Luxury Born of Bhutanese Heritage

Discover Pemako Hotels

By Anna Gilchrist | Photos courtesy of Pemako

From the plane window, the kingdom unfolds below, winding through the valleys of the Himalayas. Prayer flags and clusters of quaint villages perch atop rolling hills, each bend of the valley revealing untouched emerald mountaintops. Bhutan, famously known as “The Land of the Thunder Dragon”, has remained remarkably undisturbed by tourism, upheld by its high-value, low-volume policy since opening its borders in 1974. Its beauty is truly one of a kind, and no place in the world rivals the serenity of Bhutanese culture.

My journey ferried me between the two Pemako properties, Bhutan’s first locally owned and managed luxury hotel group, with locations in Punakha and Thimphu. Unlike many global luxury chains, Pemako is defined by its personalized service and deeply rooted Bhutanese hospitality.

I began in Punakha, where I was welcomed by gracious staff upon arrival, followed by a blessing ceremony led by a monk. The property, which opened in 2023, features twenty-one private villas tucked along the mountainside. Options range from single and double villas to the expansive presidential suite, making it an ideal spot for any kind of traveler. The architecture is a contemporary interpretation of Bhutanese tradition, conceptually designed by Bill Bensley. Every villa is infused with bold Bhutanese-inspired interiors, each piece holding its own story. Orange accents bring a striking pop of color to the resort’s serene palette, completed with a private pool overlooking the vast rice fields and the Mo Chhu river. The most unforgettable detail is the custom oversized beds, wide enough to make you forget what a normal bed feels like.

The amenities are equally exceptional, with enough to occupy days without even leaving the property. My mornings began with a personal Sorig Yoga session, followed by breakfast at Soma restaurant. Pemako’s commitment to wellness shines through its intricately designed wellness activities, including yak butter massages, traditional stone baths, meditation, and astrology consultations with the resident monk. I spent my time learning the cultural significance of each practice, tried Bhutan’s national sport, archery, and even learned how to make ara, the country’s traditional rice wine. The Five Nektars Bar sat beside the river, offering a surreal space to enjoy an evening cocktail.

Pemako’s culinary program is unforgettable. The menu draws on both traditional Bhutanese cuisine and global influences. Fruits and vegetables from the on-site garden elevate every dish with vibrant flavor. Pemako Phunaka offers an array of gastronomic experiences for each guest’s personal taste. Soma offers a wide selection of international cuisine, while Ati, a stunning treehouse-style dining restaurant, sits among the branches for a dreamy picnic lunch. Sura presents an intricately curated chef’s-table experience. The experience boasts an elegant, multi-course journey through Bhutanese flavor and local produce. For my final dinner at Pemako Punakha, I dined at Alchemy House, a restored traditional Bhutanese home predating the hotel. The menu is a beautifully intimate tribute to Bhutanese heritage and ingredients. The Datshi is a must-try, intertwining the country’s love for chilis with a silky cheese stew—a favorite among many locals I spoke with.

When I arrived at Pemako Thimphu, the remote quietness of Punakha shifted to the lively streets of the capital city. Built in line with traditional architectural codes, the property offers a more classic luxury hotel experience. Pemako Thimphu, with sixty-six suites, is one of Bhutan’s largest luxury hotels. As the older of the two properties, it is currently undergoing a gentle renovation, introducing a modern twist to the traditional design. Its main restaurant, Thongsel, serves a variety of international dishes, while Chigjagye offers an elevated Bhutanese dining experience in a captivating space, with walls lined with ruby-red curtains and ornate patterns.

Pemako Thimphu’s Lotus Realm is the perfect spot for rejuvenation. The gym is fully stocked with equipment and an assortment of fresh juices and infused waters. Downstairs, a sauna, steam room, heated pool, and hot tub offer guests even deeper relaxation. Ara, the hotel’s bar—named after Bhutan’s traditional spirit—also offers a serene setting for guests to unwind with a glass of wine, local beer, or craft cocktail.

The hotel is located in the heart of the city, with easy access to explore all of Thimphu. Whether you’re visiting the Buddha Dordenma, exploring centuries-old dzongs (traditional fortified monasteries), or wandering the city’s bustling streets, Thimphu offers something for every traveler.

Each Pemako property lies close to various cultural landmarks. In Phunaka, take a hike to the Punakha Dzong, revealing the breathtaking views of the Mo Chhu River and valleys below. In Thimphu, guests can discover the Taschinchho Dzong, home to the beloved king’s office, or spend a day at the Royal Takin Park to see Bhutan’s unique national animal. Bhutan requires visitors to explore cultural sites with an approved guide to preserve the sanctity of each landmark. As a result, tourism remains thoughtful and refreshingly free of crowds.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Dasho Wangchuk Dorji, the chairman of Pemako. He shared his vision for the brand’s future, including a third location in Paro, set to open in 2029. While each property will maintain its own identity, Dorji emphasized that Pemako will always remain steadfast in Bhutanese hospitality and culture. The new Paro location will reflect a modern concept focused on wellness.

Bhutan offers a sacred cultural heritage that is impossible to replicate. During my stay, I immersed myself in its Buddhist traditions and the country’s guiding philosophy of Gross National Happiness, each day diving deeper into what makes this kingdom so extraordinary. Every person I met spoke of their heritage with a contagious passion and sincerity. I left Pemako feeling profoundly enriched, and I already find myself counting down the days until I can experience the hotel brand’s next destination.

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For more information and to book a stay at a Pemako property, please visit PemakoHotels.com and follow @pemakobhutan on Instagram.