A Wellness Getaway At The Happiest Place On Earth
The Como properties are known all over the world for the unparalleled and unique experiences they offer. No two hotels are the same and they are one of the most sought-after hotel chains by celebrities and travel aficionados.
Bhutan, on the other hand, is known for having a negative carbon footprint, the happiest people, as well as for being a biodiversity hotspot. In addition to this, the government regulates tourism very strictly, limiting the number of people allowed into the country. Foreign tourists have to pay as much as $250 per day during their stay in Bhutan but Indians are exempt from this rule.
So you can imagine how thrilled I was to learn that I was going to visit the Uma Paro by Como in Bhutan. Although bitterly cold when I arrived, the hotel is centrally heated so you are comfortable from the moment you step into the hotel.
The property comprises of 20 luxury rooms and 9 private villas, which perfectly merge traditional Bhutanese influences with contemporary ones, an aesthetic Como adopts in all the countries it opens properties. The property is well-loved by foreign tourists as the guides are English speaking and offer insights and anecdotes that help enrich their experiences. The staff is extremely courteous and will carry your bags to your room, as well as accommodate any special requests you may have. It is a gorgeous 10-minute drive from the Paro airport, which can be arranged by the hotel staff. (It is not possible to rent private cars in Bhutan).
Make sure you go for a short hike around Como, for you have never seen views like this before! I absolutely love Como properties all over the world because even while they are actually some of the most luxurious hotels, all the design elements point toward minimalism, steering clear of the gauche.
The Wellness aspect is central to Como properties. They offer Asian treatments including Ayurveda, Body Care, Facial Care, as well as a Gym surrounded by the seemingly endless Himalayan landscape - private lessons are available. The spa is open to others staying in the Paro Valley. Each of the 9 villas, however, comes with its own private therapy suite! If that isn't the height of luxury, I don't know what is!
Guests can choose from a variety of rooms
Forest View Rooms- Double rooms where the walls are hand-painted in traditional Bhutanese art. These rooms are overlooking pine trees and the bathroom has a combined shower-bathtub. I like to think of myself as a sleep connoisseur and was delighted to learn of the 300 thread count Egyptian cotton linen and goose down duvet.
Valley View Rooms- If you want to come close to living inside a National Geographic Documentary about Bhutan in HD, you should book one of these rooms. The panoramic views offered by this room will leave you in shock and awe. The rooms have a separate bathtub and shower.
Como Suites- Humongous, airy, extremely tastefully decorated suites with a separate sitting, dining and study area- the epitome of luxury. You can look out at the Paro Valley from the king-size bed. Although they come at an exorbitant price tag, they are a once-in-a-lifetime experience and definitely worth the splurge.
One-Bedroom Villas- Extremely spacious villas that consist of a traditional Bhutanese Bukhari woodburning stove, a kitchen (which can be used by you or the Como Staff), and a designated Spa room.
And last but definitely far from the least, the Como Villa! The 2-bedroom suite is literally a dream. Offering spectacular views of the Paro Valley, and a fire pit to keep you warm outside, make sure you make full use of the alfresco hot stone bathtub. It's not every day that you come to a hotel so luxurious. They also have a little spa room ensuite for in-villa spa treatments replete with all the creature comforts you could possibly want.
Como offers guests private butlers who will help you with anything and everything throughout your stay. They added an extra warmth to our stay that we didn't know we needed! I even tried my hand at archery which was harder than I had anticipated and we visited Thimpu for the day with Sonam, our guide.
The food at Bukhari is unbelievably fresh and delicious. One would think that a place this secluded and high up in the mountains would have limited options. It's actually quite the opposite. All the food is organic and locally sourced from farmers. The restaurant is also popular with the Royal Family of Bhutan and it offers both national and international cuisines. If you are on a diet or feel like being healthy on your trip, we suggest that you make your way through the nutritionist certified Como Shambhala menu that has options that are free from dairy, gluten and refined sugar. I loved their desserts and their smoothies that would make for the perfect breakfast. We also loved hanging out at the Uma Bar and found ourselves heading there for our coffee, smoothies, and evening cocktails.
Overall, Como Uma Paro has been one of my favourite hotel experiences to date. This verdict applies to my stays at all other Como Hotels, as well. Como is a league above the rest, and I am counting days until I visit their property in Canggu, Bali!
P.S - Trekkers and mountain enthusiasts can enjoy their Himalayan masters programme- a curated itinerary with daily treks, como shambhala cuisine and treatments from the spa to leave you feeling invigorated.
