The best luxury accommodation in Bhutan, from Thimphu to Paro, Punakha and the Gangtey Valley

Bhutan doesn’t have a McDonald’s, but it does have an array of luxury hotels and lodges, in line with its focus on high-value, low-volume tourism

We discover the best places to stay, from a beautiful lodge in the capital to accommodation with access to holy sites, stunning views and food fit for a king

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Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, in Paro, is handy for a visit to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. It’s among our selection of the best luxury lodges, resorts and hotels to stay in on a visit to the Himalayan kingdom. Photo: Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary

Ute Junker

Published: 11:15am, 5 May 2024Updated: 11:31am, 5 May 2024

It is not hard to find a high-end place to stay in Bhutan nowadays.

In the 50 years since the devoutly Buddhist Himalayan kingdom started welcoming foreign visitors, Bhutan has prioritised high-value, low-volume tourism, welcoming prestigious brands such as Aman Resorts, Six Senses and Como Hotels and Resorts.

In fact, Bhutan is probably the only country in the world to have opened an Aman resort before a McDonald’s outlet. (There are still no McDonald’s restaurants in the country, nor any other international fast-food chains.)

You can sign up to do a circuit with a particular company, but canny travellers do it differently. Each brand has one or two outstanding properties, and there are a handful of memorable independently owned lodges.

Reflections in a pond at Six Senses Thimphu, a luxury lodge in Bhutan that offers breathtaking views. Photo: Six Senses Thimphu

“These home-grown hotels share a very authentic look at Bhutan’s culture and heritage,” says Matthew DeSantis, of private tour operator MyBhutan, which puts together itineraries featuring a range of hotels. “The locations they choose, the materials they source – they have a very thoughtful touch.”

To help you find the right place to rest your head, here are our top picks in every location.