Zhiwa Ling

Western Bhutan

Rating: Mid-range

Zhiwa Ling overview

Zhiwa Ling is a 45-room hotel in Paro, built in the traditional manner featuring hand-carved stone- and woodwork, that 60 local artisans took over 5 years to complete. The result is an impressive hotel with spacious accommodation complete with modern comforts.

Guest suites have wooden floors and beams and large windows with views of the valley. Each suite has a fully equipped bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities, cable TV, DVD player, wifi internet access and a safe. Junior suites are located in 8 different cottages in the grounds. There are also 2 junior suites in the main building. All have a sitting area with leather sofas and a private balcony. The one-bedroom suites are in the main building and overlook the Paro valley.They have a living room, private balcony and spacious bathroom. The royal raven suite has 2 bedrooms, a dining and sitting room and shrine room. Interconnecting rooms are available for families. The hotel offers butler service.

There are two restaurants, Lingka and Gawa, offering multi cuisine and Bhutanese plus Western food respectively. There is a terrace for al fresco dining. The mad Monk Bar serves a election of international drinks as well as local beers and spirits, the ideal place to unwind and maybe sample the 'Dragon warmer' the barman's special cocktail. The Tea House is designed for quiet relaxation and reading. In the hotel lobby there is an altar built from timbers originally used in the construction of Gangtey Monastery.

The Menlha Spa has an extensive range of therapies in several treatment rooms. There are also sauna and steam facilities and exercise facilities. There is a meditation house and guests are welcome to join classes.

details

Open: Zhiwa Ling is open all year.

Location: Zhiwa Ling is located in 10 acres of grounds in the Paro valley and a 10-minute drive from Paro town.

Rooms: The all-suite accommodation is spacious and has modern features such as cable TV, DVD player, wifi internet access, safe, tea and coffee making equipment and well-appointed bathrooms. Suites are located in the main building and in cottages in the grounds. They have sitting areas and private balconies. The royal raven suite has 2 bedrooms and there are interconnecting suites which can be used by family groups.

Activities: Visiting Tiger's Nest Monastery, trips to local monasteries, dzongs and temples, exploring Paro town's shops, observing archery, mountain biking, horse riding, bird watching, fly fishing and picnicking in secluded spots in the valley.

Facilities: There is a choice of dining options. Lingka serves multi-cuisine dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has an outdoor deck, while Gawa offers Bhutanese and Western fare. The Mad Monk Bar is the place to socialise over a refreshing drink. Guest seeking a place for quiet reflection can visit the Tea House, and there is a Meditation House where classes take place. The hotel has a spa with several treatment rooms including one for couples and has a range of therapies on offer including massage, facials and medicinal baths. There is also a sauna and a steam room. The hotel's authentic Bhutanese atmosphere is enhanced by the presence of an altar in the lobby.

Dining: Meals are taken at individual tables in the restaurants.

Children: Children of all ages are welcome.

Health: We recommend malarial prophylactics for travel to the low lying districts of southern Bhutan.

Communication: There is wifi internet access in guest rooms and meeting rooms.