Classifying itself as a hotel that has the body of a monastery
and the mind of a monk, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary offers guests a
place to discover the true essence of wellbeing. Dutch hotelier and
founder Louk Lennaerts has woven tranquillity into every aspect of
this traditional fortress’s core. From hot-stone baths to soulful
meals, holistic yoga sessions, art classes and guided hikes, guests
are guaranteed a serene stay. All 24 bedrooms take a minimalist
approach: think neutral furnishings complemented by lots of natural
light and 360-degree views of the lush valley surroundings. After a
dip in the marble-tiled infinity pool, head to the hotel’s
restaurant terrace. You won’t find a set menu: instead, each day
the incredibly talented Bhutanese chefs create four-course lunches
and six-course dinners, with dishes packed with produce freshly
picked from the on-site greenhouse and garden.

This one’s for outdoor enthusiasts craving an intimate and
homely vibe. Situated in the Phobjikha Valley, low-lying,
timber-clad lodge Amankora Gangtey is surrounded by fragrant
orchards backed by dense forest. Home to just eight suites, the
accommodation’s stylish decor fuses Japanese minimalism with
traditional Bhutanese features – picture lantern lampshades,
stone-coloured chaise longues and wood-burning stoves. We love the
roll-top bathtubs, positioned in front of floor-to-ceiling windows,
serving such sublime vistas that you’ll never look at your own tub
the same again. Complete a guided cycle tour, before joining other
guests at one of the two enormous dining tables, where family-style
feasting awaits.

A labour of love for founders Khin Omar Win and Brett Melzer,
Gangtey Lodge was originally intended to be a storage site for the
couple’s hot-air-balloon business. Today, having evolved into a
12-room lodge, the property makes for the perfect rural retreat.
With few power lines, the area is a sanctuary for indigenous birds,
including endangered black-necked cranes. Inside, meanwhile, the
design takes inspiration from traditional Bhutanese farmhouses,
with walls crafted from local pine and the stone flooring having
come from a nearby quarry. Don’t miss the breathtaking 17th-century
Gangtey Monastery – just a 10-minute walk from your front door.

Located in the kingdom’s capital city, Taj Tashi’s dramatic
facade serves as a landmark for visitors to Thimphu: we’re talking
saffron-hued walls, hand-painted dragons and Buddhism’s eight
sacred symbols. Inside, 66 stylish rooms flaunt high, beamed
ceilings, chocolate-coloured wooden flooring and walls painted with
religious murals. Wake to the soothing sound of the in-house monk
chanting prayers in the outdoor courtyard – a space that fills with
dancers and entertainers come nightfall. Insider tip: don’t visit
without trying the restaurant’s signature dish, ema datshi,
consisting of chillies, local cheeses, onions and garlic.

Spa? Check. A delicious culinary offering? Check. Elegant rooms?
Check. We’re sold. Flanked by emerald-green pine forests, boutique
stay Dhensa overlooks paddy fields that stair-step down to the
valley floor. Its understated design is characterised by
whitewashed buildings and exposed stone walls, with a paved
courtyard providing the perfect spot in which to settle down with a
book. There are 34 spacious suites, all of which have been created
with the modern traveller in mind, but it’s the in-house activities
that really get our vote. More than just a place to come and rest
your head, the hotel invites visitors to try their hand at
everything from threshing rice to river rafting and prayer
flag-hoisting.

Zhiwa Ling, meaning “Land of Peace”, sits pretty amid 10 acres
of verdant grounds. Every window of the hotel was consciously
designed to overlook the iconic Tiger’s Nest Temple, which is said
to bring good fortune to those who spend the night facing in its
direction. In the main building, the pièce de résistance is a
magnificent Buddhist shrine constructed from 450-year-old wood.
Visit the Mad Monk Bar for an aperitif, then dine in one of two
sumptuous restaurants. There’s also a fire pit, which is the
perfect place to chat with other guests. Days are best spent – in
between sightseeing – exploring the hotel’s extensive programme of
meditation sessions and yoga therapy.

A delicate balance of sustainability married with contemporary
design awaits at COMO Uma Paro. Decked out with hand-crafted
furnishings from Nepal and India, alongside hand-stitched bed
linens and rugs, the hotel is both comfortable and chic. Yoga fans
will appreciate the evening classes held in the light and airy
studio, with floor-to-ceiling windows swung open to offer forest
views. The award-winning in-house Bukhari restaurant offers a
fantastic selection of national dishes, its seasonal menu including
platters of hand-moulded farm cheeses, smoked tofu and tagliatelle
of prawns. We recommend packing something with an elasticated
waistband.