Barefoot Luxury - Pemako Punakha

To stay in Bhutan is, in many ways, to encounter happiness in its most unassuming form. It is not the fleeting rush that travel often brings, but a soothing state that arises when space is given for reflection, when food is prepared with care, when architecture feels rooted in the land it occupies. This understanding is deeply Bhutanese. Happiness here is not measured by possession or pace but by balance, shaped by Buddhist tenets that value mindfulness, compassion, and awareness. The result is experiencing a way of living that regards contentment as something to be cultivated daily, and for the traveler it becomes an invitation to slow down, to reconnect with oneself, and to rediscover the joy of being present.

Pemako Punakha draws on this sensibility. Its design echoes Bhutanese forms not for ornament but for connection, allowing the architecture to sit in dialogue with its setting. The approach to food treats cuisine as both nourishment and cultural expression, while the focus on wellness and slow travel encourages guests to experience Bhutan without haste. What emerges is a space aligned with the country’s own philosophy, one that allows visitors to encounter happiness as the Bhutanese understand it, grounded in balance, reflection, and presence.

Continue reading to explore our conversation with Vishal Pradhan, Manager at Pemako Punakha, on how the property draws inspiration from Bhutan’s culture and philosophy.

Q. How does Pemako Punakha incorporate wellness traditions and practices from Bhutan to provide a holistic guest experience?

VP: Pemako Punakha embraces Bhutan’s traditional wellness heritage through the Lotus Realm Spa, where therapies are rooted in Sowa-Rigpa—Bhutan’s ancient system of healing that draws from Buddhist philosophy and the deep understanding of harmony between mind, body, and spirit. Guests begin their wellness journey with a personal consultation conducted by an on-site Dungtsho (traditional medicine doctor), who diagnoses imbalances and prescribes individualized treatments. Signature offerings such as the Bhutanese hot-stone bath are thoughtfully customized, ensuring each guest receives a deeply restorative and spiritually aligned experience. Through this holistic approach, the Lotus Realm Spa honors Bhutan's timeless healing wisdom and offers a path to true inner balance.

Q. Can you share how Bhutanese culture and heritage are showcased through the hotel’s activities and guest interactions?

VP: From the moment guests arrive, they are immersed in Bhutanese tradition: crossing a suspension bridge draped with prayer flags, followed by a blessing ritual from a resident monk. The architectural narrative continues with corridors adorned in vibrant prayer-flag hues, masks and locally crafted artworks—designed to echo Bhutan’s spiritual and artistic heritage. Additional offerings include meditation, astrology sessions with a Bhutanese monk and cultural storytelling anchored in the sacred traditions of the Punakha.

Thoughtful design and Bhutanese cultural elements stand strong at the core of Pemako Punakha – a spectacular hotel sharing friendly boundaries with the Mo Chhu River and just a few miles away from the majestic Punakha Dzong. Built carefully over 7 years, each corner at Pemako Punakha exhibits perceptive design touches ingrained with love and tradition.

A mesmerizing amalgamation comes together at Pemako Punakha with Bill Bensley’s conceptual designs and local Bhutanese architects who bought it to life – taking one on a journey of awakening and revelation. The signature arrival experience sets out by crossing the path strung with fluttering prayer flags inviting one to a distinct world, that instantly feels familiar. Following this is a short yet scenic buggy ride passing a ‘waterfall’ installation and a Bhutanese prayer wheel. Hidden behind a canopy of trees one can spot Pemako Punakha - uniting seamlessly with nature and rich culture of Bhutan.

The entrance is a wholesome spiritual experience with realms of a Bodhi tree and a resident Lama – who chants a prayer for all the guests wishing long life and empowerment! As one walks further into the corridor, it is more like walking into a museum – painted in 5 colors of prayer flags - yellow, green, red, white and blue, decorated with masks of mythical beasts and giant prayer banners. In essence, all gain significance from the five elements of earth, water, fire, air and space! The pathway ends with a fascinating triptych depicting the landscapes and goddess of mythical Pemako and the calming sounds of a lotus-shaped water fountain.

Q. What unique culinary experiences and local flavors can guests look forward to at Pemakho Punakha, and how do these reflect Bhutanese traditions?

VP: Dining at Pemako is an exploration of local flavors and traditions. At Alchemy House, guests can partake in a farm-to-table, open-fire culinary experience, featuring staple dishes like Ema Datshi and Hoentay dumplings prepared with ingredients sourced locally. Private riverside picnics offer intimate settings paired with regional delicacies and beverages, allowing guests to savor the essence of Beyul (hidden paradise) in every bite.

Local organic, fresh produce and traditional delights are at the forefront of Pemako Punakha’s unique culinary experience. One can discover the region’s most authentic flavors indulgence with Bhutanese cuisine served in a heritage setting at Alchemy House.

Pemako Punakha puts a key emphasis on sustainable and locally sourced ingredients by growing our produce in the hotel’s gardens and working closely with farmers to ensure the freshest and highest quality.

Adding to this rich tapestry is Ara House in Pemako Punakha, where guests can experience the traditional art of Ara production. Ara, Bhutan's cherished rice spirit, is crafted on-site, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn about its fermentation process and cultural significance. This immersive experience allows guests to connect deeply with Bhutan's heritage and savor the authentic taste of Ara. Together, these establishments offer a multifaceted culinary journey that celebrates Bhutan's rich gastronomic heritage while embracing modern interpretations, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience for all who visit.

Q. How does the design of Pemakho Punakha enhance the sense of tranquility and connection to nature, contributing to the overall wellness of guests?

VP: Conceived by renowned landscape architect Bill Bensley, the property's design blends Bhutanese vernacular with modern comfort across 60 acres of lush wilderness in the Punakha Valley. Guests traverse a bridge, a waterfall installation and a prayer wheel before arriving in the villa enclave—a journey that encourages reflection and anticipation. Each of the 21 tented villas features a private heated pool, expansive deck and bespoke interiors imbued with Bhutan’s national colors and motifs—such as orange, yellow, white and black—alongside copper fixtures and Serge Ferrari fabrics Architectural elements and decor pay homage to dzongs, temples and mythical symbols, grounding design in Bhutan’s cultural identity.

Q. What are some cultural or wellness rituals that guests can participate in during their stay to deepen their understanding of Bhutanese lifestyle and wellbeing?

VP: Guests can deepen their connection to Bhutanese life and wellbeing through a variety of immersive experiences: personalized meditation and astrology sessions with resident monks, butter lamp lighting ceremonies, traditional games such as archery and khuru (Bhutanese darts), as well as cooking classes and riverside picnics. These thoughtfully curated activities provide meaningful insight into the cultural and spiritual rhythms of Bhutan.