What it is

A 20 room, 9-villa retreat in the Himalayas with a holistic spa and Bhutanese hot stone bathhouses.

What it isn't

Boring. The hoteliers have curated a host of unforgettable experiences for your stay, including everything from hiking to cliffside Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery—built right into the face of a rock wall in 1692—to archery lessons with Bhutanese pros.

What we think

There is magic in the air of Como Uma Paro—or maybe it’s just that this resort, hewn of regional stone, wood and tiles—is so thoroughly of its place. In the spa, you can take a Bhutanese Traditional Hot Stone Bath (literally, you bathe with crackling hot river stones) or try an Ayurvedic scalp and face massage that leaves you glowing inside and out. The organic gardens on the property churn out most of the produce at Bukhari, their pavilion-style restaurant that wraps around a soaring Bhutanese fireplace (don’t miss their momo dumplings). Guest rooms themselves are cozied up with locally-made adornments: rugs hand-knotted in Nepal, cotton bed coverings that nod to Buddhist tradition, even hand-painted art in Bhutanese motifs that’s right on the wall itself. Starter forest view rooms are 269 square feet and fitted with everything you could dream of, including 300-thread-count sheets, private bars and goose down duvets; for roomier digs that will take your breath away, upgrade to 990-square-foot one-bedroom villa (complete with a Bukhari wood burning stove, full kitchen, and, perk of all perks, gratis butler service throughout your stay).

You're here because

The resort hosts a live cooking show where you can watch the most divine Indian, Bhutanese and, yes, Western dishes being expertly prepared—and then dive in for a buffet lunch.

The Moment

After your guided morning yoga session in the daylight-flooded yoga studio, you’re downright ravenous—but don’t want anything unhealthy to cross your lips for at *least* an hour. Thankfully, Uma Bar awaits with an organic smoothie whirred up just for you.

Restaurants & Bars

Bukhari - Menus are based on seasonal, local produce sourced by Executive Chef Arsa Made , who delivers both Bhutanese and international dishes with strong flavours and serious finesse.

Uma Bar - Serving an all-day dining menu that incorporates healthful COMO Shambhala Cuisine. Uma Bar is a welcoming space for lunch or supper.

Location

Just a 10 minute drive from the sole airport in the region, and 18 minutes from the National Museum of Bhutan, housed in a round circa 1649 watchtower that overlooks the lush valley below.