Zhiwa Ling Hotel

"CNTC 2017, 2019 4* | From $600pn Conveniently located 15 minutes from the country’s only international airport, the 45-room hotel faces the sheer rocky cliffs that surround Tiger’s Nest Temple, a strategic position believed to bring good fortune to those who spend the night. Built in the classic Bhutanese style of heavy tapered stone walls with fine, hand-painted façade details, the main building and eight two and three-story cottages hold their own against the soaring peaks. Dramatic lighting gives the entire 10 acre property a particularly regal flair at night. Bhutan’s rich weaving heritage appears as attractive bedcovers and drapery in the guestrooms, all equipped with WiFi and Swedish under floor heating. Upstairs in the main building, a Buddhist shrine constructed with 450-year-old wood from a remote monastery adds good karma. With its stone fireplace and light wood furnishings, the Mad Monk Bar has the après ski vibe of a Swiss chalet. No one comes to Bhutan for the food but cooked organic salads like the indigenous red rice and corn with artichoke hearts taste especially delicious to travelers used to skipping greens on Asian adventures. Do however avoid the Indian menu where an unidentifiable brown sauce pervades. The young, English speaking staff are eager to please but unobtrusive. When complete, the spa will offer the traditional outdoor hot stone bath but meanwhile, well trained therapists seamlessly blend Swedish and Thai kneading techniques to work out the kinks of Bhutanese mountain climbs. Other notable amenities in the works include a tea house and meditation chamber that should serve the spiritual needs of guests like celebrity Buddhist scholar Dr. Robert Thurman."