Famed for lush, rolling fields surrounded by unlevelled, snow-capped mountains and nature that is only punctuated by colourful buildings with sloping, Tibetan-style beamed roofs, whitewashed walls, and arch windows, the Kingdom of Bhutan enjoys a reputation of being a somewhat mystical place.
Regarded as The Last Shangri-La due to its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, ‘Druk Yul’ or ‘Land of The Thunder Dragon’ is establishing itself as a high-end, exclusive destination for intrepid travellers thanks to its increasing number of luxury accommodations and a government policy that imposes strict limits on tourist numbers with visitors charged $100-per-day sustainable development fee; down from $200 at the beginning of September.
Located in the Eastern Himalayas between China and India, Bhutan is set to enchant even more visitors over the coming months with these new five-star hotels.
Zhiwa Ling Heritage Hotel
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A traditional Bhutanese architectural style complex in the Paro Valley, guests are greeted by stone walls and hand carved and painted wood. Located only a 15-minute drive from Bhutan’s only international airport, Zhiwa Ling Heritage Hotel offers a traditional local experience with all the modern comforts expected with luxury travel including an indoor swimming pool and bar. A small hotel with only 45 suite rooms, emphasis is on relaxation of body and mind with an outdoor hot stone bath, a meditation house that surrenders views of Tigers’ Nest Temple and a Buddhist shrine built from restored timber of a 450-year-old monastery. On the food front, Lingka, meaning merry making, serves up buffet breakfasts in the morning and three-course dinners in the evening. When the sun is out, take advantage at outdoor restaurant, Gawa (happiness), where you can sample local Bhutanese dishes such as ema datsi (traditional chillies and cheese) as well as international cuisine. And when it’s time for a night cap, enjoy a cocktail at the Mad Monk Bar, named after Drukpa Kunley – the Divine Madman of the Dragon Lineage.
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Pemako Punakha
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A journey into the heart of the Himalayas, Pemako Punakha sits on the Mo Chhu River under the shadow of Punakha Dzong (Palace of Happiness). Spread across 30 acres and hosting 21 tented villas with private-heated pools, guests are paired with a dedicated guide/butler for their entire stay at the resort. Activities include Sowa-Rigpa – traditional Bhutanese treatments aimed at restoring balance and harmony to mind and body – at Lotus Realm Spa, cultural excursions to local visits and temples and lessons from Buddhist monks and resident scholars. When it’s time for dinner, visitors can choose from three fine-dining venues; Five Nectars Bar showcases valley views as well as a wine cellar; Alchemy House dishes out authentic Bhutanese cuisine; and Soma offers familiar tastes with international options. Located 3.5 hours from Paro International Airport, guests have the choice of travelling via car, discovering beautiful scenery of the Dochula Pass or arriving in style with a private helicopter.
&Beyond Punakha River Lodge
Staying in the Pemako Punakha valley and on the banks of Mo Chhu River is &Beyond Punakha River Lodge. The first property outside of Africa and South America for the luxury travel group, &Beyond’s hotel consists of six intimate tents, the one-bedroom River House and two-bedroom Family Suite. An outdoor playground for guests, enjoy a different side of Bhutan with rafting, kayaking, hiking, and treking. However, if pampering is still high on your agenda, enjoy relaxing therapies, gentle yoga sessions, traditional Bhutanese hot stone baths at the spa or simply chill by the flow pool that overlooks the Himalayan mountains. Gastronomes can enjoy locally inspired cuisine that combines Bhutanese, Indian, Tibetan, and European flavours before savouring a drink at sundown on a suspension bridge.
