COMO Uma Bhutan: Luxury Resorts in Paro & Punakha with Yoga Focus
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COMO Hotels has operated two exclusive resorts in Bhutan since 2004 – Uma Paro and Uma Punakha. As a co-pioneer of luxury tourism in the Kingdom, the COMO Uma Resorts helped lay the foundation for upscale travel in the Himalayas. What sets COMO apart from other luxury providers: the focus is on holistic well-being through yoga, the world-renowned COMO Shambhala wellness program, and nourishing, healthy cuisine. With entry-level prices starting at around 400 USD per night, COMO also offers better value for money than Aman or Six Senses – with comparable high quality.
COMO Uma Bhutan at a Glance
When the COMO Hotels Group opened Uma Paro in 2004, it was together with Amankora the beginning of luxury tourism in Bhutan. The concept differs from other providers: while Aman focuses on cultural immersion and Six Senses on sustainability, COMO's focus is on holistic well-being – embodied by the world-renowned COMO Shambhala program.
COMO Philosophy in Bhutan
COMO's philosophy is based on the belief that true relaxation involves body, mind, and soul equally. In Bhutan, this means: daily yoga sessions, holistic spa treatments based on Asian healing traditions, and cuisine that nourishes rather than just fills. The two resorts are deliberately kept more intimate than the competition – for more personal, attentive service.
| Resort | Location | Rooms | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uma Paro | Paro Valley, 10 min from airport | 29 rooms + villas | Gateway to Bhutan, near Tiger's Nest |
| Uma Punakha | Punakha Valley, on Mo Chhu River | 11 rooms + villas | More intimate, secluded – the "jewel" |
COMO Uma Paro
For most Bhutan travelers, Uma Paro is their first contact with the country – and with the COMO concept. The resort sits on a 15-hectare forested estate overlooking Paro Valley, just ten minutes from Bhutan's only international airport. From here, you can reach the legendary Tiger's Nest Monastery in a short drive, as well as the impressive Paro Dzong and the National Museum.
Location and Access
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Valley | Paro Valley, West Bhutan |
| Distance from airport | 10 minutes from Paro International Airport |
| Estate | 15 hectares (37 acres) of forested grounds |
| Altitude | approx. 2,250 meters above sea level |
| Surroundings | Pine forests with views over Paro Town |
| Near to | Tiger's Nest, Paro Dzong, National Museum |
Rooms and Villas
Uma Paro offers various accommodation categories – from comfortable rooms to private villas with their own therapy room. All accommodations combine traditional Bhutanese architecture with contemporary luxury and offer views of the surrounding mountains.
| Category | Number | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Superior Rooms | 9 | Comfortable rooms with mountain views, approx. 35–40 m² |
| Deluxe Rooms | 9 | Larger rooms with extended amenities |
| COMO Suites | 2 | Luxurious suites with separate living area |
| One-Bedroom Villas | 8 | Private villas with own therapy room for in-villa treatments |
| COMO Private Villa | 1 | Largest accommodation, ultimate privacy |
COMO Shambhala Retreat Paro
The COMO Shambhala Retreat in Paro is the larger of the two spa centers. It features several treatment rooms, a yoga studio with panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows, and two traditional Bhutanese hot stone bathhouses. Daily yoga classes are complimentary and led by the in-house wellness expert.
Facilities Overview
- Hot Stone Bathhouses: 2 private Bhutanese dotsho baths
- Indoor Pool: Heated pool with mountain panorama
- Yoga Studio: Floor-to-ceiling windows, daily complimentary sessions
- Treatment Rooms: Multiple rooms for individual and couple treatments
- Sundeck: With views of the surrounding mountains
- In-Villa Treatments: Available in all 8 villas with their own therapy room
COMO Uma Punakha
COMO itself describes Uma Punakha as "the smallest, most jewel-like Uma Lodge" – and this description is spot on. The resort is located at the western end of Punakha Valley on a small hill above the Mo Chhu River. With only 11 rooms, it offers an intimacy that is rare even in the luxury segment.
Location and Character
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Valley | Western end of Punakha Valley |
| Position | Small hill overlooking the Mo Chhu River |
| Drive time from Uma Paro | Approx. 5 hours over the Dochula Pass |
| Altitude | Approx. 1,200 meters – warmer than Paro |
| Character | Secluded, deeper in the Himalayas, intimate |
| Near to | Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang, rafting on Mo Chhu |
Rooms and Villas
| Category | Number | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Rooms | 9 | Elegant rooms with valley views over the Mo Chhu |
| One-Bedroom Villas | 2 | Can be connected with deluxe room for 2-bedroom villa |
The two one-bedroom villas in Punakha can each be combined with an adjacent deluxe room to form a two-bedroom villa – ideal for families or friend groups who want to combine privacy with community.
COMO Shambhala Retreat Punakha
The spa at Uma Punakha is kept more intimate in keeping with the smaller resort size. It is located in a forest clearing and features two treatment rooms plus a room with a traditional hot stone bath.
