Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary

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.