Known as the land of the thunder dragon Bhutan is a destination steeped in tradition, culture and spirituality. The backdrop of Bhutan is dominated by the snow peaks of the Himalayas. It is a land of mountain passes, isolated valleys and yak pastures. Buddhism permeates the spiritual landscape and this can be seen in its rituals, from the procession of monks in a monastery courtyard to butter lamps flickering in a cave shrine.

The Himalayas in Bhutan are revered as sacred mountains and summiting peaks above 6000 meters is forbidden as they are believed to be the dwelling places of deities. It is also forbidden to swim or throw stones into lakes and rivers as this can disturb the spirits that inhabit them.

For travelers the country offers a blend of modern comfort and traditional hospitality through its range of accommodations. Here are some of the best hotels in Bhutan.

Zhiwa Ling Heritage Hotel

Located in Paro, Zhiwa Ling Heritage Hotel is a regal hotel decorated in classic Bhutanese style and built to look like a dzong, a traditional fortress with whitewashed walls and flagstone courtyard. The decor consists of hand-painted murals and carved woodwork. The vibrant bedcovers and drapes are beautiful examples of weaving and embroidery which are national arts in Bhutan. 

In the main building there is a Buddhist shrine constructed in old timber from a remote monastery. There are many activities to do in the hotel that immerse you in the culture of the Himalayan kingdom. Take part in a Bhutanese tea ceremony and drink butter tea prepared using a wooden churner, or go on a yoga retreat at the meditation center. During the yoga class you’ll have a stunning view of the Tiger’s Nest temple, a Buddhist monastary nestled into a steep cliff.    

Le Meridien Thimphu

Le Meridien Thimphu blends traditional Bhutanese architecture with contemporary design. Decorated with traditional Bhutanese paintings and sculpture, it’s a serene and comfortable place to stay in Thimphu, the only capital in the world without traffic lights. White-gloved police direct the traffic with ballet-like movements. Located in the city centre the hotel is within walking distance of shops, restaurants and attractions such as the Memorial Chorten.

Rooms are spacious and elegant and you can enjoy great views of the city or the mountains through the large windows. The hotel offers a range of culinary experiences. Savor the flavors of Bhutanese, Asian, and international cuisine at the hotel restaurant Latest Recipe, or sip afternoon tea or evening cocktails at Longitude 89, the lounge in the lobby. The hotel provides outdoor activities, including guided hikes and skilled instructors teaching visitors archery, the national sport of Bhutan.

Pemako Thimpu Hotel

Pemako Thimpu Hotel was built based on dzong architecture, the design of the fortified monasteries in Bhutan. The hotel is decorated with hand-painted murals, carved eaves and dragon motifs. The rooms provide comfort and style with carved wooden furniture, canopy beds and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a panoramic view of the mountains.         

Inspired by Bhutanese healing traditions, the hotel spa is the essence of serenity. Indulge in a Bhutanese massage, first developed for trekkers in the Himalayas, or soak in the medicinal waters of a hot-stone bath. The hotel offers some interesting amenities. Guests can attend a blessing ceremony by the resident monk. The hotel is centrally located in Thimpu and is a short walk to Tashichö Dzong, the Buddhist monastery and fortress.

Dhensa Resort  

Dhensa is a boutique resort in Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. The hotel has a regal elegance, its exterior designed in the traditional dzong style with whitewashed walls, carved wooden windows and an entrance adorned with prayer flag. The resort offers a range of activities for those seeking some cultural immersion. Guests can take part in the traditional sport of khuru, throwing wooden darts outdoors at a small target, or help a farmer thresh rice in a paddy field.

Dhensa has twenty-four suites set in six cottages overlooking the Punakha valley. The resort organizes cultural excursions. Visitors can take guided tours to the historic Punakha Dzong where all the kings of Bhutan have been crowned. To get to Punakha from Thimphu you drive over the mountain pass of Dochu La with great views of the snow-covered Himalayas and 108 memorial chortens.

Naksel Boutique Hotel

Naksel Boutique Hotel is located on a forested hill across the valley from Tiger’s Nest monastery in Paro. Surrounded by apple orchards and pine forests, its architecture is inspired by the design of traditional dzongs and farmhouses. The onsite restaurant showcases Bhutanese flavors and international cuisine. Rooms have great views of the Paro Valley and the Himalayas in the distance. The hotel offers cultural programs, include traditional dance, archery lessons and meditation sessions.    

Amankora Resort

Amankora Resort is part of a circuit of five lodges located in the central and western valley. The resort offers travelers a blend of luxury and serenity and showcases traditional Bhutanese architecture. Rooms are adorned with intricate woodwork and exude a sense of sublime luxury and refined comfort.

The design of the Punakha lodge is based on the architecture of a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. The retreat has an elegant design with spacious suites and a stone courtyard. There is a heated infinity pool overlooking the rice terraces. To get to the lodge you cross a river on a suspension bridge lined with prayer flags.

Perched on a hillside the Thimphu lodge has a brook running through it. The lodge has the dzong-like architecture of whitewashed buildings and a courtyard with fluttering prayer flags. Rooms contain handcrafted Bhutanese furniture and the restaurant features both international and Bhutanese cuisine.

Paro lodge is a minimalist yet luxurious retreat, a sanctuary that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The rooms have bukhari wood stoves and deep wooden tubs and the rammed-earth buildings are fringed by a forest of blue pines.