3 Best Hotels in Bhutan

Beloved for its distinctive mix of luxury and local flavor, the Aman brand offers visitors a full-service experience in the Kingdom, with lodges dotted around the central and western valleys, in everything from converted farmhouses to lime-washed stone houses. Five lodges make up Amankora, a combination of the Sanskrit word for "peace" and the Bhutanese word for "circular pilgrimage." The main property—and the largest at 24 suites—is Amankora Paro, located in Balakha village, about 30-minutes from the international airport. The decor is contemporary-rustic with earthen walls, wood-paneling, and flagstone courtyards. The main house contains a cozy living room with windows overlooking the blue pines; a library stocked with tomes on local history and culture; and a dining room with communal tables and a menu of local, Indian, and Western dishes. In a separate building, the duplex spa features a yoga studio, sauna and steam room, and five treatment rooms with outdoor baths. Guest suites are simply furnished with King beds, window seats, a traditional wood-burning stove, and oversized tubs. Note that rates are per person, per night, and include all meals and house beverages, roundtrip airport transfers, laundry, and visa processing. Guest staying seven or more nights on the circuit receive extra perks like a private driver and guide, while solo travelers incur a large single supplement fee. As with all accommodations in Bhutan, several additional charges and taxes are levied on top of rates.

One of two Uma by COMO properties in Bhutan, this boutique lodging is set just outside of the city of Paro, site of the country's only international airport. While it's sister hotel is nestled among the beauty of the Punakha Valley some five hours' drive away, this outpost enjoys both proximity to town—and top cultural sites like monasteries and museums—as well as the serenity of its rural setting. Standard rooms have views of either the pine forest or valley, and feature a fresh, simple decor accented by hand-painted Bhutanese wall art, Egyptian cotton linens, satellite TVs with DVD players, Wi-Fi, and signature COMO Shambhala bath products. Upgrade to one of the suites for separate dining, living, and study spaces and a kitchenette, or one of the elegant freestanding villas for a full kitchen (with staff entrance), outdoor seating, butler service, a bathtub-with-a-view, and a traditional woodburning stove in the living room. The Uma Bar serves cocktails, wine, fresh juices and an all-day menu, while the Bukhari main restaurant focuses on ingredient-driven local and international fine dining. Both outlets offer a healthier spa menu as well. Speaking of spa, the on-site sanctuary has two stone bathhouses, indoor pool, steam room, gym, and menu of holistic Asian and Ayurvedic treatments. Most guests pair both Uma by COMO properties together for a 7- or 10-day itinerary highlighting the best of the Kingdom.

Nothing lies between you and the breathtaking Punakha Valley at COMO's second Bhutan property, an intimate, discreetly luxurious retreat situated in a less-traveled area of Bhutan that's for prime nature and historic exploration. The nine Valley View rooms—some with terraces—and two separate villas (one- and two-bedrooms) all have uninterrupted views of the alpine hillside and the Mo Chu river as it twists through orchards and rice fields. The simple decor of sheesham-woord furnishings, local artwork, crisp Italian linens and antique ceiling fans let the views take center stage; there's also free Wi-Fi. Fresh veggies, fruits, and dairy products from local farms are featured in the Bukhari restaurant's Bhutanese/International menu. Set in a woodland glade next to the hotel, the two-room spa (which is also open to non-hotel guests) features a traditional stone bath and holistic face and body treatments. Both Uma by COMO properties in Bhutan can arrange your flights and visas, and they offer single or joint 3-, 5-, 7-, or 10-night itineraries—led by English-speaking guides–that spotlight the country's cultural landmarks and include activities like trekking, archery, or rafting.