Luxury Hotels in Bhutan 2026: Aman, Six Senses & COMO Comparison
Last updated:
Bhutan combines spectacular Himalayan nature with some of the world's most exclusive hotels. The three leading luxury brands – Amankora, Six Senses and COMO Uma – have each established multiple lodges throughout the country and enable unique journeys from valley to valley. This guide compares all options and helps you make the perfect choice for your Bhutan trip.
Luxury Hotels in Bhutan: The Big Three
Since 2004, three international hotel brands have dominated the luxury segment in Bhutan. Amankora and COMO Uma were the pioneers, with Six Senses following in 2018 with an ambitious wellness concept. All three offer multiple lodges that enable a journey through various valleys – a concept that perfectly suits Bhutan's geography.
Amankora vs. Six Senses vs. COMO Uma
Each of the three brands has its own character and focus. The following comparison shows the key differences at a glance.
| Aspect | Amankora | Six Senses | COMO Uma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening in Bhutan | 2004 | 2018 | 2004 |
| Number of Lodges | 5 | 5 | 2 |
| Locations | Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang | Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang | Paro, Punakha |
| Focus | Cultural immersion, "Peaceful Pilgrimage" | Wellness, Sustainability, Spa | Yoga, COMO Shambhala Wellness |
| Room Size from | 52 m² | 60 m² | Varies by room type |
| Pool | Punakha only | Punakha (Outdoor) | Paro (Indoor) |
Price Comparison
The price differences between the three brands are significant. COMO Uma offers the most affordable entry into Bhutan luxury, while Amankora commands premium prices during peak season.
| Hotel | Entry Price | Peak Season | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amankora | approx. 1,500 USD | up to 7,000 USD | Premium segment, highest exclusivity |
| Six Senses | approx. 1,500 USD | up to 5,000 USD | Including comprehensive wellness services |
| COMO Uma | approx. 400 USD | up to 1,500 USD | Most affordable luxury entry |
Detailed information about all Bhutan travel costs
Locations and Coverage
Amankora and Six Senses have identical locations in all five major valleys of Bhutan – from Paro in the west to Bumthang in the central highlands. COMO Uma concentrates with just two hotels on western Bhutan, but offers a significantly more affordable entry into the luxury segment.
Rooms and Amenities
| Feature | Amankora | Six Senses | COMO Uma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Size | 52 m² (all suites) | 60 m² (from 645 sq ft) | Varies by category |
| Wood Stove/Fireplace | Bukhari in all rooms | In select suites | Partially available |
| Design Style | Minimalist-elegant, Aman aesthetic | Modern-sustainable, local materials | Contemporary, COMO design |
| Private Terrace | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Amankora: The Pioneer
Amankora was Bhutan's first international luxury resort in 2004 and pioneered the lodge-to-lodge journey concept. The name – "Aman" (peace in Sanskrit) and "Kora" (pilgrimage in Dzongkha) – reflects the philosophy: a peaceful pilgrimage through Bhutan's valleys. The five lodges combine Aman's signature minimalist design with traditional Bhutanese architecture and offer a total of 72 suites.
The Five Amankora Lodges
| Lodge | Suites | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Paro | 24 | Gateway to Tiger's Nest, historic monastery, spa |
| Thimphu | 16 | Near the capital, pine forest views, Hot Stone Bath |
| Punakha | 8 | Warmest lodge, rice terraces, only pool, near Punakha Dzong |
| Gangtey | 8 | Phobjikha Valley, black-necked cranes, meditation room |
| Bumthang | 16 | Spiritual center, Bhutan's oldest monasteries, secluded location |
Detailed information about all Amankora lodges
Six Senses: The Wellness Specialist
Six Senses arrived in Bhutan in 2018 as the newest of the three brands – with a clear focus on wellness, spa and sustainability. The lodges feature the most comprehensive spa facilities of all luxury hotels in the country, each with its own thematic focus. The "Khamsa" journey concept – named after the Bhutanese term for a royal walk – connects all five locations and offers a total of 82 suites and villas.
