Review of Dwarika's Hotel, by Shelley Seale

There are very few hotels in the world that are on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Dwarika's is one of them, and it is truly an architectural and cultural masterpiece; a museum as much as hotel. In 1952, the late Dwarika Das Shrestha was out jogging when he came upon some carpenters sawing off the carved portion of an intricately engraved wooden pillar, dismantling the old building to make room for a modern structure. Amidst the rubble lay pieces of exquisitely carved woodwork several centuries old, ready to be carted off as firewood.

Confronted with the visible signs of destruction of Nepal's ancient Newari legacy, Shrestha gave the carpenters new lumber and rescued the old carved pillar from the rubbish pile. With this growing collection, Shrestha decided to construct a building in the old Newari style.

Dwarika's is a living example that tourism need not destroy cultural heritage or the environment. Every brick is handmade and a woodcarving school was established within the hotel, employing thirty woodcarvers and carpenters. Dwarika's is about intimate luxury, as well as the spirit and hospitality of the Nepali people.

The facilities

Every building surrounds the courtyard with its beautiful swimming pool and sitting areas. A full range of in-room spa services are offered. Toran restaurant serves breakfast and all-day international dining, while Fusion bar mixes cocktails amidst live jazz and blues.

For a special treat, Dwarika's guests and visitors enjoy Krishnarpan, the traditional Newari restaurant. Dishing up the best recipes of Nepal, each day the chef creates exotic meals including from 6 to 22 courses, served at floor-seating tables by women dressed in gorgeous, traditional dress.

The rooms

The 79 deluxe rooms and suites share beautiful architectural details and exquisite woodwork, such as 16th-century windows and private courtyards. Spacious and luxurious, each room has its own character, having been individually designed. Buddhist symbols on hand printed curtains and bedspreads are used with traditional fabrics and accessories, and custom-designed furniture. ??

The door to each room takes one back to medieval times, with its solid metal carvings, wooden bolts and chain-and-padlock key system. Both showers and tubs are in each bathroom, and instead of mass-produced toiletries in small plastic bottles, local shower gel and shampoo are provided in small clay jars. The understated luxury of an earlier era is reflected in every detail.