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.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson