Part 1 of My Nepal Travel Series

Why Nepal? At first, I wasn’t sure. I’d seen Everest snapshots, heard tales of its spiritual pull, and listened to friends rave. But it all clicked when my friend Demi told me about the spiritual retreat she was hosting in Nepal. Nepal—known as one of the earth’s chakra points—offers more than mountains. It offers meaning.

What followed was a 15-day journey of spiritual growth and luxury. I experienced a deeply personal retreat with Sacred Earth Adventures and a FAM trip with Dwarika’s Hotel Collection, home to two of the top luxury wellness hotels in Nepal: Dwarika’s Hotel Kathmandu and Dwarika’s Resort Dhulikhel. These family-owned gems redefined intentional travel for me—and for future Sol Kiss Escapes clients.

Kathmandu Arrival: Culture Meets Comfort

Landing in Kathmandu was a sensory hit—in the best way. Amid the energy and motion, Dwarika’s Hotel Kathmandu greeted me with calm: a private airport transfer and a warm Namaste. I received a ceremonial scarf and the kind of hospitality that slows your breath.

This isn’t just a hotel. It’s a tribute to Nepalese culture. Founded by Dwarika Das Shrestha, the property preserves rare Newari woodwork once destined for demolition. Now a UNESCO-recognized project, it’s an icon of heritage luxury in Nepal.

I stayed in a Heritage Junior Suite, and it felt like stepping into another time. The textures, scents, and details—polished wood, hand-carved doors, cotton linens, and a serene Buddha view from my window—invited stillness. Even the bathroom, with its stone tub and brass touches, deserved its own meditation.

As I explored the property, I found lush courtyards, artisan boutiques, a spa, yoga terrace, and restaurants serving Newari cuisine. The bar was cozy, the pool elegant, and the library brand new. There’s even a working woodcarving studio on-site.

But what made it unforgettable? The people. Every staff member exudes warmth and pride. A portrait in the lobby caught my eye—it was the founder’s late wife. Staff still light candles and offer quiet greetings to her. That reverence? It stayed with me.

And don’t get me started on breakfast. Fresh fruits, made-to-order dishes, and Nepali specialties like mint chutney kept me coming back. I nearly packed a jar.

From City Pulse to Mountain Stillness

Next, I left the buzz behind and headed to Dwarika’s Resort Dhulikhel—a true luxury wellness retreat in Nepal. Just an hour from the city, this hilltop sanctuary eased my nervous system the moment I arrived.

Built on Vedic philosophy and Himalayan wellness, the resort blends earth, air, fire, water, and space. Think stone walls, breezy terraces, terraced gardens, and a design that feels like a deep breath.

My Executive Suite with attached Garden was dreamy: an airy layout, natural textures, a carved soaking tub, and a private terrace for sunrise tea and Himalayan views.

Here, everything is about reconnection. You can meditate, practice yoga, walk a labyrinth, explore chakra therapy, relax in the Himalayan salt room, or meet with an Ayurvedic doctor. I did it all.

The Ayurvedic consult blew my mind. Turns out I’m Pitta—driven, fiery, and apparently not meant to guzzle water. I now sip every two hours. Small change, huge impact.

One treatment used warm herbs and minimal oil. It looked medieval but felt divine. A private sauna followed. I left grounded, glowing, and more present than ever. And yes, they emailed my entire wellness plan so I could bring it home.

Whether you’re all-in or just curious, Dwarika’s Resort Dhulikhel offers more than luxury. It offers transformation. As a Virtuoso property, Dwarika’s Resort Dhulikhel offers guests exclusive benefits that elevate your stay. From complimentary upgrades upon arrival (subject to availability) to daily breakfast, wellness experiences, and unique excursions, these thoughtful touches are designed to make your time in Nepal unforgettable. Whether it’s indulging in a relaxing 50-minute massage, practicing yoga with sunrise views, or embarking on a spiritual hike to Namobuddha, the experiences at Dwarika’s are as enriching as they are luxurious.

Ready to experience it all? Book through Sol Kiss Escapes and unlock these exclusive Virtuoso amenities—designed for your ultimate comfort and indulgence.

What’s Next: My Sacred Earth Adventure

In Part 2, I’ll share the next chapter—my 11-day deep dive with Sacred Earth Adventures. If Dwarika’s grounded me in Nepal’s outer beauty, Sacred Earth brought me inward. Together, they’ve reshaped the way I see luxury, travel, and self.