Bhutan Hotel Reviews: Brilliance in Bhutan
By Lisa Young
The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small and unique country hidden in the folds of the Eastern Himalayas, bordered by China to the north and India to the south.
The exciting descent into Bhutan’s only international airport, nestled in the narrow Paro Valley where the Paro River winds its way past ancient temples and monasteries framed by towering mountains, is nothing short of exhilarating.
Planes fly between snow-dusted mountain peaks, above rooftops, before making a sharp turn to reach the runway. On arrival, Bhutan’s first gift is the cool, clean, fresh mountain air.
Bhutan has long been a place of quiet wonder and ranks among the world’s most tranquil nations. The country and its people are a rare and beautiful example of peace in practice. Much of that serenity springs from its unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH). Rather than focusing solely on financial growth, Bhutan places the wellbeing of its people and the health of its environment at the very heart of progress. It’s a refreshing reminder that true prosperity comes from living well, not living wealthily.
From childhood, the Bhutanese people are nurtured in a way of life that prizes peace, kindness, mindfulness and joy. These lessons come from family, friendship, Buddhist teachings and education. If you’re fortunate enough to visit, you’ll feel this first-hand.
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary is a destination defined by stillness, intention and quiet refinement–a sanctuary for those who value depth, discretion and the luxury of peace. The lodge is shaped around rest, reflection and renewal, allowing guests to reconnect with themselves and their surroundings. Natural textures, gentle light and open spaces invite contemplation. An uncluttered elegance reflects the spiritual character of the destination. Wellbeing lies at the centre.
The drive from the airport to Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary takes around 20 minutes, passing through central Paro with its souvenir shops and cafes overlooked by majestic temples and fortresses.
Following the valley and the Paro River upstream, a mighty force of nature that helps irrigate the surrounding paddy fields, you turn onto a bumpy lane that winds its way up a hillside covered in colourful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze.
The unassuming front door of this mini fortified monastery luxury retreat (Bhutan’s only all-inclusive hotel) blends beautifully into the surrounding natural environment of the Neyphu Valley.
Guests are greeted with a Buddhist prayer scarf, a gesture of blessing and welcome, then warmly invited into the inner sanctuary, a space that radiates peace, privacy and a sense of refuge, all overseen by Soh Chia Hwa, General Manager and Guardian of the Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary sits at 2,400 metres in altitude and is the perfect place to acclimatise before adventuring higher. It was designed to be a place for quiet reflection and mindful wellness, a space that inspires and connects guests with the local culture, where luxury feels personal and the experience stays with you long after you leave.
Looking out over the valley through huge floor to ceiling windows, the majestic Eutok Goenpa Monastery (about an hour’s walk away) emerges through the early morning mist, evoking a sense of stillness, grounded and untouched by noise, stress or the pull of the outside world.
The elegant and clutter-free Sanctuary is minimalist and contemporary in design and flooded with natural light. Organic materials, soft textures and gentle tones create a soothing and tranquil atmosphere.
There are no fixed menus; instead, guests experience an à la carte breakfast, a four-course lunch and a six-course dinner, each thoughtfully crafted by inventive chefs who seamlessly marry Bhutanese flavours with Asian and Western influences, using only the freshest ingredients.
The large and stylish en-suite guest rooms sit across two levels and are divided between two wings of the Sanctuary. All have spectacular valley views and are decorated with modern Bhutanese influences.
A focus on personal wellness is at the heart of the Sanctuary. At the beautiful meditative spa, plunge yourself in the ritual of Bhutan’s signature herbal hot-stone bath, a centuries-old wellness practice that fuses Indian Ayurveda and Tibetan healing to melt away tension and restore inner harmony.
Staying at the Sanctuary includes a spa consultation with one of the traditional Bhutanese medical doctors, a personalised wellness plan (with one traditional wellness treatment per day), yoga classes, meditation sessions, herbal walks with a wellness therapist, as well as cooking classes with chefs, traditional Bhutanese archery, and pottery classes. You can also enjoy access to the library, tea bar (with over 20 herbal teas), indoor heated infinity pool with sundeck terrace, gym, sauna, steam rooms, and Jacuzzi.
There are nearby walks or longer hikes through the surrounding hills, with the option of a delicious homemade picnic along the way. For a truly unforgettable outing, a visit to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery can also be arranged. Any visits beyond the Sanctuary must be accompanied by a licensed Bhutanese guide, available at additional cost.
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary offers the perfect fusion of modern comforts and classic elegance, ensuring that your time there is both indulgent and immersive, offering a retreat that lingers in your memory long after you depart.
Punakha town and stunning valley are nestled at the confluence of the Pho and Mo Rivers. This former capital is a living testament to Bhutanese culture, with the town at the district’s administrative heart.
The exciting arrival began with crossing over the powerful Mo River on a swaying suspension footbridge adorned with colourful prayer flags: a truly memorable entrance. Transferring to a golf buggy, you are transferred passed a symbolic waterfall installation to receive a blessing from the resident monk, who offers prayers at the onsite temple, immediately setting the tone for a spiritual journey.
Set among 75 acres of hillside pine forest, Pemako Punakha was designed by Bill Bensley, known for creating spaces with profound connections to local culture.
As the first Bhutanese owned and operated luxury hotel, this place doesn’t skimp on luxury. A personal butler makes each stay unforgettable. With impeccable attention to detail, the thoughtful, personalised service adds an entirely unique dimension to the experience.
There are 21 luxury villas scattered across a huge pine-forested hillside, set apart for complete privacy and accessed by a steep and narrow winding road just wide enough for golf buggies. Personal butlers use the buggies to transfer guests for all meals, spa treatments and activities.
Each luxury tented pool villa boasted strong accents of orange and yellow throughout, breathing vibrancy into the luxe interior, where carved dark wood furniture supported traditional artefacts and folkloric art.
The enormous beds are formed using two queen-sized beds joined together to create a vast, almost trampoline-like expanse of indulgent comfort covered in plush pillows and orange velvet cushions.
Outside, surrounded by a forest of soaring pines, a spacious wooden deck framed a private heated pool; a constant fly-by of brilliant butterflies and bright red dragonflies flitted across the pool’s surface.
The focus on authentic Bhutanese meals in dzong-style pavilions brings culinary traditions to life, and experiences like archery tie in beautifully with the region’s history and myths.
Soma, the all-day dining room, serves regional and international dishes. Alchemy House, a restored heritage home, serves traditional Bhutanese meals in a communal, hands-on style. Chefs conjure up yak curries, chur jaju (a soup of river weeds and cheese) and ema datshi (Bhutan’s iconic chilli and cheese dish) in clay pots. Sura is an exclusive hall for private gatherings of royalty and VIPs; Ati, a magical treehouse cabin overlooking a gorge, offers bespoke barbecues in a pine forest. Each venue celebrates Bhutan’s flavours, culture and sense of place.
From exploring ancient temples and indulging in traditional wellness practices, to savouring local flavours and embarking on immersive cultural journeys, every experience brings Bhutan’s rich traditions and the spirit of Gross National Happiness to life.
A butler who combines meticulous attentiveness with a deep understanding of local culture is the perfect complement to a place like Pemako Punakha, where tradition and understated luxury come together so effortlessly.
Gangtey Lodge offers a rare escape where silence and natural beauty become the measure of luxury. Surrounded by sweeping landscapes and Buddhist heritage, it is in Bhutan’s untouched Phobjikha Valley. This is a place to recharge body and mind, with spacious rooms, a restorative spa, and quiet corners designed for reflection. Each winter, (generally late October) the valley becomes home to the magnificent black-necked cranes, whose seasonal arrival adds a sense of wonder and connection to the Buddhist rhythms of nature.
With a mandatory guide and driver, the drive from Paro to Gangtey takes around 6.5 hours and covers 195 kilometres, climbing from 2,400 to 3,300 metres along a scenic route to the Dochu La Pass (at 3,088 metres). At the Pass are 108 Druk Wangyal chortens symbolising spiritual reverence, and prayer flags adorn the high point of this switch-backing route. Dropping into the Phobjikha Valley, there is a vast expanse devoid of trees yet dotted with farmhouses and the magnificent Gangtey Goenpa (monastery).
Oozing rural luxury, Gangtey Lodge sits at 3,300 metres and has one of the best views of the valley. Taking time to relax on the terrace to take in your surroundings is essential.
On arrival, guests are given the warmest of welcomes from the entire Lodge team with singing, a prayer scarf and the most delicious hot chocolate. The service here is on another level.
There are 12 huge, ornate, luxury farmhouse suites, stylish and traditional with a contemporary flair. There’s no better place to soak up the views than from your free-standing English roll-top tub. A selection of bespoke massages and treatments are available, either in the privacy of the spa or within the comfort of your suite. The spa, set in a wooden hut, holds a handcrafted wooden tub, large enough for two, and is filled with mineral-rich water gently heated by hot stones from an open fire.
Meals are taken at the main building, resembling a chic and cosy alpine lodge: a large open space with living and dining areas, and roaring fireplaces. The Bhutanese pitched roofs help create vast spaces throughout, and the large arched windows offer stunning views. There are no set mealtimes and guests may dine at any time throughout the day. Eating early in the evening is recommended, due to the altitude, to give your body time to digest.
The Lodge places a strong emphasis on supporting the local community and maintains a close partnership with the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature. It dedicates time to planting trees in the surrounding blue pine forest and plays a leading role in anti-litter initiatives.
Just a short walk away, guests can take part in a private blessing ceremony with a monk from the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery. Alternatively, take a hike to see the black-necked cranes when they arrive from Tibet for their mating season.
Staying at Gangtey Lodge is an unforgettable experience, where timeless tradition meets contemporary design and the beauty of nature. From the impeccable service to the exquisite cuisine, every detail is crafted to provide a truly romantic and luxurious stay.
With its central location, meticulous service and strong sense of place, Pemako Thimphu is an elegant and convenient choice for travellers seeking a cultured stay in Bhutan’s capital.
Set in the heart of Thimphu, Bhutan’s captivating capital, Pemako Thimphu offers a refined city retreat infused with traditional Bhutanese character.
The 2-hour drive between Punakha and Thimphu covers 73 kilometres mostly downhill, until you reach the city centre, where the only traffic control (manual) in the country can be experienced.
Rolling into Thimphu, one’s eyes are immediately drawn to the huge golden Buddha Dordenma statue perched on a hillside, a gleaming golden giant watching peacefully over the city.
Thimphu is Bhutan’s capital and government seat, located in the country’s western interior at 2,334 metres. The city is known for its colourful festivals and Buddhist sites, including the Tashichho Dzong, a huge, gold-leafed fortified monastery and government palace.
At the heart of the city is Pemako Thimphu, the largest hotel in Bhutan and an urban sanctuary conjuring up medieval fortress vibes. A sister property to Pemako Punakha, this hotel has its own unique character and charm yet delivers the same level of outstanding service and attention to detail.
On arrival, guests are greeted with prayers and blessings from the resident monk, before a cultural introduction through song and dance performed in front of a large prayer wheel on the outdoor terrace.
Pemako Thimphu offers a contemporary yet understated sense of luxury, deeply rooted in Bhutanese culture. The hotel offers modern Bhutanese hospitality with a thoughtful, measured approach.
The 66 rooms and suites are decorated with traditional Bhutanese influences, with hand-painted murals, spiritual motifs, traditional woodwork, luxurious marble bathrooms, and high ceilings that give a feeling of space.
The Lotus Realm Spa offers treatments inspired by traditional medicine to restore the body and mind. There’s a heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room and fitness centre.
Pemako Thimphu offers several dining venues. Chig Ja Gye specialises in authentic Bhutanese cuisine, while Thongsel is an all-day dining restaurant boasting views of the surrounding mountains. Ara, a contemporary Bhutanese bar named after the local rice wine, serves an international selection of premium drinks and spirits.
From the towering Himalayas to lush forests and sacred rivers, Bhutan feels untouched and timeless. This magical kingdom is where the soul finds space to breathe, where monasteries cling to misty cliffs, prayers drift through valleys, and every path invites quiet reflection. In this serene kingdom, my personal Gross National Happiness soared.
Fact Box
Lisa Young’s travel arrangements were made by Indus Experiences, indusexperiences.co.uk, who specialise in luxury travel to Bhutan. Indus can arrange flights, visas, Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), hotel bookings, tour guides, and everything needed for a luxurious romantic and relaxing visit to Bhutan.
