Cynthia Rowley

Uma Paro

  • Where:
  • Why:Spring break with my family
  • When:Mid-March
  • Who:Hubby Bill Powers, daughter Kit (age 14) and daughter Gigi (age 9) — all world travelers
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Uma Paro Only nine pilots in the whole world are allowed to fly into Bhutan's national airport.

Only nine pilots in the whole world are allowed to fly into Bhutan's national airport.

Uma Paro
Uma Paro This bridge is made of chains and prayer flags hanging above the raging rapids. We tried to go rafting but the water levels were <br data-src=

This bridge is made of chains and prayer flags hanging above the raging rapids. We tried to go rafting but the water levels were
a little low.

Uma Paro
Uma Paro The most beautiful red... child monks with prayer flags at a monastery. They are sent to monasteries as young as five years old and spend their entire lifetime there.

The most beautiful red... child monks with prayer flags at a monastery. They are sent to monasteries as young as five years old and spend their entire lifetime there.

Uma Paro The girls loved practicing their archery at Uma Paro <br data-src=

The girls loved practicing their archery at Uma Paro
in the afternoons.

Uma Paro This picture is atop a royal temple that was built for their new queen.

This picture is atop a royal temple that was built for their new queen.

Uma Paro
Uma Paro
Uma Paro Sleeping at thirteen thousand feet can be a little intense <br data-src=

Sleeping at thirteen thousand feet can be a little intense
(pun intended).

Uma Paro The guide said they'd never had a nine year old at base camp before, so the girls each got official certificates from Uma Paro after completing the trip.

The guide said they'd never had a nine year old at base camp before, so the girls each got official certificates from Uma Paro after completing the trip.

Uma Paro Snow falling on Tiger's Nest... perhaps Bhutan's most scenic temple.

Snow falling on Tiger's Nest... perhaps Bhutan's most scenic temple.

Uma Paro
Uma Paro It seems like everyone in Bhutan is addicted to these nuts called

It seems like everyone in Bhutan is addicted to these nuts called "doma." Everyone chews them, they're highly addictive and make you a little light headed. Just had to try it... tasted like tree bark.

Uma Paro The kids were jumping for joy when they saw the Himalayas for the first time.

The kids were jumping for joy when they saw the Himalayas for the first time.

Highs & Lows

  • You are assigned your butler, guide and driver - all of which are smart and speak perfect English.

  • The food in Paro was fantastic! Every meal.

  • Architectural integrity is culturally perfect yet luxurious.

  • Family friendly in the most sophisticated way.

  • Definitely not a place to get crazy. No bar scene (I tried) and not a lot of socializing with other guests.

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Mini Bar

  • Environmental Consciousness

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 50/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    COMO Hotel and Resort

  • Vibe

    Cool, contemporary aesthetic.

  • Location

    The hotel is located on a 38-acre site atop a gently sloping, tree-clad hill overlooking the town of Paro in the valley below. The rich Paro Valley is one of the main cultural centers of Bhutan, situated toward its western border. It is also where the nation's only airport is located with flights to Bangkok, Calcutta, Delhi, and Kathmandu, serviced by Bhutan’s national airline, Druk Air.

  • Rooms

    29 rooms and suites.

  • Music

    Non-descript.

  • Year Opened

    November 2004

  • Designed By

    Kathryn Kng (Interior Designer) and Cheong Yew Kwan (Architect).

  • Health & Wellness

    Has pool, gym and spa. The spa features four treatment rooms, an indoor pool and sundeck, yoga studio and two private hot stone bath house treatment rooms.

  • Restaurant

    Best food! Choice of Western style, Bhutanese or Indian. ‘Bukhari’ serves wholesome, Bhutanese-Indian cuisine and inspired Western cuisine.

  • Bar

    Yes with a cool Indiana Jones vibe.

  • Children

    Yes.

  • Price

    Expensive luxury.

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