Exclusive Interview with Erika Rathi
In this exclusive interview with Ms. Erika Rathi, Creative Director at Namaste Dwaar, we explore a peaceful retreat where families, friends, and groups can slow down and reconnect. Blending rustic village charm with modern comfort, the resort offers immersive experiences, farm-fresh cuisine, and spacious settings for meaningful gatherings. At its core, Namaste Dwaar is about creating soulful journeys that honour tradition, support local communities, and bring people closer to the land, and to each other.
Where Simplicity Meets Soul
We started the interview by asking, “What sets Namaste Dwaar apart from other resorts in India today?”
Erika Rathi replied, “Namaste Dwaar focuses on what truly matters: genuine connection, a slower pace, and a sense of belonging. Just 90 minutes from Delhi, nestled in the sugarcane fields of rural Uttar Pradesh, we invite guests into a world that feels deeply rooted and effortlessly real.
What sets us apart is how naturally daily village life becomes part of the experience. Whether it’s a tractor ride through the fields, a garden-sourced meal cooked over firewood, or stargazing through our telescope under a clear night sky…nothing is staged, and everything is heartfelt. Families, couples, and groups don’t just come here to unwind, they come to feel grounded, present, and truly at ease with each other.”
Rustic Elegance and Togetherness
The Worlds Times: What types of accommodations are available at Namaste Dwaar?
Erika Rathi replied, “Our accommodations are designed around comfort, community, and countryside charm. We have 45 rooms, including terrace suites, garden-facing rooms, and a private, gated villa ideal for families and guests who are traveling with pets. Soon, we’ll be adding family-style pavilions nestled in the farmlands, created so large groups can stay close together without giving up privacy. Each room features rustic decor, modern comforts, and wide balconies to showcase the breathtaking sunsets, which fade peacefully into endless fields.
This warm, village-style layout also makes Namaste Dwaar a natural setting for intimate weddings, family reunions, and milestone celebrations. With open lawns, shaded courtyards, and starlit gathering spaces, we offer more than just a venue; we offer a place where people come together with meaning, surrounded by nature, tradition, and shared joy.”
Designed for Connection
The Worlds Times: How does Namaste Dwaar create space for families, friends, and groups to reconnect meaningfully?
Erika Rathi replied, “Life moves quickly, and we often don’t realize what we’re missing until we pause. At Namaste Dwaar, there are no distractions and no stress – just fresh air, open fields, and moments waiting to be shared. Everything here is designed with togetherness in mind, with curated experiences that invite people to be fully present with one another.
Guests connect through hands-on activities like pottery, farming, and bonfires. They also rediscover the simple pleasures that often get overlooked in city life, such as cycling through the countryside, spontaneous games of cricket, billiards in the lounge, or swimming under open skies. Some dive into forgotten games from their childhood, while others unwind with a book from our extensive library or gaze at the stars through our telescope. We also offer quiet moments of reflection, like a private Ganga Aarti, which is perfect for families or close friends seeking something spiritual to share.
Whether it’s grandparents telling stories, children running barefoot, or friends laughing over chai, we create spaces for people to slow down and enjoy themselves – just as they are, without any pressure to be anything else.”
Sustainability with Heart
The Worlds Times: How does Namaste Dwaar promote sustainability, both environmentally and within the local community?
Erika Rathi replied, “At Namaste Dwaar, sustainability is not a checklist, it’s a way of life. From the way we build to the way we hire, every choice is made with care for the land and the people who belong to it.
Environmentally, we focus on low-impact, mindful living. Our buildings are designed for natural cooling and ventilation, reducing the need for excessive energy use. Water is conserved through a dedicated sewage treatment plant (STP), while conscious farming on-site supplies our kitchen with fresh, chemical-free produce. Plastic use is minimized, waste is segregated, and upcycling is practiced wherever possible – all as part of our ongoing effort to live gently on the earth.
Equally important is our commitment to the surrounding village. Over 90% of our team is local, trained and employed across all departments, from kitchen to guest services. We work with nearby farmers, artisans, and vendors to source supplies and experiences that reflect the richness of the region. In doing so, we not only reduce our ecological footprint but actively strengthen the local economy and community pride.”
Rooted in Legacy
The Worlds Times: Who is the visionary behind Namaste Dwaar, and how has your personal story shaped its soul?
Erika Rathi replied, “Namaste Dwaar was born from a deeply personal desire to honour our roots. Arvind Rathi, the founder, grew up in the village of Mansurpur, where the resort now stands. His dream was to create something lasting, and something that gave back to the land that raised him. He envisioned a space where the richness of rural life could be experienced with dignity, care, and a true sense of belonging.
It was also deeply personal: a place where his parents and future grandchildren could connect, and where families like ours could come together to bond over the same enriching experiences he grew up with. In a time when the world is moving away from its rural roots, we believe the countryside holds immense value – not just in its traditions, but in its way of life. Slower days, less noise, fewer screens, more eye contact…the village offers what modern life often forgets: natural health, genuine connection, and the simple joy of being present with one another.
That dream took shape with the support of the late Pradeep Sachdeva, one of India’s most celebrated architects, and the visionary behind landmarks such as the Garden of Five Senses and Dilli Haat. For Namaste Dwaar, he designed a property that would express the essence of India in its most authentic form. This is best exemplified through the rare, heritage brickwork called lakhori, which was used to build the resort. Since this type of brick is no longer produced, each one was custom-made based on a single preserved brick passed down in the family.
As Creative Director, my role has been to carry that vision into the finer details. From handwritten welcome notes and storytelling elements rooted in local lore, to creating spaces where people feel safe enough to slow down and let go. Everything we do at Namaste Dwaar holds a piece of where we come from, and a quiet hope for where we’re going.”
Honours That Reflect Namaste Dwaar
Lastly we asked,”What awards and recognitions has Namaste Dwaar received?”
“While we did not build Namaste Dwaar for awards, we’re grateful for the recognition we’ve received along the way. Each honour reminds us that staying true to our values – simplicity, connection, and care – resonates far beyond the village we call home.
In 2023, we were awarded “Best Spa & Wellness Property” by The Economic Times, and “Hotel of the Year” at SATTE. LuxLife Magazine recognised us as “Best Eco Luxury Resort in Uttar Pradesh,” and we were honoured by the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh on World Tourism Day for promoting wellness tourism in the state.
In 2025, we were proud to receive “Excellence in Tourism & Service” from the Uttar Pradesh State MSME Awards, along with “North India’s Best Boutique Resort for Family & Group Escapes” by the Business Insider Elite Awards.
These recognitions are true affirmations of the meaningful impact a place can make when it stays rooted in its purpose,” Erika Rathi concluded.
Connect with Erika Rathi on Instagram
Visit Namaste Dwaar to learn more about how the countryside is the perfect weekend getaway.
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