is perfect for chilly evenings with drinks and light snacks. Across all venues, the focus remains on pure, nourishing food that reflects the simplicity and vitality of nature.
In the morning, the breakfast is extensive and also free if you book your stay via our luxury travel concierge. The breakfast includes a huge hot and cold buffet with omelets cooked to order and barista coffee. The food spread out on tables is made up of cold meats, cheese, nuts, salad, cereal, hot sausages, and bacon, along with local alternatives, including a hot bean dish. Cut and whole fruit are set out along with plenty of juices, and there’s a generous array of bread and muffins.
Conclusion
The Dwarika’s Resort in Dhulikhel embraces traditional Newari-inspired architecture and is dedicated to preserving Nepal’s cultural essence. It uses ancient wisdom to create a haven for self-discovery and rejuvenation. From its serene location and thoughtfully designed spaces to its extensive wellness offerings and warm hospitality, the resort invites guests to embark on a transformative journey of body, mind, and spirit.
Whether watching the sunrise from your suite, exploring the meditation maze, or immersing yourself in a Himalayan salt therapy session, every moment at The Dwarika’s Resort is an opportunity to reconnect with the essence of life. For those seeking peace, renewal, and a deeper connection to the natural world, The Dwarika’s Resort connects you to the heart and soul of the Kathmandu Valley.
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