Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary

Please note that bookings are not confirmed until the hotel has contacted you personally to arrange your travel itinerary and inform you about the Bhutanese tourism regulations (visa and the Sustainable Development Fee). The only visa waiver exception is for guests holding passports from India, Maldives, or Bangladesh.

The hotel welcomes children of 12 years old and older.

Discover high-altitude beauty at this exclusive Bhutanese hideaway

In a world where everything seems to have been discovered, there is Bhutan. And high up in Neyphu Valley, against a backdrop of rugged cliff and pine trees, there is the Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary. As the name suggests, this unique retreat offers true escape from a frantic world, a place from which to discover Bhutan in all its unique and unspoiled glory.

Inspired by traditional dzong architecture, the hotel takes on the appearance of a mountain fortress from a bygone time. Walk through its grand front door into a peaceful inner courtyard, before taking in the vibrant greens and misty blues of the Neyphu Valley from your balcony. The rooms all share the hotel’s minimalist style, as does the impressive restaurant, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping stone terrace. And to top it all off? The spa. Soak in the infinity pool, wind down with a spot of yoga, or indulge in traditional Bhutanese treatments that draw on the healing power of over 100 natural herbs.

Bhutan is famously high-altitude, so it’s wise to take the first few days slowly. When you’ve adjusted, go for magical hikes in Neyphu Valley. Then let the staff point you towards some of the area’s many (and spectacular) Buddhist monasteries, like Tiger's Nest, a sacred site perched on the cliffside of the upper Paro valley.

Actively sustainable luxury hotels

Environmentally Conscious

Closely following The Restful Mind philosophy, based on the teachings of His Eminence Gyalwa Dokhampa, the Sanctuary aims to create a lasting positive change in its guests’ daily lives while living in harmony with the surrounding forests and farming community. Guests are encouraged to hike around the Neyphu Valley, with plenty of opportunity to engage with local families and spot wildlife as you go.

Cultural Custodians

Slow living lies at the heart of Bhutanese culture, an ethos reflected in the Sanctuary’s bespoke wellbeing programme created by in-house traditional medicine doctors to honour ancient techniques in meditation, mindfulness, and movement. More than 60 Bhutanese herbs are infused into Himalayan plant-based treatments, while guests can take an herbal walk around the Sanctuary to learn about their healing powers then meet the monks from the Eutok Goenpa monastery opposite the Sanctuary to continue their spiritual journey.

Community Minded

Immersing guests in the local way of life comes naturally to the 70-strong Sanctuary team, almost all of whom are Bhutanese and closely connected to their home communities. Locally made jewellery, clothing, and accessories can be purchased from a boutique store within the Sanctuary, hanging alongside wall paintings by local artists. The Sanctuary’s Social Impact Programme encourages guest participation in several local projects, from supporting the nearby Pelmey Nunnery to sharing a meal with local farming families.

How to Book

To make a reservation, you can either make a booking online via our website or by calling our Reservation Team on +44 203 308 9528. Once the booking has been made, the hotel will put you in touch with Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary’s appointed destination specialist who will create your entire travel itinerary and support you at every stage of your trip.

Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)

As of the first of September 2023, the mandatory Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) has been reduced from US$200 to US$100 per person per day.

The SDF needs to be paid during the visa application process.

Visa Application

Guests can apply for their visa through the Department for Immigration: https://immi.gov.bt/home

The following documents are needed:

A digital copy of your passport, which must be valid at least six months after your departure date in Bhutan, and a recent digital passport-size photograph. The visa will cost US$40 per person, and the process will take at least five working days.

Travelling to Bhutan and the Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary

The destination specialist will create a personal itinerary for you, including your reservation at the Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, the 20 minute drive from Paro International Airport to the Sanctuary (against additional costs), a private car with a driver throughout your trip and an English-speaking licensed guide who will accompany you on all your excursions (against additional costs).

The destination specialist will be in touch with you directly throughout the process, so you can relax and look forward to a unique and unforgettable adventure in Bhutan.

*The only visa-waiver exception is for guests holding passports of India, Maldives or Bangladesh.

Travel Permit

Please note that only Indian passport holders can apply for a travel permit on arrival at the international airport in Paro.

