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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!

BHUTAN - Como Punakha terrace view 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 11
Beyond the Sky Uma Punakha and Uma Paro Bhutan itinerary 10 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 9
Beyond the Sky Uma Punakha and Uma Paro Bhutan itinerary 8 Beyond the Sky Uma Punakha and Uma Paro Bhutan itinerary 8
BHUTAN - Como Punakha terrace BHUTAN - Como Punakha terrace
Travelling is like flirting with life. It's like saying, 'I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station.
Lisa St. Aubin de Teran

Client Testimonials

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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
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 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
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
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
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
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

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