Perched high in the hills of Dhulikhel, Dwarika’s Sanctuary Nepal, has evolved from a renowned hill retreat into one of Asia’s most distinctive Himalayan wellness destinations. Grounded in ancient healing traditions and mountain stillness, it is a sanctuary where women come to reset, reconnect and rediscover clarity.

A Sanctuary Reborn

There are places in the world that don’t just welcome you, they shift something inside you. Dwarika’s Sanctuary is one of them. Once known as Dwarika’s Resort, the property has undergone a profound evolution, emerging in 2026 with a renewed identity and a deeper purpose: to be a sanctuary for holistic wellbeing, conscious living and spiritual renewal.

“The rebrand is less about changing who we are and more about articulating what we have quietly been becoming,” says René Vijay, CEO of the Dwarika’s Group. “Dwarika’s Sanctuary has evolved into a place of Himalayan wellbeing, not a spa retreat, not a wellness resort, but a sanctuary for inner alignment.”

This transformation isn’t simply cosmetic. It reflects a philosophical pivot from a luxury retreat to a place intentionally designed for inner work, stillness and reconnection. And yet, having stayed here in early 2025, before the official rebirth, I can say with certainty that the heart of the Sanctuary was already beating. The warmth of the staff, the reverence for nature, the quiet encouragement to slow down, these were always part of its DNA. The new Sanctuary simply amplifies what was already extraordinary.

Where the Himalayas hold you

Dwarika’s Sanctuary sits on ten hectares of forested hillside, about an hour from Kathmandu. The moment you arrive, the world softens. The air is thinner, cleaner. The horizon stretches into a sweep of Himalayan peaks that seem to breathe with you.

The property was designed not as a hotel complex but as a traditional Nepali village. Stone pathways curve between handcrafted buildings. Carved timber frames filter the Himalayan light. Prayer flags stir against a horizon of snow peaks. Every detail feels intentional, grounding you in a sense of place and heritage.

Everywhere you turn, there are quiet corners to claim as your own: a sun‑warmed terrace overlooking the valley, a shaded bench beneath prayer flags, a secluded pavilion perfect for journalling or meditation.

A New Philosophy of Wellness

The Sanctuary’s rebirth centres on a holistic approach to wellbeing, one that honours ancient Himalayan wisdom while embracing contemporary wellness science. Here, wellness isn’t a menu of treatments. It’s a journey.

As René explains, “Our programs are thoughtfully designed for women who seek space to recalibrate, to reconnect, and to choose how deeply they wish to engage.”

Guests can immerse themselves in:

• Ayurvedic healing programs
• Daily yoga and meditation
• Breathwork and mindfulness practices
• Sound healing and vibrational therapy
• Nature‑based rituals 
• Astrology and spiritual guidance sessions

“Rather than prescribing rigid schedules, we curate gentle pathways that invite movement, meditation, creative expression, nature immersion and restorative therapies, always at a pace that feels right to each individual,” he adds.

Many of the Sanctuary’s wellness journeys now encourage a minimum stay of three to seven nights, allowing guests to settle into a rhythm that supports deeper transformation. It’s an approach that resonates strongly with women craving space, clarity, and reconnection.

Healing Spaces That Transform You

Even before the rebirth, the Sanctuary’s healing spaces were unlike anything I’d experienced.

I remember stepping into the Himalayan Salt House, its walls glowing amber, the air warm and mineral-rich. It felt like being held inside a mountain, grounding, protective, deeply soothing.

The crystal and chakra sound chambers were equally powerful. Lying in the dim light as sound waves moved through the body was a reminder of how much we carry, and how much we can release when given the right environment.

Outside, the meditation maze lined with Shiva lingams offered a contemplative walk that felt both ancient and intimate. And the Himalayan rock-crystal chamber was cool, luminous, almost otherworldly, a space where intentions seemed to crystallise as tangibly as the stones around you.

These spaces remain central to the Sanctuary’s new identity, now enhanced and integrated into curated wellness pathways.

Suites Designed for Stillness and Soul

The accommodation at Dwarika’s Sanctuary is as restorative as its healing spaces. Each suite feels like a private cocoon; spacious, serene, and crafted with the kind of detail that invites you to exhale the moment you step inside. Natural textures, handwoven fabrics, carved timber, and soft Himalayan light create an atmosphere that feels both grounding and quietly luxurious.

