Swimming Pool in the Style of Ancient Royal Baths ©Solange Hando
After the earthquake, Dwarika's offered shelter to many of the victims but as the city slowly returns to normal life, visitors enjoy once again one of Kathmandu's most stunning hotels, a superb architectural gem unscathed by the disaster.
Named after its founder and still managed by his wife and daughter, it was the dream of a man who fell in love with Newari heritage, collecting carved windows, pillars and doors for his small family home. Later this was transformed into a boutique hotel to help finance the preservation of local culture and training of young craftsmen.
Dwarika's Traditional Entrance ©Solange Hando
Carved doors and pottery guardians set the tone as soon as you approach the entrance, leading to a lush oasis of plants, flowers and trees, just steps away from the dust and chaos of Kathmandu's streets,
Here nothing disturbs the peace but the sound of tumbling water and the twittering of birds, especially at dawn and dusk. There are offerings by the shrine and the fragrance of incense and marigolds lingers in the air.
Quiet Courtyard ©Solange Hando
The grounds are divided into attractive courtyards, never crowded and each one different from the next, here a place to sip Nepali tea, there somewhere to chill out under white drapes or gaze at warm red bricks glowing in the sunset festooned in persimmon and poinsettia trees.
Traditional Room and a Touch of Colour ©Solange Hando
Dwarika's has 86 individually designed rooms and suites, from the royal suite to heritage deluxe rooms, all spacious and furnished with artwork and organic linen. In-room amenities include everything you would expect from a 5 star hotel, including chocolates on your pillow.
Add a business centre, gym, Himalayan spa, and a boutique selling pashmina shawls, traditional paintings and more, what else could you want?
Food and drink?
The choice is yours with international and Japanese restaurants and a Nepali venue offering up to 22 regional courses, plus a fusion bar for cocktails and snacks and a log fire on request. Alternatively you can dine outdoors under a star-studded sky.
A Spot of Shade ©Solange Hando
Then of course, Dwarika can arrange your sightseeing tours but in such a lovely place, you may well be tempted to stay in the shade, until it's time to go to the airport, barely 10 minutes away.
