Renowned for its quaint valleys, spiritual sites, focus on cultural preservation, commitment to combating overtourism, and relative geographic inaccessibility, culminating in an almost mythical aura, Bhutan is a beguiling destination for those desirous of a travel experience that isn’t plastered over your Instagram explore page. Fortunately, for well-heeled travellers intent on taking the path less travelled, the Himalayan kingdom isn’t completely untouched; the western part of the country (forming the Trans Bhutan Trail) is dotted with luxury lodges and hotels that act as a soft landing after a day exploring the mountainous terrain. With all buildings in the Himalayan kingdom expected to adhere to the country’s traditional architecture style, the best luxury hotels in Bhutan unite traditional design and hospitality with flawless service, offering their guests an authentic experience with a touch of the exquisite. Expect hot stone baths overlooking valley vistas, private cocktails by the river, and dinner—well, every meal for that matter—with a view.
Whether you’re after an immersive experience in nature courtesy of a tented camp or prefer to be safely ensconced from the elements within a fortress-like structure, these are the best luxury hotels and lodges in Bhutan.
1. Amankora
Comprising five luxury lodges designed by late Australian architect Kerry Hill, Amankora (“kora” means circular pilgrimage in the Bhutanese language of Dzongkha) offers a unique immersion into the spirit of Bhutan. Whether it’s the dzong-inspired rammed earth structure of Amankora Paro or the timber clad Amankora Gangtey which overlooks the Phobjikha valley, the intentionally understated architecture and interiors of each Amankora lodge is designed to turn the gaze outwards, placing the focus on one’s surroundings. While the aesthetics—very Japanese essentialism meets Bhutanese vernacular architecture—are all monastic minimalism (or ‘quiet luxury’, as the kids say), unparalleled luxury is delivered by way of thoughtful and perceptive service that makes one feel at home even in the most foreign of lands. Stays at Amankora are all-inclusive, with considerate details like packed lunches and snacks—which also cater to your guide and driver—making for a soft landing in the Himalayan kingdom.
Price: from $1700USD/night (approx. $2580AUD/night)
Locations: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang
2. Six Senses Bhutan
When it comes to unabashed aesthetic grandeur, Six Senses Bhutan is the way to go. Like Amankora, Six Senses has lodges in the five main valleys around western and central Bhutan, however they diverge in design style; Six Senses stays faithful to traditional Bhutanese architecture, albeit executed to the highest degree of luxury. Each lodge takes on a unique theme, with Six Senses Thimphu dubbed the ‘Palace in the Sky’. Presiding over the city and offering a picture perfect view of the golden 54-metre Buddha Dordenma, it more than lives up to the moniker. While many luxury hotels and lodges in Bhutan keep it simple in terms of amenities, Six Senses sees the usual spa offering joined by a gym and pool. There’s also a quasi-rustic farmhouse setup for traditional Bhutanese suja (butter tea) and stupa making, as well as archery on offer. Another all-inclusive offering (excepting alcohol), the cuisine at Six Senses is in line with the hospitality group’s classic health-oriented offering, with fresh and nutritious fare that blends Bhutanese, western, and international eastern styles served within a glass panelled dining room with breathtaking views of the city.
Price: from $1450USD (approx. $2200AUD/night)
Locations: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang
3. Como Uma Bhutan
With its terracotta-toned cladding, Como Uma Punakha stands like a veritable topaz amongst the verdant rice paddy terraces. Comprising eight rooms and a one- and two-bedroom villa, each lodging at Como Uma Punakha captures views of the tireless Mo Chhu river that essentially render the in-room television redundant. The Como Shambhala offers an intimate spa experience with just a duo of treatment rooms, while the in-house restaurant Bukhari (room reservations include half-board) serves up a concise menu of western and Bhutanese dishes. Sister property Como Uma Paro has an equally enviable location, perched on a tree-studded hill overlooking the town. The aesthetic vernacular of the property here is more true to traditional Bhutanese architecture, with colourful rabsels and intricate engraving finding harmony with Como’s contemporary design language. The amenity offering reflects the larger scale of the lodge, with the Como Shambala here including an indoor pool and gym in addition to a spa. Both properties offer a robust suite of activities, including archery, whisky tastings, hiking, and white water rafting.
Price: from $790USD/night (approx. $1200AUD/night)
Locations: Paro, Punakha
4. &Beyond Punakha River Lodge
Despite only having a single outpost in the Himalayan kingdom, &Beyond has established itself as a key player in Bhutan’s luxury hotel scene, with more well-heeled travellers choosing to eschew hospitality monogamy (in the form of journeys across the five valleys with a single hotel group — either Amankora or Six Senses) in favour of multi-lodge routes. Here, &Beyond Punakha River Lodge makes a convincing case for such a move, with the riverside lodge comprising six luxury tents and a one- and two-bedroom villa. Rendered in wood and canvas, these expansive tents blend Bhutanese craftsmanship with a hint of safari chic and overlook the Mo Chhu river. Accomodation is all-inclusive, with activities like yoga, cooking classes, and private riverside dining experiences on offer.
