An interview with René Vijay Shrestha Einhaus, the Owner and CEO of Dwarika’s Group in Nepal

On the bucket list for many a traveller, Nepal is renowned for its exceptional mountain ranges, natural beauty, and the warmth of its people. And one hotel brand that brings an authentic blend of culture and hospitality to the table is Dwarika’s Group. We sat down with the third-generation Owner and CEO, René Vijay Shrestha Einhaus to discuss how his family’s company has evolved over time.

Interview with René Vijay Shrestha Einhaus, Owner and CEO of Dwarika’s Group

Hi, René. Thanks so much for chatting with us. Firstly, can you please tell us a little about Dwarika’s and the history behind the brand?

Located in the heart of Kathmandu, Dwarika’s Hotel is a testament to Kathmandu Valley’s architectural heritage & craftsmanship, a living museum of Newari culture, where history and luxury coexist.

It began one winter morning in the 1950s, when my grandfather Dwarika Das Shrestha witnessed something that would change his life forever. As he walked through the streets of the city, he saw carpenters using an intricately carved wooden pillar as firewood. This was no ordinary piece of wood; it was a relic of Newari architecture, a piece of history that had survived countless generations. At that moment, he realised that our rich cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley was slipping away, piece by piece.

Despite being called crazy by society, my grandfather began collecting old wooden pillars, windows, and door frames from demolished buildings. His vision was clear: to save Newari architecture from extinction. What started as a small collection soon grew into a monumental effort. He hired master carvers and young apprentices to restore the pieces he had gathered.

In the early days, he used his savings to fund his restoration work, converting his cowshed into an apartment using restored wooden masterpieces to bring back the beauty of Newari craftsmanship to life. Only a decade later he decided to put his work into the hands of tourism and he found a way to sustain his efforts—by opening Dwarika’s Hotel.

Over time, we became a haven for travellers seeking more than just a place to stay but a gateway to the culture and architecture of the Kathmandu Valley. Every corner tells a story of this ancient culture and craftmanship.

We have made the property with love, passion, and a deep respect for our heritage. A testament to the craftsmanship of our Newar people, with each carved window and pillar standing as a guardian of the past.

There are two properties under the Dwarika’s umbrella. Can you share a little about each to set the scene?

We have two distinct properties, each offering unique experiences.

Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu is a sanctuary of Kathmandu Valley’s artistry and hospitality. Inspired by the rich architectural legacy of the Newari community, the hotel is a living museum, built with meticulously restored wooden masterpieces and traditional craftsmanship. It offers an immersive experience in Nepal’s heritage, from its grand courtyards to its authentic Nepali and Japanese dining experiences. It’s a place where luxury meets legacy, providing travelers with an intimate connection to the cultural soul of Kathmandu.

Dwarika’s Resort in Dhulikhel takes a different approach, focusing on holistic Himalayan wellbeing. Nestled in the hills with panoramic views of the Himalayas, the resort is designed to take you on a journey inwards.

Inspired by Vedic and Buddhist philosophies, it offers a transformative journey based on the holistic healing & wellbeing of the 3000 year old Himalayan wisdom. Every space is intentionally crafted to foster introspection and balance, making it an oasis for those seeking deeper connection and renewal.

While both properties reflect Nepal’s timeless traditions, they each tell their own story.

What makes the architecture of the Kathmandu property particularly special?

The architecture of Dwarika’s Hotel showcases rich artistic and architectural heritage of Kathmandu Valley. At the heart of our organisation are the meticulous restorated centuries-old wooden masterpieces, from intricately carved doorways to stunning windows, all of which were rescued from destruction.

Each piece is an original and has been carefully restored by master artisans using age-old techniques, ensuring that the craftsmanship of the past continues to live on. 

How do each of the properties hope to make guests feel when they stay?

Each property is designed to evoke a profound sense of connection to its location.
At Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu, we want guests to feel as though they have stepped into a living piece of Kathmandu’s history. It’s a place where luxury is not just about comfort but about experiencing something authentic and meaningful. We hope guests feel immersed, inspired, and connected to the cultural soul of Kathmandu Valley.

At Dwarika’s Resort in Dhulikhel, the feeling is one of serenity and transformation. Amidst nature, with breathtaking Himalayan views, the resort is designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. Whether through meditation in a crystal room, yoga, or Ayurvedic wellbeing, we want guests to feel a deep sense of renewal. It’s a space that invites introspection, balance, and a reconnection with one’s inner self.

What kind of unique experiences can guests have at Dwarika’s that they couldn’t have elsewhere?

At Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu, one of the most unique experiences is Tea at the Restoration Workshop with myself. We take our guests to the workshop and showcase the meticulous process of restoring the centuries-old wooden masterpieces and also tell the story of the Newari community and my grandfather. Dining at Krishnarpan, a slow-dining experience that takes guests on a multi-course journey through Nepal’s diverse regional cuisines.

Another one would be we take a guided walk to a nearby hidden Hindu temple and have our guests actively participate in the Aarti ceremony, which at other temples is not possible because non-Hindus cannot enter the shrine of a temple.

At Dwarika’s Resort, we also have a number of unique experiences. For example, we give our guests the possibility to have meditation class surrounded by the healing properties of crystals in the crystal house, a guided meditation walk in the Shiva Linga labyrinth, or seek guidance from a yoga guru or Ayurvedic doctor for a personalised path to wellbeing. We also offer scenic hikes to our organic farm with a lunch prepared by our farmers.

How does the brand connect with its location and give back to the local community?

Dwarika’s is not just a hotel brand but more of a guardian of culture, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Our connection to the location is reflected in everything we do—from our architecture and experiences to our support for local communities.

One of our most significant contributions is the preservation of Kathmandu’s artistic and architectural heritage. The hotel itself was built using rescued and restored centuries-old wooden masterpieces, and we continue to work with local artisans to keep traditional craftsmanship alive.

We also prioritize sustainability and community-driven initiatives. Our organic farm in Dhulikhel, which supplies fresh produce to both properties, follows traditional and regenerative farming methods, supporting local farmers while promoting sustainable agriculture.

Beyond this, we actively invest in education and skill development of the Nepali people.

What do you enjoy most about working for a family business?

What I enjoy most about working for a family business is the deep sense of purpose and contributing to our family’s legacy. As we see us not just as a hotel but a testament to my grandfather’s vision, and being part of that journey makes the work incredibly meaningful.
There’s a personal connection to everything we do, from preserving Kathmandu’s heritage to creating experiences that share the soul of Nepal with the world.

Our family business allows me to think long-term, staying true to our values and evolving with authenticity. There’s a sense of freedom in being able to shape the future while staying true to our roots, and that balance—between tradition, evolution, and innovation—is something I cherish.

Can you tell us about some memorable hotels around the world that you’ve stayed at and enjoyed?

I loved the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok because of its legacy and history.

Do you prefer to hit the spa or the swimming pool when staying at a hotel?

I prefer the spa. I enjoy trying the different rejuvenation offerings that different regions have to offer.

Room service or restaurant dining?

Definitely, restaurant. Dining needs to be an experience that is not really possible in the context of room service.

And finally, are there any developments from Dwarika’s Group coming in 2025 that you can share?

We are always working on evolving and improving the experiences we offer. But there will be a big new development in 2026 as we are currently working on a new courtyard using the last part of our collection of wooden masterpieces. We will open the new courtyard in 2026, which is very exciting.

Learn more about Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu or Book through Booking.com

Find out more about Dwarika’s Resort Dhulikhel or Book through Booking.com

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