Our Hotel

Bhutan Spirt Sanctuary
Entrance
Exterior
Exterior
Pool
Terrace Room
Terrace Room
Twin Terrace Room
Balcony Room
Room
Sanctuary Bathroom
Tea Bar
Restaurant Outdoor Terrace
Lunch On Outdoor Terrace
Breakfast at the Family Table
Farm-to-Table Dining
Restaurant
All-Inclusive Dining
All-Inclusive Dining
All-Inclusive Dining
Picnic in the Neyphu valley
Green House
Bhutanese Herb Collection
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary

In the clouds...

Escaping to this untouched corner of the eastern Himalayas is pretty spectacular in itself. But Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary’s elegant spa allows you to connect with the landscape – and yourself – on another level. As the first and only traditional spa-inclusive resort in Bhutan, guests of the Sanctuary can make free use of all spa facilities. Enjoy a bespoke programme of treatments in the hands of the in-house traditional medicine doctors, including moxibustion, herbal compression, and Ku Nye massages. There’s plenty of space to meditate or practise yoga. As for weary muscles, look no further than a long soak in a hot stone herbal bath, or a few lazy lengths in the heated infinity pool.

The last (eastern Himalayan) frontier

A trip to the Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary is a chance to see a remote and mystical world, full of deep valleys, snow-capped mountains and an ancient way of life. Try your hand at archery or dart – Bhutan’s national sports – in the hotel’s pretty apple orchard. Or your hand(s) at pottery in the art studio. If you’re curious to see Buddhism in action, ask the staff to arrange a visit to the neighbouring monastery. Foodies won’t want to miss traditional Bhutanese cooking classes with the hotel chef, or a trip to the weekend vegetable markets, where colourful produce, including the country’s famous chilli’s, are proudly on display.

Kingdom of Happiness

Thoughtful touches are the order of the day at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary. On arrival, you’re taken to the “Transformation Room” and given the chance to settle into a restful frame of mind. And whether it’s a little daily gift – like a prayer flag – or the plate of homemade biscuits brought to your room, this is a place that clearly celebrates its setting in the “Kingdom of Happiness.”

Our rooms

Balcony Room
Room

Balcony Double

Sleeps 2

King

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Balcony Room
Balcony Room

Balcony Twin

Sleeps 2

Twin

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Terrace Room
Terrace Room

Terrace Double

Sleeps 2

King

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Terrace Room
Twin Terrace Room

Terrace Twin

Sleeps 3

Twin

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Ratings

Quality Assured

Mystery Inspected

Global Rating

4.9 /5

4.9

63 reviews

5 /5

86 reviews

SLH Club Reviews

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Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Bhutan

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Key Features

Pool

Room service

Restaurant

Family friendly

Spa

All Hotel Features and Services

Concierge desk
Currency exchange
Doctor on call
Turndown service
Laundry service
Free parking
Gym
Pool
Meeting rooms

All Hotel Features and Services

Concierge desk
Currency exchange
Doctor on call
Turndown service
Laundry service
Free parking
Gym
Pool
Meeting rooms
24-hour security
Family friendly
Fire safety compliant
Full service housekeeping
Security
Restaurant
Free Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi in public areas
Room service
24-hour room service
Massage services
Pets not allowed

Food And Drinks

The restaurant at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary champions farm-to-table cuisine, making the most of the hotel’s vegetable and herb garden to create bold and beautiful dishes. Lunch on traditional Bhutanese delicacies like Sisishamu Datshi, made with mushroom, red chilli and local cheese. Go all out after a day of adventure with a 6-course meal, gathered round the family dining table or next to the firepit outside. There’s a Tea Bar for more laidback moments.

Dining Room

Served Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner The Sanctuary has a restaurant with an open kitchen and a family dining table- a tea bar and an outdoor scenic terrace with fire place. Meals are prepared according to the farm-to-table concept- we have our own vegetable and herb garden and use as many local products as possible. There are no fixed menus- guests can enjoy a Chef Special 4 course lunch and 6 course dinner every day- at the time and location of their choosing.

Spa

It would be easy to spend all your time in the spa at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, as all guests are entitled to at least one traditional treatment per day per person. A truly restful space with an infinity pool, saunas, Jacuzzis and steam rooms, it also specialises in ancient Bhutanese medicinal treatments. Balance your mind, body and spirit after a day on the go with a herbal compression. Or find inner peace with a spot of meditation on the pool terrace.