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Uma Punakha
Punakha

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Uma Punakha is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Romantic Retreats 

Opened in September 2012, Uma Punakha is COMO's second hotel in Bhutan – the first being Uma Paro, one of Ampersand's favourite hotels in Paro and listed on our Top 10 Hotel Spas. The two properties are a 5-hour drive from each other, and both are very much suited to people who are sporty and outdoorsy, but also enjoy wellness and yoga. Uma Punakha enjoys spectacular elevated views over the lush Punakha rice-terraced valley and the rushing Mo Chu River which carves its way through the vale below.

The resort was designed by Cheong Yew Kwan, a Singapore-born, Bali-based architect whose other notable hotels also include COMO Shambhala Estate and Uma by COMO, both located in Ubud in Bali. Known for his inspired simplicity and natural light-flooded interiors, his styling of Uma Punakha is in line with the design of Uma Paro: oversized beds, woodburning stoves and calming neutral colour schemes punctuated with traditional hand painted Bhutanese wall designs. The property is small and intimate with just 11 rooms, which are all light and airy with incredible valley views. There are two luxury villas – an intimate one-bedroom COMO Villa and a family friendly two-bedroom COMO Villa. Both of these villas provide a little more luxury and privacy, set right in the thick of the wilderness but not far from the restaurant and the COMO Shambhala spa.

There is one restaurant at Uma Punakha, The Bukhari, which serves an elegant menu of both Bhutanese and international cuisine. There is a sweet little terrace where dining al fresco is a lovely option on warmer evenings, and when it’s cooler the staff set up heaters next to each table.

Uma Punakha is a fantastic base for hiking, white water rafting and cycling, and the hotel can provide excellent English-speaking guides. This hotel promises guests a truly incredible experience combining impeccable luxury, authentic culture, stunning untouched natural surroundings and a world-class spa and wellness facilities. The signature COMO Shambhala spa offers traditional holistic therapies, including the Bhutanese hot stone baths, which help guests to relax after a day exploring the valley.

Uma Punakha is an amazing honeymoon destination for those looking for more to do than lie on a beach, or an incredibly unique family holiday for those looking for a safe but culturally enriching experience for their children – the Bhutanese LOVE children and they will be treated like royalty!

Beyond the Sky Uma Punakha and Uma Paro Bhutan itinerary 8
BHUTAN - Como Punakha terrace
BHUTAN - Como Punakha terrace view
Beyond the Sky Uma Punakha and Uma Paro Bhutan itinerary 11
Beyond the Sky Uma Punakha and Uma Paro Bhutan itinerary 10
Beyond the Sky Uma Punakha and Uma Paro Bhutan itinerary 9
BHUTAN - Como Punakha terrace view
Beyond the Sky Uma Punakha and Uma Paro Bhutan itinerary 11
Beyond the Sky Uma Punakha and Uma Paro Bhutan itinerary 10
Beyond the Sky Uma Punakha and Uma Paro Bhutan itinerary 9
Beyond the Sky Uma Punakha and Uma Paro Bhutan itinerary 8
BHUTAN - Como Punakha terrace
The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.
Rudyard Kipling

Client Testimonials

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
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
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

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