Imagine a place where ancient monasteries cling to cliffs, prayer flags flutter in the wind, and time seems to stand still amid breathtaking mountain vistas. This may sound like a scene from a cinematic film, but you’ll find it a reality in Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon – a Himalayan kingdom known for its commitment to ‘Gross National Happiness’.
Coined by its fourth ruler, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in the late 1970s, the idea of Gross National Happiness (GNH) embraces spiritual and environmental harmony, where sustainable development is woven into the fabric of everyday life. With its untouched landscapes and vibrant culture, Bhutan is one of the last remaining strongholds of authentic heritage and pristine natural beauty.
In the heart of this extraordinary land lies COMO Uma Bhutan, a sanctuary that brings luxury, tranquility, and a connection to Bhutan’s soulful charm. Consisting of two properties, COMO Uma Paro and COMO Uma Punakha, this unique dual-centre experience immerses travellers in the best of Bhutan, blending understated elegance with culturally rich experiences – all set against the majestic backdrop of the Himalayas.
A gateway to Bhutan
Due to its topography that consists of steep mountains, swift rivers, and deep valleys, Bhutan isn’t a destination you should visit without a plan. Hence, your safest bet to the best experience the country has to offer is through local guides and curated tours – and COMO Uma Bhutan seamlessly integrates these into its exclusive stay packages.
Just a short drive from Paro International Airport, COMO Uma Paro is strategically located in one of Bhutan’s most picturesque valleys, Paro, which serves as the main gateway into the kingdom. This prime location allows guests to be surrounded by the beauty of terraced farms and forested hillsides while also being close to some of Bhutan’s most iconic cultural landmarks. These include the legendary Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger’s Nest, as well as the Paro Dzong and National Museum.
On the other hand, COMO Uma Punakha is tucked within one of the country’s most sacred valleys, Punakha. Located about five hours away from Paro, Punakha is also known as Bhutan’s “rice bowl” due to its lush, terraced fields and warm, subtropical climate. Perched on a scenic hillside above a bend in the Mo Chu River, this property provides sweeping views of the valley along with the rice terraces and emerald river below. Nearby landmarks include the iconic Punakha Dzong, a six-storey tower that’s considered sacred to the Bhutanese.
Through COMO Uma Paro’s carefully tailored experiences, guests have a unique vantage point from which to witness Bhutan’s timeless beauty, with COMO’s team on hand to offer valuable insights into its Buddhist history and spirituality.
A sanctuary of calm and comfort
After a day of cultural exploration, COMO Uma Bhutan welcomes your return with a range of exquisite rooms, suites, and private villas that combine the charm of Bhutanese culture with contemporary design. Blending Bhutanese artisanship with modern creature comforts, each accommodation features hand-painted traditional murals, cosy wooden accents, and large windows that open to breathtaking panoramas.
COMO Uma Paro's Valley Rooms come with a king-sized bed and views overlooking the Paro Valley.
The One-Bedroom Villas at COMO Uma Paro accommodate three guests, including up to one child.
The One-Bedroom Villa at COMO Uma Paro offers a separate bedroom and living room area.
The One-Bedroom Villa at COMO Uma Paro also includes private services from a COMO Butler.
The COMO Villa terrace at COMO Uma Paro.
The COMO Villa Living Room at COMO Uma Paro offers ample space to roam around and relax.
The COMO Villa at COMO Uma Paro features a private courtyard area with a fire pit.
The COMO Villa at COMO Uma Paro also comes with a separate living room, dining area, and kitchenette.
The Valley View Room at COMO Uma Punakha offers sweeping views of the captivating Punakha Valley.
The One-Bedroom Villa at COMO Uma Punakha features a Living Room that extends into an open terrace.
The open terrace of COMO Uma Punakha's One-Bedroom Villa is equipped with a fire pit and astounding vistas.
The COMO Villa at COMO Uma Punakha features a spacious master bedroom.
The COMO Villa at COMO Uma Punakha also boasts an expansive living area.
COMO Uma Paro offers 20 bedrooms, including The Forest Rooms that extend views of the surrounding pine forests; the Valley Rooms, which offer vistas overlooking the Paro Valley from their Juliet balconies; and the COMO Suite, which boasts separate dining, lounging, and study areas as well as a kitchenette to evoke a home away from home. There are also nine private villas for more space and privacy, with the COMO Villa providing the most indulgent experience complete with an outdoor hot-stone bathtub, a private spa treatment area, and an open-air courtyard with a fire pit.
