LF Review: ★★★★★
Nepal, being so close to India, might not seem to be a ‘new’ destination. But the small country has managed to retain its charm and exoticness, thanks to the majestic Himalayas, and the extremely affable, genuine citizens of this country.
On a recent trip to Nepal, I discovered the joy of slow travel and focusing on wellness at the stunning Dwarika’s Resort which is located about an hour from Kathmandu International Airport.
Nature’s nuances
Being my first trip to Nepal, I could not have asked for a better introduction than The Dwarika’s Resort. Being a nature lover, this retreat had my heart from the word go. On my arrival here, I was whisked into a golf cart to head towards the reception area and the winding upward path revealed an abundance of greenery and bird song on the way.
After a quick check-in, I walked up several steps and a steep path to reach my room. Simply done in hues of cream and beige, as I part the curtains of the large French windows, I gasp to see a beautiful range of snowcapped Himalayan mountains in the horizon. A little gift bag is waiting too with a book, a colour of the day stole and more, for an excellent start to the day.
Surrounded by massive trees, the resort is an ode to nature. Beyond the crisp white sheets and those soul-satisfying views, you don’t need anything. The best part for me, however, was the fact that this is where I spotted several species of birds, from the crimson sunbird, Himalayan bulbul, red billed blue magpie to Oriental white eye and more. I have always been a birdwatcher at heart.
Wellness getaway
The resort has 40 residential suites, three restaurants, a tea lounge, bar, library, activity areas and rooms for pottery, mandala making, block-printing, meditation, yoga, cookery and lifestyle courses, and an infinity pool. A unique spa village with nine individual spa treatment suites, yoga room, Himalayan salt therapy room, eight individual Chakra sound therapy chambers and more complete the set-up of this vast property.
Suite sizes range from approximately 100m² to 300m² and have expansive indoor and outdoor living areas with either a private garden or roof terrace. The resort is set over five different zones and is spread over 50 acres. The design reflects traditional Nepali village ethos, where trails, glades, and terraced farms are seamlessly woven among the verdant woodlands.
There is also an in-house farm which you can visit with a staff member to see a variety of vegetables and herbs being grown. Do not miss the small orange trees that are bursting with fruits.
The food at the retreat is made using fresh vegetables grown in-house and is largely organic. From Japanese cuisine to rustic, nature-based food, dining at the resort is a pleasure everyday.
Rooted in wisdom
However, the main attraction here are the numerous wellness activities that you can experience. While the spa treatments are to be paid for additionally, there are other experiences that are complimentary. Drawing wisdom from ancient Vedic scriptures, Buddhist philosophy, and a wealth of knowledge, the resort believes that true well-being originates from maintaining harmony and balance among the environment, body, mind, and spirit.
The in-house award-winning Pancha Kosha Spa, led by expert Ayurvedic doctors, naturopathy, and spa specialists, offers a variety of treatments that blend Ayurveda and Western sciences. The Pancha Kotha Himalayan Singing Bowl Therapy, is an ancient practice unique to the Himalayan region, that is aimed to remove negative energy and balance the chakras. The Newari special ancient massage as well as the Kwon Jyajo, a glowing Herbal, Powder Therapy are other signature treatments.
Be well
The retreat offers a meditation maze – a space that has a cosmic pillar surrounded by 84 Shiva lingas and a thatch grass filled trail that you can walk on barefoot. Remember that mornings, especially in winter, are very cold, and you could feel that your feet are rather frozen after the walk here. However, it is recommended as it also works as a space that can help with improving your concentration.
Do spend a few minutes in the Himalayan salt house with 20 tons of rock salt! Inhaling this salt is considered beneficial for the respiratory system. There is drinking water placed here as well and it is recommended you keep sipping water to avoid any dehydration. There is also a Himalayan crystal room surrounded by crystals that are said to be a powerful meditation tool.
Do more
When in Dhulikhel, you can visit the famed Namo Buddha monastery. Want some adventure? Trek to the monastery. I chose the easy route and took a car. You can walk up to the main shrine and pay your respect to the Buddha. Photography is not permitted inside the main hall, but you can take pictures outside. Stop by to soak in the picturesque views of the surroundings. You can also choose to sit quietly and meditate as you see several monks going about their daily business here. It is a wonderful place to spend some time in solitude. This is where you’ll find inner peace.
On the last day of my stay, I spent a couple of hours watching birds at the property. Being rather close to Kathmandu, this was a very different experience. Check out The Dwarika’s Resort on your next trip to Nepal. It is worth bookmarking this little gem of a property for a break that is as relaxing as it is rejuvenating.
LF Review: ★★★★★
Coordinates: Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
