Need to know

Rooms

29, including nine villas.

Rates

Low season, $250–$1,000; high season $280–$1,200, including breakfast but not taxes.

Check-out

11am. Later check-out requirements may be accommodated, possible subject to a half-day’s room charge.

Facilities

Como Shambhala spa, private cars. In rooms: TV, DVD player, minibar. Deluxe rooms, Superior rooms and Corner Suites have free internet access.

Poolside

The hotel’s quiet pool is set into a chic stone-walled space with windows looking out over the pine-clad valley of Paro.

Children

Under-12s stay free and extra beds can be provided for $50 a night. Babysitting is available for $5 an hour, with a day’s notice. Food can be tailored to suit childish palates.

Eco-friendly

Restaurant ingredients are organic and locally sourced and many members of staff are involved in local clean-up and conservation projects.

Also

Smoking is allowed in the bar and courtyard. Uma Paro will organise all visas necessary to visit Bhutan – the government maintains tight control on tourism.

In the know

Our favourite rooms

The wrap-around windows in Room 30 offer the most staggering mountain-scape views in the hotel (closely followed by room 40). You could lose hours just staring at the magical Himalayan landscape. If you’re after the private spa and butler service of the villas, number 15 is the most secluded and romantic.

Packing tips

Bhutan is trekking country, so boots made for walking are essential footwear. If you wish to remain contactable during your mountain retreat (and we really don’t think you should), ensure your mobile operator has a roaming agreement for Bhutan.

Also

The excellent Como Shambhala spa is set apart from the main building of the hotel, encircled by forest. There’s an Ayurvedic focus, and the hot stone couples’ massage is worth climbing mountains for.

Food & drink

Hotel restaurant

A warm, round space encased in glass, Bukhari restaurant centres on a wide brick pillar fitted with twin log fires. The chef offers a choice of Indian or Bhutanese set dinners, as well as more complex à la carte options. Portions are generous.

Dress code

Driglam namzha – Bhutan’s national dress – is fortunately only compulsory for its citizens; most guests opt for smart-casual blacks, usually coupled with hiking boots.

Top table

The circular shape of the room means almost every table has 300º views of the valley, but table 10 has the edge.

Last orders

The stoves are ablaze until 10.30pm but the bar is open for snacks until the last guest retires – usually around midnight.

Room service

You can have meals brought directly to your room between 7am and 10pm.

Hotel bar

The low-key lobby bar is a jazzy chill-out area panelled with dark wood. Although it’s rarely busy, it’s popular with guests hankering for a pre-dinner Cheli La Latte (Kahlua, tequila, Bailey’s, espresso, cinnamon and nutmeg).

Smith card offer Set dinner for two; members staying three nights will receive a one-hour hot stone massage

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Smith concierge

If you’d prefer to talk to someone, or you’re having trouble booking online, ring our travel team on 0845 034 0700 (+44 20 8987 4312 from outside the UK). We guarantee you’ll get the best available rates, and we don’t charge a booking fee.

Uma Paro

PO Box 22, Paro, Bhutan