The Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu

Dwarika’s is, quite simply, one of the most beautiful hotels in Nepal. It’s not in a fancy location, just on a busy road a short walk from the Pashupatinath Temple, but behind its walls lie an oasis of architectural charm and traditional luxury. It was founded by Dwarika Das Shrestha in the 1960s, partly as a project to rescue and revitalise the traditional Newari crafts of the Kathmandu Valley, which he saw as being under threat. Now, the brick and carved timber hotel is practically a museum, done in the style of traditional Newari palaces (such as those you’ll find in the Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares). The 83 spacious rooms and suites are absolutely chock-full of antiques, paintings, locally made bed linens and other fixtures. Each room is different and totally luxurious. There’s also a lovely pool in the centre of the courtyard, a number of restaurants serving some of the finest cuisines in Kathmandu, amazing breakfast buffets and daily yoga classes with a teacher who is famous for his eccentricity. If money is no object, Dwarika’s is your finest choice in the Nepali capital.