The Five Six Senses Lodges
| Lodge | Suites/Villas | Spa Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Paro | 20 | Spa with views of historic ruins, Hot Stone Bath |
| Thimphu | 16 | Hot Stone Baths, traditional treatments |
| Punakha | 17 | Sleep focus, outdoor pool, river views |
| Gangtey | 8 | Meditation, pyramid meditation room, Swedana |
| Bumthang | 16 | Forest Bathing, Hot Stone Bath, nature immersion |
All Six Senses lodges in detail
COMO Uma: Yoga and Balance
COMO Uma opened the same year as Amankora in 2004 and brought the renowned COMO Shambhala Wellness concept to Bhutan. With just two hotels in Paro and Punakha, COMO focuses on western Bhutan but offers the most affordable entry into Bhutan luxury. Daily yoga sessions and the healthy COMO Shambhala Cuisine are integral parts of the concept.
The Two COMO Uma Hotels
| Hotel | Rooms | Highlights | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uma Paro | approx. 29 | Indoor pool, sun deck with mountain views, COMO Shambhala Spa | approx. 400 USD/night |
| Uma Punakha | approx. 19 | Intimate atmosphere, 2 treatment rooms, farmhouse style | approx. 500 USD/night |
Everything about COMO Uma Paro and Punakha
Journey Concepts: Bhutan Lodge to Lodge
What makes Bhutan's luxury hotels special: All three brands offer predefined "journeys" – multi-day trips from lodge to lodge through various valleys. You change locations every 1-3 nights and experience the country's diversity. Guide, driver and full board are typically included.
| Brand | Journey Name | Duration | Lodges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amankora | "Quest for Happiness" | 7-14 nights | 4-5 lodges |
| Six Senses | "Khamsa" (Royal Walk) | 4-12 nights | 2-5 lodges |
| COMO Uma | "Himalayan Explorer" | 5-9 nights | 2 hotels (Paro + Punakha) |
What's Included in Journey Packages
- Accommodation: All booked lodges with full board
- Private Guide: English-speaking, throughout the entire trip
- Private Driver: With air-conditioned vehicle
- Activities: Excursions, hikes, cultural experiences per program
- Transfers: All transfers between lodges and to airport
Wellness and Spa Comparison
Wellness is at the core of all three luxury brands in Bhutan – with different philosophies and focuses. While Six Senses offers the most comprehensive spa facilities, Amankora focuses on traditional treatments with local ingredients and COMO Uma emphasizes the holistic COMO Shambhala concept with yoga at its center.
| Aspect | Amankora | Six Senses | COMO Uma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spa Size | Compact, in all 5 lodges | Comprehensive, each lodge with own focus | 2 treatment rooms per hotel |
| Hot Stone Bath | Yes, traditional | Yes, "Hingsangsa Zoni" ritual | Yes, Bhutanese Hot Stone Bathhouse |
| Signature Treatment | Himalayan herbal therapies, local honey and yogurt | Hingsangsa Zoni bathing ritual, Forest Bathing | COMO Shambhala treatments |
| Yoga | Upon request | Daily available | Daily included |
| Meditation | Possible with local monk | Pyramid room in Gangtey | Part of program |
More about yoga, meditation and spiritual travels in Bhutan
Other Luxury Options
Beyond the three international brands, Bhutan offers additional upscale luxury accommodations – often with special character and operated as independent boutique hotels.
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary
The Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary is Bhutan's first traditional spa-inclusive resort focusing on authentic Bhutanese medicine. Herbal treatments, forest bathing and hot stone baths according to ancient traditions make it ideal for guests seeking an intensive spiritual retreat.
Gangtey Lodge
The independent Gangtey Lodge in the Phobjikha Valley offers an intimate alternative to large chains. With heated floors and fireplaces in every room, it's perfect for crane season (October-February). The lodge has been recognized multiple times by Travel+Leisure.
Other Recommendations
- Amba Paro Hotel: New luxury boutique alternative since 2026
- Zhiwa Ling Hotel Paro: Unique heritage design with traditional elements
- Naksel Boutique Hotel: Boutique luxury in quiet location in Paro
What's Included in the Price?
Unlike many other luxury destinations, Bhutan's top hotels offer comprehensive inclusive services. Understanding what's included and what costs extra is important for budget planning.
Typically Included
- Full Board: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Private Guide: English-speaking and licensed
- Private Driver: With air-conditioned vehicle
- Welcome Amenities: Vary by hotel
- WiFi: In all public areas and rooms
- Activities: Many excursions and cultural experiences
NOT Included
Everything about the Sustainable Development Fee
Which Hotel is Right for Me?
The choice between the three luxury brands depends on your personal priorities. The following recommendations help with your decision.
Choose Amankora if...
- Cultural immersion and authentic Bhutanese experiences are your priority
- You appreciate minimalist Aman design
- You're willing to pay premium prices for the highest exclusivity
- You want to experience all five valleys of Bhutan in one continuous trip
Choose Six Senses if...
