The Rejuvenating Dwarika’s Resort in Nepal

Just 45 minutes from Kathmandu lies a Himalayan slice of tranquil heaven. Dwarika’s Resort is a luxury spa resort in Dhulikhel, Nepal, which sits at over 5,000 feet above the gorgeous Kavrepalanchok Valley below, and neighbors the vast Himalayan mountain range. This breathtaking eco-resort is focused on providing a Himalayan approach to well-being, nestled in rustic extravagance. Dwarika’s is built on the philosophy of superb hospitality, catering to your every need with genuine interest and endearment. Dwarika’s Resort may as well be the envy of a goddess.

Upon arrival, we were greeted with ‘Rudrakhsya’ spiritual beads and refreshments, then guided up to one of the 39 suites which would be our luxurious sanctuary in the clouds for one unforgettable week.

Dwarika’s Resort overlooks Mount Everest in Nepal

Cascading waterfalls line the path as you ascend temple-like steps to your room. Nine houses containing 39 suites decorate the 20 aces of sloping gardens, where we saw butterflies right out of National Geographic and even some deer. Each room offers luxurious indoor and outdoor living and sleeping areas, capitalizing on the awe-inspiring landscape. They’re also equipped with a flat screen TV, sound system, minibar and air conditioning. The decor is complete with rustic furniture in muted tones (without compromising comfort) for a simple, natural feel that puts focus on the real emblem of the resort—the view. Enormous windows in each room act as picture frames for the stunning views of the Langtang range of the Himalayas distantly neighboring the hotel.

This east-Asian vision is like a real life Shangri-La.

Relax outside and sleep under the stars on your private terrace

Our room, which also included a massive private outdoor area

The bathrooms feel very natural, with stone, slate and wood all around you

This resort is great for those looking to get a little exercise, because there are a lot of stairs…and we mean a lot (at high altitudes no less). Everything is built on a hillside, so getting from one place to another requires a vertical trek. But for those not keen on getting a Stairmaster workout on their down time, the hotel drives guests with mobility issues and is planning on introducing golf carts and alternative transportation methods.

Experience the richness of Nepalese life with an array of cultural activities unlike any other to sooth your body and mind. The Pancha Kosha Spa Village, Dwarika’s full service spa, specializes in holistic remedies drawn from Himalayan lifestyle. A blend of Buddhist and Vedic medicine are used to focus on complete well-being of the individual. Under the care of Dwarika’s Ayurvedic doctor and naturopathy expert, Buddhist medicine healers (Amchis), yoga teachers, Buddhist monk and Hindu priest, you will be guided to achieve complete physical and mental harmony along with spiritual growth.

A meditation and spa treatment room

Each aspect of the resort is deliberately designed to address the Pancha Kosha—the 5 layers of being. These consist of Annamaya (physical), Pranamaya (vital air), Manomaya (mind), Vigyanmaya (intellect) and Anandamaya (inner bliss). Dwarika’s “spa village” offers treatments that cater to each of the koshas. Make sure to take some time to indulge in the natural resources gathered from the region in the Rock Salt room. Himalayan Rock Salt is the purest salt on earth, containing over 80 vital minerals. Unwinding in this sauna can strengthen the immune system, cure skin allergies, enhance skin tone and release negative energies from the body.

The spa also offers meditation, Chakra sound chambers (to allow energy to flow smoothly through your body), and a range of body treatments for harmonious bliss. It was hands down the most therapeutic massage I’ve ever had, I nearly dozed off from the level of relaxation they’re able to convey. Afterward, we loved relaxing in the outdoor infinity pool, cocktail in hand.

Inside the Himalayan salt room sauna

The infinity pool: A great place to relax

One thing we made sure to never miss was the sunrise yoga against the backdrop of the Himalayan mountains, which was an experience that cannot be paralleled. Immediately after, we relaxed and enjoyed the daily tea ceremonies, which are held at sunrise (with fresh tea – no packets!) in the viewing lounge atop the resort, providing a 360-degree view of the Himalayas.

The resort offers quite a few other activities to fill your time, such as white water rafting or biking for the active bunch. Dwarika’s Dhulikhel makes an excellent luxurious base for hiking expeditions. They also offer short day hikes for those not interested in tackling the more challenging trek into the Himalayas. Upon request, you can grab a bike and visit the nearby Newari villages, which date back to the 16th century. Visiting them was like experiencing a living museum, as they have managed to retain all of their ancient culture and traditions. Or, if you’re feeling crafty, you can even take home your own one-of-a-kind creation made in a pottery class. Creativity is a healing cure all by itself!

Pottery class is not only fun and relaxing, but therapeutic

A visit to the resort could mean encountering a climber relaxing after conquering Mt. Everest’s summit, British royalty or a Hollywood actor. The hotel attracts quite an eclectic crowd.

Dwarika’s aesthetics will not only satiate you mentally but also physically. Their extravagant gardens and organic farms supply their three restaurants, apart from being a sight for sore eyes. Nature’s Flavours features traditional Himalayan cuisine from the region, and of course is highly nutritious. Mako’s Zen is their vegetarian Japanese restaurant, inspired by the diet followed by monks in training. The cuisine is a feast for the senses and a treat for your body. There is also a poolside restaurant that offers Himalayan cuisine as well as popular international fare perfect for distant travelers. A bar is also available and serves as a cozy place to relax after a day in the hills. And to feed the mind, the resort even has their own library.

Fine dining with a mountainous backdrop

The impeccable service offered at Dwarika’s is meant to promote ultimate healing and harmony within their guests. A trip to this health retreat will leave you rejuvenated and balanced thanks to this paragon of serenity in the mountains of Nepal.

The pool at night is super romantic

Travel Tip: To avoid monsoon season and get the best view of the Himalayas, Autumn and Spring are the ideal times to visit Nepal.