The smaller of the two properties, COMO Uma Punakha is equipped with 10 exclusive rooms. The Valley View rooms boast sweeping panoramas of the snaking Mo Chhu River, rice terraces, and orchards around the valley. Alternatively, families may opt for the One-Bedroom Villa or the top-of-the-line COMO Villa for more space, both complete with their own glade of beautiful flowers.
Wellness inspired by nature
COMO Shambhala Retreat's Bhutanese hot-stone bathhouses.
The COMO Shambhala Retreat at COMO Uma Paro has a spacious lounge area.
The heated indoor swimming pool at COMO Shambhala Retreat, COMO Uma Paro.
The outdoor lounge next to the indoor pool.
Outdoor yoga sessions in the garden at COMO Uma Paro.
For further relaxation and rejuvenation, escape to COMO Shambhala Retreat – a holistic wellness centre available at both properties. Inspired by Bhutan’s natural resources, the wellness offerings here range from Asian-inspired therapies and massages to signature hot stone baths designed to restore balance and inner peace.
The Retreat at COMO Uma Paro has four treatment rooms, two private Bhutanese hot-stone bathhouses, an indoor heated pool, a mountain-facing sundeck, and a fully equipped fitness centre with a yoga room to meet every need. These facilities are available to both in-house guests and visitors, with some treatments also offered to villa guests for additional privacy in their own therapy suite. Alternatively, guests can indulge in more intimate treatments from the comfort of a single or couple room at COMO Uma Punakha.
Farm-to-table Bhutanese cuisine
The Bhukari restaurant at COMO Uma Paro features an immersive 270-degree view of the Paro Valley. The Bhukari restaurant at COMO Uma Punakha features indoor and outdoor seating. Uma Bar, COMO Uma Paro. Bhutanese cooking classes at COMO Uma Paro.
Bukhari, the signature restaurant of both resorts, is not to be missed for its seasonally driven Bhutanese cuisine. Drawing its name from the traditional fireplace that forms a dramatic centerpiece to the restaurant’s circular, pavilion-style design, Bukhari is an award-winning dining venue that focuses on fresh, local produce. Its unique architecture provides guests with an immersive 270-degree view of the Paro Valley and verdant forests while indulging in its nourishing meals.
Ingredients from its organic kitchen garden take center stage, sourced and grown in partnership with local farmers in the Paro Valley. Led by Head Chef Tshering Lhaden, the menu features broths and buckwheats, alongside farm-fresh salads and comfort classics. The international dishes have also earned regular visits from Bhutan’s royal family!
COMO Uma Paro is also home to Uma Bar, a soulful space to savour morning coffee, an evening cocktail, or a glass from the extensive wine list. If you prefer a revitalising non-alcoholic smoothie or fruit juice, the dedicated bar team can whip that up for you too. The all-day dining menu here shares nutritional dishes from COMO Shambala Kitchen which utilise wholesome, seasonal ingredients such as mushrooms, buckwheat, and pumpkin.
Experiential cultural journeys
Whether you’re keen to witness spirit-soothing ceremonies or take on the Himalayas on two wheels, COMO Uma Bhutan has professional guides to lead the way. Guests may choose from a range of expertly curated itineraries for stays of various lengths, including individual hotel stays or combined packages. Each property also offers distinctive activities, such as mountain biking and complimentary group yoga classes at COMO Uma Paro or white water rafting at COMO Uma Punakha.
Truly, COMO Uma Bhutan is more than a luxury destination – it’s a gateway to experiencing Bhutan’s raw beauty, spirituality, and deep-rooted traditions. With its unique dual-property experience, exceptional service, custom-tailored offerings, and an ambiance that exudes tranquility, COMO Uma Bhutan invites you to a transformative travel experience in the heart of the Himalayas.
For more information, visit COMO Uma Paro’s website or follow them on Instagram. For reservations and enquiries, contact +975 8 272816 or email res.uma.bhutan@comohotels.com.
To plan your next trip to Bhutan, get in touch with GoLuxury.Travel, a boutique travel agency in Kuala Lumpur that focuses on private and tailor-made travel arrangements. For enquiries, contact hello@goluxury.travel or call 010–2898676. Visit this website for more information.
Featured image: An exterior view of COMO Uma Paro
Images courtesy of COMO Uma Bhutan