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’s aim is to be entirely organic by 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.

My favourite thing is to go where I've never been.
Diane Arbus