The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Bhutan

Twenty minutes from the Bhutan capital, Thimphu, this mountain hideout is close enough to take in the city sights yet enjoy the remote forest setting. The 15 rooms and suites are bathed in natural light and decked out in traditional Bhutanese art and textiles, with sink-into sofas for admiring the views of the Eastern Himalayas. Eat healthy dishes packed with red rice, river-fresh mountain trout and Bhutanese chillies. Keep the healthy vibe going at the spa, with meditation, yoga, and deeply relaxing treatments all available.

With its ancient Dzong architecture, this large five-star hotel makes a real statement in the Thimpu Valley. Inside, Buddhist murals adorn the walls, gold-leaf paintings decorate the communal spaces, and there are luxurious touches everywhere – from the ornate Jiva Spa, where you can enjoy a Bhutanese hot stone bath, to the 66 rooms and suites, which have lavish marble bathrooms and magnificent views over the mountains and nearby town. Guests also get to unwind at their choice of two restaurants and a tea lounge, and are perfectly placed to explore the kingdom’s spectacular monasteries and scenic mountain passes.

Artfully combining local Himalayan art with state-of-the-art amenities, Terma Linca Resort and Spa is a great place to stay for groups and couples, but is particularly good for families, due to the wide range of activities it offers. As well as a swimming pool for on-site entertainment, the hotel organises everything from archery classes to serene riverside picnics and even trekking day trips to nearby forests and gorges. Back at the hotel, even the fussiest of kids will be catered for at the restaurant, which has Indian, Chinese and Thai food on offer. Meanwhile, parents can unwind at the hot stone baths at the spa.

If you want to stay close to the hustle and bustle of Thimpu’s centre, book into the Druk Hotel, which is moments away from the restaurants and main landmarks. The hotel decor is inspired by the four natural elements of water, air, earth and fire, and the result is a classically elegant space. Rooms are described as ‘rustic chic’ in style, with large marble bathrooms, warm colours and stunning views of the Thimphu River. Return after a long day of sightseeing to Jinks, the hotels’ newly opened bar , for a cocktail by the roaring fire, or book in for an Ayurvedic treatment at the on-site spa.

Surrounded by the towering heights of the Himalayas, striking vistas of the sitting Buddha, and not far from the famous Tashichho Monastery, this fantastic hotel sits right in the heart of the Thimphu Valley. Guests are just a few minutes away from the main road in town and can choose to stay in spacious deluxe rooms with elegant decorations and top notch amenities or splash out on an Osel suite, with its own laidback living room, kitchenette and dining area. Book a spot in the hotel’s beautiful outdoor restaurant to dine on seasonal Bhutanese cuisine.

Travellers looking to discover the cosmopolitan side of Bhutan should book into Le Meridien, in the centre of capital city Thimphu. Close to dozens of shops, restaurants and entertainment, the hotel is also conveniently near amazing local landmarks like Chorten Memorial and Tashichho Monastery. Boasting regal panoramas of the hilly landscape surrounding Thimphu, rooms and suites are elegantly furnished in authentic Bhutanese style. Think luxurious beds, beautiful marble bathrooms and ergonomic workspaces. Moreover, guests can take advantage of leisure activities and enjoy creative Pan Asian cuisine at the on-site restaurant.

High up in the beautiful Neyphug Valley, in the southeastern area of Paro, this five-star boutique hotel is set in the Bhutanese countryside, so you can expect sweeping mountain views from the get-go. Rooms have beautiful terraces for a spot of fresh air or to enjoy a sundowner, and the hotel’s world-class restaurant dishes up farm-to-table delights. Don’t miss the upscale spa with private hot-stone baths and soothing treatment beds. You can even have an art class with the in-house art teacher.

Countless online reviews praise the friendliness and hospitality at this spectacular resort, which sits amid apple orchards with panoramic views of the Himalayan hillside. The resort itself blends modern luxury with Bhutanese tradition, and rooms boast gorgeous private indoor balconies, sumptuous bedding, lavish bathrooms and one-of-a-kind views. The on-site restaurant features an interesting mix of Bhutanese, Thai, and Indian cuisines cooked to five-star standards.

In an enviable location in Paro Valley, COMO Uma Paro is an intimate resort featuring the most exclusive private villas in Bhutan. The venue is just minutes from one of the country’s great cultural landmarks, the imposing Taktsang Monastery also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which clings onto the side of a cliff. As well as pared back, contemporary rooms which can’t help but leave you Zen, there’s also a great activity program, which includes yoga sessions.

With an imposing stone and wood facade designed in authentic Bhutanese style, Zhiwa Ling Heritage certainly makes an impression. This luxury hotel in Paro balances local architecture with modern facilities, and the impressive lobby is just the beginning of a magical stay that includes sumptuous suites with patios, luxurious beds and splendid bathrooms. In between sightseeing at Paro Taktsang, Rinpung Dzong, and the Bhutan National Museum, splash around on the hotel’s waterslide, hit the fitness center, or relax at the on-site spa.

Surrounded by a lush countryside, this lavish boutique hotel and spa is only thirty minutes from Paro International Airport. The Himalayan sanctuary is ideal for a peaceful escape, and is nestled in the heart of a national forest, on the outskirts of the village of Ngoba. The main lodge and cottages stand on more than six acres of wild land, over 2,700 meters above sea level, so you’ll certainly feel like you’re back to nature. Rooms and suites have traditional Bhutanese design paired with all mod cons and enjoy views of Mount Jumolhari, Taktsang Monastery and the Paro Valley.