- Wellness and spa are your top priority
- You prefer larger, more modern rooms
- Sustainability is an important criterion
- You expect the most comprehensive spa facilities
Choose COMO Uma if...
- Yoga and meditation are the focus of your trip
- You seek a more budget-conscious entry into the luxury segment
- You want to visit only western Bhutan (Paro and Punakha)
- You appreciate healthy COMO Shambhala Cuisine
Booking and Practical Tips
Bhutan's luxury hotels are often booked far in advance during peak season (March-May, September-November). Early booking – ideally 6-12 months before your trip – is recommended.
Booking Options
- Directly with the Hotel: Via the respective hotel brand website
- Through Travel Operators: Specialized Bhutan experts can advise and combine options
- IHG Rewards (Six Senses only): Point redemption possible, but often poor value (approx. 350,000 points per night)
Best Booking Time
| Travel Period | Lead Time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Peak season (Mar-May, Sep-Nov) | 9-12 months | Book early especially during festival times |
| Off-season (Jun-Aug, Dec-Feb) | 3-6 months | Better availability, often reduced prices |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a week in a luxury hotel in Bhutan cost?
For a week in a luxury hotel, you should expect accommodation costs of approximately 2,800 USD (COMO Uma) to over 49,000 USD (Amankora peak season) – plus SDF (700 USD per week), visa fee (40 USD) and international flights (approx. 1,200 EUR). The wide range is explained by the different price segments of the three brands.
Is Aman or Six Senses better in Bhutan?
"Better" is subjective – both offer world-class quality. Amankora excels with cultural depth and legendary Aman design. Six Senses offers larger rooms and the most comprehensive spa facilities. Choose Six Senses for wellness focus, Amankora for cultural immersion.
Can I book just one lodge instead of a journey?
Yes, individual lodges can often be booked separately, especially outside peak season. However, the journey concept – traveling from valley to valley – reveals the full magic of a Bhutan trip. All three brands also offer shorter packages for shorter stays.
Do I need a guide even with a luxury hotel?
Yes, a licensed guide is required for all tourists in Bhutan – regardless of accommodation category. However, with luxury hotels, the private guide is already included in the package and accompanies you throughout your stay.
Are luxury hotels in Bhutan worth the money?
Bhutan's luxury hotels rank among the world's best and offer experiences rarely possible elsewhere: private ceremonies with monks, exclusive excursions, world-class wellness in spectacular surroundings. If your budget allows, they provide an incomparable setting for a Bhutan trip. But Bhutan is also an unforgettable experience with standard hotels.
What's the best time for a luxury trip to Bhutan?
Peak season (March-May and September-November) offers the best weather and festival opportunities, but is most expensive and heavily booked. Off-season (especially December-February) often offers reduced prices, crystal-clear Himalayan views and fewer tourists – ideal for a more exclusive experience.
Can I redeem IHG points for Six Senses Bhutan?
Yes, Six Senses is an IHG Hotels & Resorts partner and point redemption is theoretically possible. However, the value is approximately 350,000 points per night – which in most cases is a poor deal. Cash payment or using points for upgrades is usually more worthwhile.
Which hotel is best suited for families?
COMO Uma offers the most family-friendly options with larger rooms and more flexible arrangements. Amankora and Six Senses focus more on couples and adults, but accept children. Note: Children under 6 are exempted from the SDF, 6-11-year-olds pay only 50%.
The Three Luxury Brands in Detail
Learn more about each of the three luxury brands on our detailed information pages:
Amankora Bhutan
All 5 lodges in detail: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang. Journey packages, prices and booking tips.
Six Senses Bhutan
5 lodges with wellness focus: Spa concepts, Extended Stay Benefits and the Khamsa Journey program.
COMO Uma Bhutan
Yoga and COMO Shambhala Wellness: Uma Paro and Uma Punakha in detail. The most affordable luxury entry.
Related Topics
Luxury-Wellness Route
The perfect route for luxury travelers: Premium accommodations, spa experiences and exclusive activities.
Yoga & Meditation
Spiritual experiences in Bhutan: Yoga retreats, meditation centers and monastery stays.
Costs & Budget
All Bhutan costs at a glance: From standard to luxury - what does a trip really cost?
Personal Consultation for Your Luxury Trip
We know all the lodges personally and advise you independently - for the perfect choice between Aman, Six Senses and COMO.