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Zhiwa Ling Heritage
Paro

One of the few truly Bhutanese-owned luxury hotels in Bhutan, Zhiwa Ling Heritage is a unique and traditional hotel which combines Bhutanese architecture with a modern style and design. The owners of this 5-star hotel wanted to create a truly Bhutanese experience, whilst delivering the high service expectations of international luxury travellers. The creation of Zhiwa Ling was quite a project, and over sixty local artisans were involved with the handcrafted formation of the interior and exterior design; ornate wooden carvings and hand-carved cornices, hand-knotted rugs, intricate stonework and local artworks adorn the rooms and flow throughout the hotel.

Located just outside of Paro town, Zhiwa Ling Heritage comprises of nine lodges spread throughout the ten-acre gardens, including the main building and eight two-storey cottages housing 45 suites in total. The rooms are well-sized and exceptionally comfortable, with bright natural light and superb views overlooking the Paro valley. There is also Wi-fi available in the rooms, as well as a mini bar and satellite TVs, and the bathrooms have standalone bathtubs and underfloor heating – all considered for the comfort of their guests. The suites are suitable for couples and families alike, and are divided into junior suites, one- and two-bedroom suites and the two-bedroom Royal Raven suite, which has its own Buddhist shrine constructed from 450-year-old timbers.

Zhiwa Ling Heritage has two restaurants; Lingka (meaning ‘merry making’) is a relaxed all-day dining restaurant which serves delicious international cuisine, and Gawa (meaning ‘happiness’) serves traditional Bhutanese fare including dishes such as ema datsi (traditional chillies and cheese). On sunny days there is also an idyllic outdoor terrace built on a wooden cantilever bridge. The Mad Monk Bar has a fun vibe and is the perfect spot to unwind with a drink by the fireplace – try the Dragon Warmer or the local favourite Ara, a homemade rice wine. The hotel is complemented by a dedicated tea house, a yoga studio and a meditation house for those more spiritually inclined. And there is also the Menlha Spa complete with sauna, steam room and a traditional outdoor hot stone bath.

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The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.
Rudyard Kipling

Client Testimonials

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

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