Akihiko Seki - Asian Resorts

The Oberoi Lombok, Indonesia.

Uma Paro Bhutan

Located in one of the most isolated and beautiful corners of the world, the tiny and remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, Uma Paro, opened in 2004, is a luxury romantic getaway like no other. Just 10 minutes from Bhutans only airport, the hotel, perched amidst blue pine forest overlooking the Paro Valley, enjoys magnificent views of the peaks above and the rice paddies, wheat fields, streams, scattered settlements, temples and monasteries below. The hotels stunning location, combined with its strong Buddhist traditions, creates a serene and, for many, spiritual experience.

The staff at Uma Paro wear charming traditional Bhutanese costumes.

The heart of the hotel, the former home of a Bhutanese nobleman, is a three-story structure in vernacular style, with a flat roof, stark white stucco walls and painted wood window borders. Inside, low timber-beamed ceilings and white walls vividly painted by local artists with traditional motifs combine with bukhari stoves, textile carpets and cushioned seating to exude a charm reminiscent of a country home. Nine villas, crafted by traditionally trained Bhutanese artisans, with Zen-inspired interiors containing luxury amenities such as private therapy suites, are scattered around the 38-acre (15-hectare) wooded hillside site and are accessible by golf buggy.

A traditional bukhari fireplace in one of the villas set against a wall decorated with Bhutanese paintings.

Paintings on ceilings and walls are an attractive feature at the resort.

In the typically Bhutanese circular dining room, named appropriately Bukhari after the centrally placed fireplace that warms the room, broad windows allow splendid views of the dense pine forest. The menu features traditional Bhutanese offerings such as dried local pork and hearty soups made from handmade noodles, as well as contemporary interpretations of neighboring cuisines, including Indian dishes from the charcoal tandoor oven.

The holistic heart of Uma Paroand the main reason for its existenceis the Como Shambhala Retreat. The emphasis at its treatment and steam rooms, gym and indoor poolwith outdoor sundeck is less on beauty than on yoga, massage and Ayurvedic medicine as staff strive to offer physical as well as spiritual wellness. For physical adventure, the hotel offers overnight trekking and camping expeditions, day walks, mountain biking, archery and rafting.

Prayer bells at one of the hillside temples in the vicinity of the resort.

The three-story main building in vernacular style.

Address: Uma Paro
PO Box 222, Paro, Bhutan.
Tel: +975 8 271 597
Fax: +975 8 271 513
E-mail: info.paro@uma.como.bz
Website: www.uma.como.bz

The resort's well-equipped gym and yoga studio overlook the Paro Valley.

A wooden tub in the four-room spa.

The view from a villa terrace.

A butler delivers room service.

Published by Tuttle Publishing, an imprint of Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd., with editorial offices at 364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, Vermont 05759 USA and 61 Tai Seng Avenue, #02-12, Singapore 534167

Text and photographs copyright 2009 Akihiko Seki

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior written permission from the publisher.

ISBN: 978-1-4629-0584-3 (ebook)

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