Bhutan airport hotels must be prebooked through approved operators. They also arrange transfers, a scenic drive on quiet roads. Old or new, from luxury to budget, hotels and lodges are built and furnished in traditional style but even at the lower end of the tourist market, basic rooms usually come with en-suite. Early booking is essential at festival time. Government rates cover mid-range hotels, supplements will be charged for upmarket accommodation.
Bhutan Luxury Resort Amankora Paro
About 30 minutes from the airport, the Aman luxury hotel is set among blue pines at 2500 metres .The 24 suites offer classic luxury with wood panelling, king bed and wood burning stove. The hotel looks out to the old fortress of Drukyel and the snowy summit of Jomolhari on a clear day.
The restaurant boasts fine dining, Western, Indian or Bhutanese, and the spa traditional therapies with hot stone herbal bath, sauna and relaxation room with forest views.
Bhutan Uma Paro Boutique Hotel
Uma Paro boutique hotel is in a quiet location on a wooded hill. Deluxe rooms are spacious with large bathroom and separate shower and the three villas come with personal butler service. Staff are helpful and courteous, the restaurant serves Bhutanese specialities, largely based on locally grown organic produce.
Expensive but worth it, Uma Paro offers a holistic experience with traditional spa, gym and indoor pool. The hot stone bath house is tucked among the trees away from it all.
Zhiwa Ling Hotel Paro, Bhutan
Reasonably priced in low season, expensive at peak times, especially during the Paro Festival, this 45 room guesthouse combines traditional architecture and modern comfort, with under floor heating. Facilities include a business centre, spa and Meditation House as well as a Mad Monk Bar and night club. Dining with a choice of cuisine is available all day in the Lingka restaurant.
The outdoor hot stone bath is perfect for relaxation and with room for two, utterly romantic after dark
Olathang Hotel Paro, Bhutan
Situated in woodlands above the Paro Valley, this 1970’s hotel is used by individuals and groups travelling on the basic rates. Charming and comfortable though not luxurious, it is one of Bhutan’s largest hotels offering rooms in garden cottages or the main building. There is a restaurant, gift shop and jogging trail.
Paro Valley Farmhouse Stay
Farmhouse stay is a relatively new concept in Bhutan but some farms in the Paro valley are ready to accommodate guests in pleasantly appointed rooms with shared bathroom. Working farms offer a fascinating insight into Bhutanese life, from daily tasks to relaxation in rural surroundings.
Some hosts can provide a traditional hot stone bath but this takes a while to prepare and should be requested in advance. Such baths are said to have healing properties
Solange Hando - I am a travel writer, editor and photographer, contributing to a range of publications in the UK and worldwide.
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