Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel

From culinary to cultural, many facets of Bhutan‘s heritage, history, and art are celebrated and honored at the Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel. Set in a lush high-mountain meadow in the upper Paro Valley near the famed Tiger’s Nest Monastery, this living art hotel wows even against its stunning backdrop of alpine forests and sky-scraping peaks.

From outside to inside, this luxury Bhutan hotel is a feast for the eyes, a detail-laden visual delight of hand-painted woodcarvings, ornate patterns, colorful tapestries, and other beautiful artwork. The fantastical facade is a masterclass in traditional Bhutanese woodworking and masonry, while the inner atrium and common areas are kaleidoscopic worlds of multicolored hues and shapes. But the 45 rooms opt for a more subdued, relaxing atmosphere of clean, white walls, timber beams, and contemporary decor. Pops of color like honey-gold furnishings and patterned throws enliven each space, and large windows open onto private balconies overlooking the forest.

Meaning “land of peace,” Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel more than lives up to its name in providing a calm, relaxing sanctuary for mindful pursuits. Yoga is one of the house specialties, hosting special retreats and regular lessons in its forest-view studios. Although the Paro Valley is very well-known for its sacred sites, the property has its own temple on-site, allowing you to connect with Buddhist rituals and spirituality without even leaving the grounds. Brew butter tea for traditional ceremonies in the charming tea house and play popular sports and games like darts and archery on the wildflower-covered grounds.