Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa
Paro

Located in the quiet village of Ngoba, above the Paro Valley and 8 kilometres from Paro Town, Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa is a simple yet charming hotel which blends the heritage of traditional Bhutanese architecture with the comfort of modern amenities. Naksel is surrounded by apple orchards, rice paddies and potato fields, and in the distance, superb views of Mt Jumolhari and Tiger's Nest Monastery; the sense of location could not be better.

The boutique hotel is a community-based project, whereby the construction carefully involved the local community. Built using indigenous and locally sourced materials, Naksel is an eco-friendly and energy saving hotel, constructed using traditional architectural features, such as wooden framed windows, wood-carved finishes and a mud-brick framework – you could only be in Bhutan!

The hotel comprises of four cottages and the main building, which houses the restaurant and bar and other communal areas. Olive Restaurant serves varying cuisine from traditional Bhutanese to Asian-fusion dishes and generally buffet style, and the Chabchu Bar is well stocked and also serves the local favourite, Ara. The staff are charming and friendly, although the service is very Bhutanese. There is a Coffee House too which has fantastic mountain views, and fresh espresso and pastries can be enjoyed whilst overlooking the stunning surroundings.

The remaining four cottages are where the guest rooms are located. All the guest rooms are spacious and traditionally designed, incorporating furniture crafted from the nearby villages, local artwork and Bhutanese rugs. There is underfloor heating in the bathrooms (a luxury in the chilly winter months!), and we recommend the rooms with bathtubs and balconies; great for a long soak after a walk up Tiger's Nest, and then looking out from your private balcony at the walk you have just done! There is also the Menchu Himalayan Herbal Spa, which offers a variety of treatments and an array of relaxing massages to work out those aches from a day's trekking in the surrounding valleys and mountainscapes.

I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.
Bill Bryson