Hotel Review: Uma Como Punakha, Bhutan
When we arrived in Paro, my eyes were wide open. We immediately felt captivated by the beauty of Bhutan.
We were welcomed by our guide Jamyang, who took us on an informative and picturesque five-hour drive, stopping at significant cultural sights, on our way to Uma Como Punakha – our first resting place.
First impression/ look and feel on arrival
What struck us about our drive up to the Uma Como was its tranquil valley and river setting. Everything felt still and peaceful, giving you an instant sense of ease. The hotel delivered the most perfect environment in which to nurture this state of mind.
When the entrance door to the Lodge opened to reveal the most stunning and arresting view of the valley, which was so perfectly framed by the beautifully designed interiors, we knew we had fully arrived in Bhutan.
The timber, the proportions, the simple yet very elegant interiors balanced perfectly with the gorgeous views. Our check-in process was effortless and almost non-existent. We felt like we were being welcomed into someone’s home.
Location and lodge
COMO Uma Punakha is very much part of the landscape around the Mo Chu river bend in the Punakha Valley – one of Bhutan’s key destinations – and it offers soul-stirring views from its eight light-filled rooms. This includes two villas – an intimate one-bedroom villa and a family-friendly two-bedroom villa alongside the restaurant and COMO Shambhala spa.
Every room has sweeping views of the Punakha Valley and the river, as it winds its way around the rice fields and orchards. It’s a lush environment.
The spa facilities were perfect, as were the experienced staff. The remedial massage was pure bliss and perfect after both a long flight and drive. The difficulty was choosing which treatment to have, as they all sounded so amazing.
The rooms
We stayed for 2 nights in one of the Valley View rooms. It was warm, light and airy with very comfortable twin beds (or you can have a king-size bed if you choose), with Sheesham-wood furniture and tasteful wall paintings by local artisans.
The rooms also had enough space for a cosy lounge area, deep bathtubs and a separate showers and toilet.
Dining
The food at Bukhari restaurant was excellent – so healthy, delicious and abundant, We loved all our meals and delighted in everything that we ate. It was pleasing to hear that most of the produce comes from local farmers.
Our guide told us that Punakha is known to be one of the most bountiful valleys in Bhutan, which means that the hotel benefits from fresh vegetable, fruit and dairy products every day. All of this is used in traditional dishes as well as modern international dishes. Menus are based on seasonal, local produce sourced by the chef who delivered high quality, fresh and delicious cuisine.
We ate on the terrace for breakfast and lunch and savoured not only the amazing food but the lovely gardens. Double bliss.
Verdict
COMO Uma Punakha was a most delightful introduction to all the joy and happiness that Bhutan has to offer. It felt intimate, and it was most definitely a wonderful luxurious lodge experience, with the most kind, friendly and helpful staff you could ever meet.
We didn’t want to leave but rather felt like cocooning ourselves into these beautiful surroundings. It’s an ideal location in which to explore Bhutan’s stunning landscapes and the many historical cultural sites. This is 5 stars luxury hotel experience.
COMO UMA PUNAKHA
Stay connected with COMO Uma Punakha: | Follow us on Facebook | #comoumapunakha
Botokha Kabesa Punakha, Punakha, Bhutan res.uma.bhutan@comohotels.com
+975 2 584688
Our itinerary for this trip to Bhutan was organised by andbeyond travel.
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