The Dwarika’s Hotel is a beautiful hybrid of a museum and a boutique hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal. When we arrived at the Dwarika’s Hotel, it all appeared a bit strange in the beginning; handmade brick walls and wooden carvings. But, those wooden carvings, we were told were rescued by its owner, Dwarika Das Shrestha over 40 years. And then it all fell into place; this isn’t just a unique hotel, it’s a unique heritage hotel built with a dream.

Hyatt Regency in Kathmandu is located about half an hour’s drive from the centre of town. Designed in keeping with the traditional Nepali style of Newari architecture, with its many courtyards, complete with stone carvings and huge timber pillars. A beautiful driveway leads up to a courtyard, through well-manicured and spacious, 37-acre gardens to a well decorated lobby.

The Radisson Hotel is one of the better 5-star hotels offerings in Kathmandu, a city which has surprisingly few very good hotels at the high end of the market. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, it is a short distance from Durbur Marg city centre and the historic trekker’s ghetto, Thamel. Although not exotic or sophisticated, it tries to maintain the Radisson standards.

Shangri-La Hotel, is not part of the International Shangri-La group but it’s one of the comfortable properties in Kathmandu. The hotel is located a short distance from Thamel, the soul of Kathmandu. Set amongst spacious gardens, it has an old world classic feel to it and is luxurious by Nepalese standards. The entrance area is large with a touch of old British colonialism; on arrival, a uniformed doorman comes to attention, salutes and holds the door open for you.

Meghauli Serai by Taj Safaris is a luxury safari lodge, set at the edge of Chitwan National Park, south-central Nepal. Although Nepal is known more for its high peaks and valleys, there is a well-conserved tract of the Terai lowlands in the south of the country. It is where the East Rapti River flows, forming the northern border of Chitwan National Park, home to a wide variety of wildlife and rich birdlife. Meghauli Serai offers a fresh perspective on this park and its population of Indian rhinos.

The Dwarika’s Hotel is a beautiful hybrid of a museum and a boutique hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal. When we arrived at the Dwarika’s Hotel, it all appeared a bit strange in the beginning; handmade brick walls and wooden carvings. But, those wooden carvings, we were told were rescued by its owner, Dwarika Das Shrestha over 40 years. And then it all fell into place; this isn’t just a unique hotel, it’s a unique heritage hotel built with a dream.

The Amankora lodge is located in the hills outside Thimphu, overlooking a stream and close to nature. It is like taking your luxuries in a rucksack into the wilderness. There is a feel of openness and an earthy touch with the wind and rain. Even when you are asleep, the only thing that stands between you and nature are the large glass window panes.

The Amankora Resort in Punakha was built by a former Chief Abbot of Bhutan as a residence to oversee the surrounding rice paddies and fruit orchards. The quaint, three-storey structure is now the combined common guest area. The Dining Room is situated on the ground floor, and the upper floors offer relaxation areas. The Courtyard of the farmhouse is suitable for outdoor dining and beyond is the two-storey Spa which provides yoga/meditation room.

The Amankora Paro is one of five Aman properties in Bhutan that are built around the basic principles of a beautiful natural location, small number of rooms and exclusive service. The 20-room Paro lodge is located in the woods with majestic views of the 17th century Drugyel Dzong ruin and the Greater Himalaya that include 7,300m Chomolhari, Bhutan’s highest mountain.