Bhutan Banner 3 Logo Bhutan
Back to Listing

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary
Paro

Opened in August 2018, and named by Vanity Fair as “the most charming 5-star property in Bhutan”, the Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, is a magical new resort in the Himalayan Kingdom.

This unique and utterly remote 24-room Sanctuary overlooks the beautiful Neyphu valley of Paro, just 20 minutes from the airport. On arrival guests are instantly wowed by the location; they are led through a meditation labyrinth in the courtyard and over a golden bridge (“the gateway to heaven”), before lighting a butter lamp to make a wish. The doors then open to reveal the Great Room – a stunning room with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook an emerald green valley below.

This independent hotel was built from scratch to replicate a traditional dzhong. The rooms are flooded with natural light and have stunning views overlooking the valley below and the neighbouring Eutok Samdrupcholing Goenpa Monastery. Guests can also enjoy these views from all the public spaces including the restaurant, outdoor terrace, pool and gym. Minimalist in design, each room is decorated in neutral tones with local fabrics and wall hangings, and has either a balcony or a garden terrace, the perfect spot for a morning coffee or afternoon book read. The en-suite bathrooms are equipped with locally made organic toiletries. The food is exceptional, with each menu specifically designed to suit each guest, no dietary request is too difficult! With locally sourced produce, and fruit and vegetables grown in their own kitchen garden, the Sanctuary became entirely organic in 2020.

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary is the vision of Dutch hotelier Louk Lennaerts, who was also the founder of the very successful Fusion Maia Da Nang concept in Vietnam. His approach has been to combine cultural activities with an all-inclusive wellness programme, meaning guests’ stays include unlimited food and beverage (excluding alcohol), and all wellness and activities – a totally new concept for Bhutan. Complimentary with their stay, guests can enjoy private yoga and meditation classes, consultations with traditional medicine doctors, kunye massages (Tibetan massages), moxibustion (a traditional Chinese therapy), hot oil compression, hot stone and herbal baths, cooking and pottery classes, traditional archery and darts, hiking with picnics and visits to nearby monasteries.

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary is not just a resort but is a destination in itself. Here, guests are encouraged to stay put, soak up the local culture and connect with Bhutan as a destination.

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (1).jpeg Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (1).jpeg
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (6).jpeg Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (6).jpeg
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (12).jpeg Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (12).jpeg
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (2).jpeg Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (2).jpeg
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (5).jpeg Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (5).jpeg
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (9).jpeg Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (9).jpeg
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (8).jpeg Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (8).jpeg
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (7).jpeg Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (7).jpeg
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (11).jpeg Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (11).jpeg
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (4).jpeg Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (4).jpeg
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (3).jpeg Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (3).jpeg
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (10).jpeg Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro, Bhutan (10).jpeg
Travel is the only thing that you buy that makes you richer.
Proverb

Client Testimonials

So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences