Uma by COMO, Paro is tucked away into the side of a hill, with about nine or ten blocks of stone, designed in Bhutanese architecture, nicely camouflaged behind a pine forest. But the beautiful vegetable dyes, of dark blue, red and orange can be seen from miles away. It is too good to be hidden. The main building, formerly a Bhutanese nobleman's home, forms the hotel's heart, whilst the rooms and suites are located in glades planted with azaleas.
In the nobleman’s home is Bukhari, Uma by COMO’s award-winning restaurant and the Bhutan’s royal family’s restaurant of choice. Designed in a traditional Bhutanese fireplace, it forms a dramatic centrepiece to its circular, pavilion-style design. Adjacent to Bukhari, is the relaxed Uma Bar that provides all-day dining and refreshments; an ideal place to enjoy morning coffee, an early evening cocktail or a drink from the extensive wine list.
The Uma by COMO villa comes with a private butler who is always close at hand. He will unpack your bags; take your order for meals, light the ‘bukhari’ in the evenings and bring you a glass of red to your room. He is no Mr Jeeves in black tie though. Kencho likes his ‘gho’ and is too proud to be called a butler. He is a ‘helper’ because in Asia, when in need, your friend is always there to help. This is Asian luxury par excellence.
Stay Uma by COMO in Paro has just 29 rooms, suites and villas. Each of these, fashioned in a traditional Bhutanese architecture with modern fixtures. Luxuries include oversized bathrooms and minibars, DVD players and yoga mats. Every room has a ‘bukhari’, a wood-burning stove that is lit each night, filling the room with the heavenly scent of pinewood. But the beauty of the rooms lies not for what there is within but for the majestic views of the valley outside.
ChildCare Children are welcome to stay at Uma Paro, but there are no specific facilities available. There is a two-room suite which is perfect for families. The local flora, fauna, and villages with regular archery competitions will encourage them to take a lesson in archery.
Dine Bukhari is the Uma Paro hotel’s award-winning restaurant and the Bhutan’s royal family’s restaurant of choice. Lunches are mostly towards international cuisine while dinner is gastronomic a la carte fine-dining experience. Adjacent to Bukhari, is the relaxed Uma Bar that provides all-day dining and refreshments. This is an ideal place to enjoy an early evening cocktail or a drink from the extensive wine list.
Relax The much talked about Shambhala Spa at Uma Paro, offers Ayurvedic treatment and it is advisable to book early. The emphasis here is on massage and Ayurvedic medicine, striving to offer not just physical but spiritual wellness as well. The hotel has two private Bhutanese hot stone bathhouses, a large indoor pool with alfresco sundeck, steam rooms for men and women, a gym and yoga studio with Paro Valley views. Each of the nine villas also has its own private therapy suite.
Experiences In Bhutan, almost every village has archery competition. Ask the Uma Paro hotel’s concierge and they will organise an archery lesson or allow you to participate in the local competition. You may have to wear the ‘Gho’, the traditional kilt like dress, dance and cheer like the locals. Hike up to Taksang Monastery, that hangs from a sheer rock cliff that plunges 3,000 feet to the valley below. In the valley are number of monasteries and a dzong.
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
17°C
PBH
GMT+ 6
Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)
Location Uma Paro, set in the stunning Paro Valley, overlooks Paro, one of the main cultural centres of Bhutan and is surrounded by gorgeous natural beauty.
Getting There Flights to Bhutan are either from Bangkok or New Delhi. Bangkok is the best place to connect if you are coming from North America, Australia or Asia. Delhi is the best place to connect if you are coming from Europe, Middle East or UK. Flights from Delhi fly via Kathmandu. We will arrange your flight tickets and visa clearance details. All flights arrive at Paro from where it takes about 15-minute transfer by road to Uma Paro.
When to go Winter in Bhutan lasts from November to March. The spring months of March, April and May, are best for treks, flora and the many birds of Bhutan. The Monsoon occurs between June and August. The two-month window between October and November are arguably the best months with clear skies and chilly nights. It is also a good time for trekking into the Himalayas, sitting around a camp fire and seeing the high Himalayas in the morning and evening golden light.
Hotel Group
ComoDestination
Western, BhutanHotel Type
Wellness RetreatLocation Type
Remote
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Discover sides of Asia you never knew existed, revealed by people who know every facet.
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June 01 - 1, June 01, 2025
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June 01 - 1, June 01, 2025
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