Sitting pretty at an altitude of 2200 metres above sea level, Paro is the gateway to beautiful Bhutan. Planes make an incongruous sight, flying low as they prepare for landing in this Himalayan oasis, home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries. Resting on the banks of the Paro River, there is plenty to observe in this traditional town, from quaint farmhouses scattered across the valley to emerald green terraced paddy fields . For outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, a great day excursion is to trek to the famous Tiger's Nest Temple, on the face of a sheer 1000-metre-high cliff. This acclaimed temple houses the National Museum, which shows hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artefacts and artwork. It's advised to do this at the end of a trip, once travellers have acclimatised.
COMO Uma Paro, is an intimate, 29-room resort featuring the most exclusive private villas in Bhutan with an enviable location in the Paro Valley. Villas at Uma by COMO Paro are entirely private, with soul-stirring views of forest, mountains and the surrounding valley. Each villa occupies its own glade planted with azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and hydrangeas.
Built of handcrafted stone, wood and tiles, the villas feel at Bhutanese and luxurious, with wood furniture vividly painted with flowers by local artists. Indian cotton bed covers have hand-stitched patterns paying homage to Bhutan’s Buddhist culture and colors, and hand-knotted rugs are from nearby Nepal. Facilities at the hotel include an indoor swimming pool, yoga studio, steam rooms for men and women, gym, alfresco sundeck and restaurant.
