by Le Concierge Orient
The dwarika's kathmandu
A FHA Hospitality landmark hotel
The Background - There is magic in the air at Dwarika’s, a heritage and hospitality landmark raised in the heart of Kathmandu owing to one man’s love and passion for the heritage treasures of his country. Founded by Dwarika Das Shrestha who had a singular passion for Nepal’s ornate wood carvings (that in the 1950s were destined for the fireplace as the old was making way for the new), Dwarika’s started from a storage building for these ornate antiques before lavish annexes harbouring sumptuous suites and rooms were added to the compound. Today, third generation owner Vijay Rene Shrestha and his mother are working on a spanking new wing to add to the legacy, a luxurious all-suite extension that aims to redefine the hospitality landscape in the country. Thanks to Mr Shrestha’s passion, many of Nepal’s priceless wood carvings have survived into the modern age, restored as the fabulous windows of The Dwarika’s, an abode of uncommon splendour that holds its own against all the other UNESCO heritage edifices of Kathmandu. A sitting in the tranquil compound, tea or beer in hand depending on the season and time of day, under the shade of trees and the red brick buildings, is a privilege to savour and remember. It could be the vibrant colours of the potted chrysanthemums, the lulling melodies of the song birds or the evening perfume of the night jasmines, but once in the midst of the gorgeous milieu of this pleasure palace, there is no escaping its timeless magic.
The Gourmet & Wellness Index - Four restaurants offer Japanese, Nepalese and Indian and Continental flavours, but except for the rituals of Nepalese dining one should only enjoy at Krishnarpan to experience Nepal's meaningful dining rituals, we highly recommend a sampling of the rest in the inviting courtyard, in plain sight of the arresting carvings that are still holding Mr Dwarika’s dream together.
The Service - Imperial bearings with a friendly bent, this is a Hospitality Landmark that certainly understands the adage - ask and you shall be given., and then more. Royal expectations are expediently and expertly matched by the tireless staff who evidently live and breathe The Dwarika's service ethos.