Facilities and Activities
- Treatment Rooms: 2 rooms for individual treatments
- Hot Stone Bath: 1 traditional Bhutanese dotsho bath
- Yoga: Daily classes, often outdoors with valley views
- Meditation: Guided meditation sessions
Activities from Uma Punakha
In addition to the wellness program, the Uma Punakha area offers diverse activities:
- Himalayan exploration tours and village walks
- Visit to the impressive Punakha Dzong
- Chimi Lhakhang – the fertility temple
- Whitewater rafting on the Mo Chhu River
- Festival visits (Punakha Tshechu in spring)
COMO Shambhala Wellness Philosophy
COMO Shambhala is more than a spa label – it is a holistic wellness philosophy implemented across all COMO Hotels worldwide. The approach combines Asian healing traditions with Western science and aims for harmony of body, mind, and soul. In Bhutan, this concept is complemented by traditional Bhutanese practices such as the hot stone bath (dotsho) and thus gains a unique local dimension.
Core Elements of the COMO Shambhala Program
- Holistic Treatments: Based on Asian healing traditions – Ayurveda, traditional Thai techniques, Bhutanese practices
- Yoga: Daily complimentary sessions, led by the in-house naturopath and yoga teacher
- COMO Shambhala Cuisine: Healthy, nourishing dishes as an integral part of the wellness concept
- Integration: Wellness is not an add-on, but permeates every aspect of your stay
Signature Treatments in Bhutan
| Treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath | Traditional dotsho: Natural wooden tubs use herb-infused water heated by river stones – deeply relaxing and detoxifying |
| Ayurveda-Inspired Massages | Individual treatments based on your constitution (dosha) |
| Detox Programs | Multi-day cleansing programs with tailored nutrition and treatments |
| Personalized Wellness Retreats | Custom-designed programs for your specific wellness goals |
COMO Shambhala Cuisine
COMO Shambhala Cuisine is an integral part of the wellness concept – not as a restriction, but as an enrichment. The cuisine focuses on nourishing, vital dishes that energize rather than burden. Local Bhutanese ingredients are combined with international expertise to create light, flavorful cooking.
Principles of COMO Shambhala Cuisine
- Fresh, seasonal ingredients: Local produce from the Paro and Punakha valleys
- Nutrient-rich preparation: Gentle cooking methods that preserve vitamins
- Balanced meals: Balance of proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats
- No refined ingredients: No refined sugar, no processed ingredients
- Flexible options: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free – all easily possible
Prices and Packages 2026
A key advantage of COMO over Aman or Six Senses is better value for money. With entry-level prices starting at around 400 USD per night for Uma Paro, COMO costs about a quarter of Aman prices – with comparable high quality. All room rates include breakfast and dinner; there is a minimum stay of 2 nights.
| Resort/Category | Price from | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Uma Paro – Standard | From approx. 400 USD | Breakfast & dinner, daily yoga |
| Uma Punakha – Standard | From approx. 500 USD | Breakfast & dinner, daily yoga |
| Villas (both resorts) | On request | As standard + in-villa treatments possible |
Seasonal Supplements 2026/2026
| Period | Supplement | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| March 6–11, 2026 | Increased prices | Paro Tshechu Festival |
| Feb 22 – Mar 2, 2026 | Increased prices | Festival season |
| Dec 24, 2026/2026 | 95 USD per person | Christmas |
| Dec 31, 2026/2026 | 95 USD per person | New Year's Eve |
Himalayan Explorer Journeys
For guests who want to experience both resorts, COMO offers the "Himalayan Explorer" Journeys. These packages combine stays at Uma Paro and Uma Punakha with spectacular transfers, cultural programs, and wellness experiences. The journeys are available in various lengths.
| Duration | Description |
|---|---|
| 5 nights | Short discovery trip – an introduction to both resorts |
| 6 nights | Extended tour with more time for exploration |
| 7 nights | Classic combination – ideal balance of both resorts |
| 9 nights | Comprehensive experience with time for deeper wellness programs |
Typical Journey Inclusions
- Nights at Uma Paro AND Uma Punakha
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Spectacular transfers between resorts (approx. 5 hours)
- Cultural excursions: monastery visits, dzongs, local villages
- Nature walks with guide
- Daily yoga sessions
- One COMO Shambhala body treatment per person
COMO vs. Aman vs. Six Senses
Bhutan offers three outstanding luxury hotel brands: Aman, Six Senses, and COMO. While all deliver premium quality, they differ significantly in philosophy, scope, and price. The following comparison helps determine which concept best fits your expectations.
