By Andrew J Wood: Bhutan Travel Secrets: Zhiwa Ling Hotels, Where Culture Meets Comfort, Two Perfect Gateways
PARO, Bhutan: Nestled in the enchanting landscapes of Bhutan, Zhiwa Ling Heritage Hotel stands as an epitome of luxury and cultural immersion. Voted by Condé Nast as one of the top 12 hotels in Asia, the hotel is just a brief 10-minute drive from Paro International Airport, this world-class 5-star hotel boasts intricate Bhutanese architecture and warm soft interiors, creating a harmonious blend of heritage, tradition, and elegance.
Set on 4 lush hectares of countryside with views of the surrounding mountains, this tranquil hotel in multiple stone buildings with ornate woodwork is 4 km from the Paro Taktsang Tiger’s Nest sacred cliffside temple complex and 15 km from Paro Airport.
Casual suites have sitting areas, balconies, and mountain views, as well as cable TV and Wi-Fi access. Upgraded 1- and 2-bedroom suites add living rooms; there’s one (the beautiful Raven Suite) with a private shrine and butler service. In-room dining is available.
Amenities include breakfast, 2 restaurants, a bar, and a spa, plus a teahouse and a Buddhist altar.
Meditation classes are provided with prior notice.
The hotel’s pièce de résistance is its awe-inspiring in-house shrine on the second floor, a gem among Bhutanese spiritual spaces.
A mere 10-minute drive away, the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery beckons, making Zhiwa Ling an ideal launch pad for exploration.
Indulge in the art of relaxation at the hot stone spa, where ancient healing offers tranquility. Unwind with rejuvenating baths, soothing massages, and first-rate yoga classes and meditation. For aspiring Robin Hoods try your hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport, organised with flair by the hotel.
Paro, with its quaint charm, is a delightful town with remarkable monasteries, temples, and eclectic boutique shops and eateries. Your Café and Sonam Trophel Restaurants stand out as culinary highlights, inviting you to savour Bhutanese and international flavours.
The Zhiwa Ling Ascent Hotel, Thimphu
In Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, the Zhiwa Ling Ascent Hotel, located just outside the centre of the city, welcomes you to relax in a park-like setting with panoramic views
First-class hospitality by an attentive team of professionals, and trainees from the Royal Institute of Hospitality. Wi-Fi Internet, radiant heating, in-room safe, cable TV, and complimentary (on arrival) minibar.
Relax in one of 20 spacious rooms designed in the most energy-efficient way to capture all-day sunlight and take in superb views of the surrounding scenery. Zhiwa Ling Ascent by Austrian architect Irene Ott-Reinisch is a most comfortable home-away-from-home and experience the peace and quiet like no other.
Zhiwa Ling Heritage Hotel in Paro and sister hotel Zhiwa Ling Ascent in Thimphu, emerge as the perfect bases for a Bhutanese adventure, offering not just luxurious accommodation, but a gateway to cultural richness and natural splendour. Discover the heart of Bhutan from these havens that seamlessly weaves tradition into a tapestry of modern comfort.
About the author:
Andrew J Wood, a travel aficionado, brings Bhutan’s hidden gems to life in today’s article. His travel reports make every adventure a celebration of culture and joy.
A travel junkie, Bangkok based, English born Andrew J Wood, is a freelance travel writer and a regular contributor to numerous travel and tourism publications and for most of his career, a professional hotelier. Andrew has over 45 years of hospitality and travel experience.
A former director of Skål International, hotel GM, a Napier University, Edinburgh graduate. Andrew is a regular guest lecturer at various universities in Asia.
