Tra-Wellness

As coupling experiential travel with wellness programmes becomes a major trend globally, we find you a quick escape to the lush green valleys of Bhutan, where a spa holiday can walk a few good miles with your travel itinerary.

- Anwesha Sanyal

UMA BY COMO

Travel to one of Bhutan’s less familiar valleys – here, at the Alpine foothills of the Himalayas, along the banks of the Mo Chu River, the Punakha Valley chambers Uma by COMO, a plush Bhutanese spa retreat that offers adventurous travellers a less-trodden path to complete relaxation. Unwind in the privacy of your expansive two bedroom COMO Villa (that comes with a private outdoor terrace with azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and hydrangeas in attendance), with gorgeous views of mountains and forest, and tiny pathways that navigate their way through rice fields and orchards into the faraway greens. Experience COMO’s signature Shambala Retreat, where silence is a key element. Situated in the woods a short walk from the property, the spa offers traditional Asian treatments and a hot-stone bath, apart from restorative skincare therapies and Ayurvedic programmes. Back at the hotel, Bukhari furthers natural healing by sourcing its produce from local farmers. www.comohotels.com

Punakha

The small hill town opens you up to landmark tourist spots such as the Temple of the Divine Madman, but drive further to reach the foot of the hill on which Punakha Dzong, the famous Buddhist monastery, is built. From here, take an easy one-hour hike past rice fields, across the Punakha Suspension Bridge and up a forest pine cover to reach the beautiful dzong at the top. The best view of the Punakha Valley is from up here.

AMANKORA