Price: from $890USD/night (approx. $1350AUD/night)
Location: Punakha
5. Gangtey Lodge
A luxury hotel in Bhutan from the minds behind Balloons over Bagan and the Malikha Lodge in Northern Myanmar, Gangtey Lodge offers an elevated take on a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. The rustic 12-room lodge preserves tradition and fosters spirital engagement while providing weary travellers with a healthy dose of luxury. Each suite is executed in neutral tones—complemented by Bhutanese fabrics—and appointed with a freestanding deep soaking bathtub that overlooks the Phobjikha Valley. Gangtey Lodge prides itself on offering an culturally immersive experience, courtesy of inclusions like evening guided meditations at the local monks’ college and prayer flag ceremonies.
Price: from $1199USD/night (approx. $1820AUD/night)
Location: Gangtey
6. Pemako
While most of the luxury hotels—such as those by Aman, Como, and Six Senses—in Bhutan come courtesy of foreign direct investment, the past couple of years have seen the emergence of locally owned offerings too. Pemako is one such welcome addition to the luxury landscape in Bhutan. With locations in Thimphu and Punakha, Pemako translates to “hidden lotus shaped land,” and is inspired by beyuls, a Tibetan term that refers to remote sacred valleys in the Himalayas. Both Pemako Thimphu and Pemako Punakha are designed as hidden retreats, offering their guests a place for solitude and reflection. Pemako Punakha is a particular highlight, with the luxury tented camp designed by legendary architect Bill Bensley and cutting a dominating figure by the river. With 21 luxury tented villas—each with its own private pool and expansive outdoor deck—three restaurants, and a spa, Pemako Punakha offers unbridled luxury, Bhutanese style.
Price: from $900USD/night (approx. $1360AUD/night)
Locations: Thimphu, Punakha
7. Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel
Another Bhutanese-owned outpost, Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel opened a decade ago and marked the first localised luxury offering in the Himalayan kingdom. While it doesn’t quite offer the unbridled indulgence of some of the other luxury hotels on this list, Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel showcases classic Bhutanese style architecture and interiors — think tapered stone walls, ornate hand-painted details, and intricately carved rabsels. The hyperlocal tone extends onto the soft furnishings and decor, with rugs and upholstery executed in colourful patterned Bhutanese fabrics and thangkas (silk wall hangings with Buddhist deities) adorning the walls. Rooms overlook the mountains surrounding the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, while amenities include a spa and on-site tea house and temple.
Price: from $612USD (approx. $930AUD/night)
Location: Paro
8. The Postcard Dewa
Offering a quiet respite from the—granted, already rather quiet—capital city, The Postcard Dewa is located in the mountains outside Thimphu. Spanning 13 rooms and two suites (each decorated with Bhutanese art and textiles), this boutique luxury hotel from the Indian-owned Postcard Hotels captures views of the Khasadrapchu valley and Wang Chhu river. One of the key drawcards for Postcard properties is the ability to check in and check out at any time, making early arrivals or late departures a breeze (the same goes for the hotel’s all day breakfast offering). Activities include hiking, riverside picnics, and archery, while the culinary offering is predominantly Bhutanese style, with an emphasis on locally sourced produce.
Price: from ₹80,000/night (approx. $1370AUD/night)
Location: Thimphu
9. Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary
The misty mountain peaks, abundant hiking opportunities, and cultural richness of the Himalayan kingdom leave most visitors to Bhutan feeling more spiritually and physically well-rested than a week long pilgrimage to the latest spa hotel. However, those desirous of a dedicated wellness escape needn’t look further than Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary. Located a stone’s throw away from Paro airport and housed within an imposing structure that draws inspiration from traditional dzong architecture, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary’s all-inclusive stays go a step further than the other luxury hotels in Bhutan, by including a daily wellness treatment (including massages, hot compresses, and hot stone baths) in addition to full board (all meals and house beer and wine). All stays commence with a complimentary wellness consultation with a traditional Bhutanese medicine doctor, who will put together a holistic wellness program designed to balance the body, mind, and spirit. There are also daily yoga and meditation classes on offer, as well as archery, pottery, cooking classes, and endless hiking (complete with a packed picnic lunch).
Price: from $1450USD/night (approx. $2200AUD/night)
Location: Paro
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Words by T. Angel