Large windows frame the mountains as if they were living artworks. Balconies and terraces offer private vantage points where you can watch the light shift across the valley and let the silence settle around you. 

Wellness Programs and Women’s Retreats

With its rebirth, Dwarika’s Sanctuary has expanded its wellness offerings to include immersive programs tailored to different needs, from stress recovery and burnout healing to Ayurvedic detoxes and spiritual exploration.

For women, the Sanctuary is particularly resonant. Its environment naturally supports:

• Solo female travel
• Mother–daughter journeys
• Women’s circles and group retreats
• Creative and spiritual workshops
• Restorative escapes for women in transition

It is, quite simply, a place where women feel safe, seen, and supported. 

René notes “Every journey begins with a personal consultation with our Ayurvedic doctor, Dr. Sweta Pokharel, who specialises in women’s health and Ayurvedic gynaecology. Her guidance ensures each experience is tailored with care.”

The Warmth That Stays With You

One of my strongest memories from my 2025 stay is the warmth of the staff. Not the polished hospitality of a luxury hotel, but genuine, heartfelt care. The kind that makes you feel like you’ve been welcomed into a family home.

Meals were nourishing and beautifully presented, showcasing fresh produce, Nepali flavours and herbal infusions. Conversations were gentle and unhurried. Every interaction felt intentional.

This spirit of care remains at the core of the Sanctuary’s new identity. It’s what elevates the experience from wellness retreat to something far more meaningful.

As René reflects, “Guests often leave with a sense of lightness, not only in the body, but in the way they inhabit themselves. Many describe feeling clearer, more grounded, more quietly connected.”

In the Himalayan foothills, where mountain light changes by the hour and silence feels expansive rather than empty, something subtle occurs. Time stretches. Decisions soften. Perspective recalibrates. This is where Dwarika’s Sanctuary may well earn its reputation as Nepal’s most transformative wellness retreat.

A Once‑in‑a‑Lifetime Experience: Breakfast at Everest

While I stayed grounded during my visit, several members of our group embarked on a pre-booked heli‑flight to Everest — an experience that remains available today.

Their experience was unforgettable: soaring above the world’s highest peak, the Himalayas unfolding beneath them before landing on a snowy ridge where a table had been set with white linen, silverware, and chilled champagne.

To sip Moët at the top of the world is a moment few can claim. Even in the retelling, their joy was contagious.

For women seeking adventure wrapped in comfort, it’s a bucket‑list experience that pairs beautifully with the Sanctuary’s grounding, restorative energy.

Why Women Love Health Readers Will Love It

Dwarika’s Sanctuary is a rare combination of serenity, spirituality, and soul. It offers:

• A safe, nurturing environment for women
• Deeply restorative wellness programs
• Extraordinary natural beauty
• Space for solitude and reflection
• Opportunities for adventure
• A sense of belonging and emotional renewal

Dwarika’s Sanctuary is more than a destination. It’s an invitation to slow down, to breathe, to listen, to return to yourself. For women seeking clarity, connection, and transformation, it is one of the Himalayas’ most powerful places to begin again.

Ready to Experience Dwarika’s Sanctuary?

If this Himalayan sanctuary is calling to you, you’re not alone.  

Women Love Wellness is exploring the possibility of hosting a small, intimate group retreat at Dwarika’s Sanctuary, a journey designed for women seeking rest, reconnection and a deeper sense of clarity.

Imagine three, five or seven days of Himalayan stillness, ancient healing traditions, nourishing food, and space to simply breathe again.

If you’d like to be among the first to hear more, or if you’re already feeling the pull, we’d love to know.

Register your interest:  

Email cathy@womenlovetravel.com.au to join the expression‑of‑interest list.

No commitment, just a gentle step toward something extraordinary

Dwarika’s Sanctuary Nepal Travel File

Location: Dhulikhel, approx. 1 hour from Kathmandu Airport

Suggested stay: At least 5 to 7 nights for wellness programs 

Ideal for: Solo women, friends’ trips, mother–daughter escapes, women’s retreats