The intimate COMO Uma Punakha - a five-hour drive from Paro - is set within one of Bhutan’s most sacred valleys. Those seeking more than just luxury accommodation in Bhutan will not be disappointed by this premium hotel. The property is part of the landscape, nestled on a hillside at a bend in the Mo Chu river. This means every room commands sweeping views of the Punakha Valley and the Mo Chu as it winds its way through the rice fields and orchards.
Guest rooms include multiple features which you would expect of a premium hotel, with satellite TV, minibars, Wi-Fi and COMO Shambhala bathroom amenities. Guest services include a fully licensed travel agency and ground handler in Bhutan, trekking, travel and tour assistance, concierge and butler services, a Business Centre with library and internet and private cars with drivers to mention a few.
There are many attractions within the vicinity of the hotel to keep the adventurous mind occupied. Punakha Dzong - built in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (who founded the Kingdom of Bhutan), the fortress once housed the country’s government. Wangdue Phodrang - a 45-minute drive from Punakha, has a rich tapestry of ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries. Highlights include Gangtey Monastery and the ‘big golden temple’ Dargay Goempa. Hamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and artistic traditions. The Gangtey Valley is a wild, unspoiled glacial valley, rimmed by deep forest and dwarf bamboo; perfect for exploring.
The hotel sports multiple activities to suit adventurous tastes. Mountain biking tours range from gentle downhill runs to more challenging routes. Take an exciting white-water rafting route down the Mo Chu and Samdingkha rivers. Multiple night Himalayan excursions are available with stay-overs at various lodges accompanied by reflexology, Ayurvedic treatments, massages and facials. Alternate tours through Bhutan are available with privately guided helicopter flights.
Bukhari is the hotel’s Punakha restaurant at the heart of COMO Uma Punakha - named after the traditional Bhutanese fireplace. Lunch dishes feature international comfort foods such as pasta and salads, while dinner is a gastronomic treat. Menus are based on seasonal, local produce sourced by Chef Tshering Lhaden, who delivers both Bhutanese and international dishes with strong flavours and finesse. Uma Bar offers all-day dining and a selection of fine wines, cocktails and healthy juices.
Uma Punakha’s COMO Shambhala Retreat offers a range of holistic, Asian-inspired treatments including signature massages, facials and body therapies. The Retreat is nestled in the hush of a woodland glade near to the hotel and commands far-reaching valley views. The hotel has 2 treatment rooms and hot stone bath houses.
COMO Uma Paro and COMO Uma Punakha offer exciting activities and excursions to enhance any visit to Bhutan. Choose from individual hotel packages or combine stays at both Uma properties to experience all that this magical country has to offer.
CONTACT INFORMATION
COMO Uma Punakha | Serigang Kabesa Punakha | Kingdom of Bhutan
Telephone: +975 8 584 688 | Fax: +975 8 584 687
E-mail: res.uma.punakha@comohotels.com
Image Credits: COMO Hotels and Resorts