| Aspect | COMO Uma | Amankora | Six Senses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Hotels | 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Locations | West Bhutan (Paro, Punakha) | West + Central (including Bumthang) | West + Central (including Bumthang) |
| Total rooms | approx. 48 | 72 | 82 |
| Entry-level price/night | From 400 USD | From 1,500+ USD | From 1,500+ USD |
| Focus | Yoga & COMO Shambhala Wellness | Cultural immersion | Wellness & Sustainability |
| Pool | Indoor pool in Paro | Punakha | Punakha |
| Bumthang | No | Yes | Yes |
COMO: The Advantages
- Value for Money: Significantly cheaper than Aman and Six Senses – with comparable quality
- COMO Shambhala: World-renowned wellness concept with genuine yoga focus
- More Intimate Atmosphere: Smaller resorts mean more personal, attentive service
- Daily Complimentary Yoga: Unlike the competition, always included
- Healthy Cuisine: COMO Shambhala Cuisine as an integral part of the concept
COMO: The Limitations
- Only 2 Locations: No access to Gangtey/Phobjikha Valley or Bumthang
- Only West Bhutan: Not sufficient for a comprehensive Bhutan experience
- No All-Inclusive Guide/Driver: Must be arranged separately for excursions
Who is COMO right for?
Ideal for
- Yoga and Wellness Enthusiasts: Those seeking daily yoga and a holistic wellness concept
- Budget-Conscious Luxury Travelers: Those wanting premium quality without paying Aman prices
- Short Stays in West Bhutan: 5–7 days focused on Paro and Punakha
- COMO Fans: Those who know and appreciate the concept from other destinations
- Couples on a Romantic Journey: Those seeking intimate resorts and wellness experiences
- Health-Conscious Travelers: Those who value healthy nutrition (COMO Shambhala Cuisine)
Less Suitable for
- Bhutan Explorers: Those who want to see the entire country – COMO only offers West Bhutan
- Bumthang/Central Bhutan Interested: These regions are only accessible with Aman or Six Senses
- All-Inclusive Wishes: COMO does not include guide/driver – must be arranged separately
- Phobjikha Valley/Black-Necked Cranes: This valley is not in COMO's network
Booking and Practical Information
Booking Options
- Directly with COMO: Online booking via comohotels.com possible, half board only, SDF not included
- Journey Packages: Pre-planned itineraries with starting prices available online
- Via Travel Operators: Bhutan specialists can integrate COMO into custom tours
Important Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
How does COMO differ from Aman and Six Senses?
The main difference is the focus: COMO emphasizes yoga and the COMO Shambhala wellness concept, Aman focuses on cultural immersion, Six Senses on sustainability and wellness. Price-wise, COMO is significantly cheaper (from 400 USD vs. 1,500+ USD). COMO has only 2 locations in West Bhutan, while Aman and Six Senses each have 5 throughout the country.
Is COMO cheaper than the competition?
Yes, significantly. COMO starts at around 400 USD per night, while Amankora and Six Senses begin at 1,500+ USD. This makes COMO about 4x cheaper at entry level – with comparable quality. However, note that the SDF (100 USD/night) always applies.
What is COMO Shambhala?
COMO Shambhala is the holistic wellness concept of the COMO Hotels Group. It encompasses holistic spa treatments based on Asian healing traditions, daily yoga, meditation, and COMO Shambhala Cuisine – nourishing, healthy cooking. In Bhutan, the concept is complemented by traditional practices such as the hot stone bath.
Are the daily yoga classes really complimentary?
Yes, daily yoga sessions are generally included at COMO Uma – a difference from competitors where such classes often cost extra. Sessions are led by the in-house wellness expert and are accessible to all guests regardless of room category.
Can I visit just one resort or must I combine both?
You can visit just one resort – there is no requirement to combine them. However, COMO recommends at least 2 nights per resort. The Himalayan Explorer Journeys combine both resorts and often provide the best overall experience, but are not mandatory.
Do I need a separate guide and driver?
Yes, unlike Aman or Six Senses, guide and transport are not standard at COMO. For excursions like the Tiger's Nest hike or dzong visits, you must arrange these separately – either directly through the resort or via a Bhutan operator.
How long does the drive between Uma Paro and Uma Punakha take?
About 5 hours over the Dochula Pass (3,100 m). The drive is spectacular – in clear weather, you'll see the Himalayan chain from the pass including Gangkar Puensum (7,570 m). The route includes several photo stops, including the 108 Druk Wangyal chortens at the Dochula Pass.
Can I use COMO for longer Bhutan trips?
Partially. COMO works excellently as a base for West Bhutan (Paro, Punakha). For longer trips including Bumthang, Phobjikha, or East Bhutan, you would need other accommodations – COMO has no presence there. Many guests combine COMO with other hotels for more comprehensive trips.
Further Information
These pages will help you further plan your Bhutan trip with COMO or decide on the right luxury resort:
Yoga & Meditation in Bhutan
Spiritual journeys, yoga retreats, and meditation centers in the Kingdom of Happiness.
Amankora Bhutan
The five Aman lodges: a journey concept through all of Bhutan with cultural focus.
Six Senses Bhutan
Wellness and sustainability: the five Six Senses lodges at a glance.
Experience COMO Uma Bhutan
We advise you on the COMO resorts and create your customized wellness trip to Bhutan.