COMO Uma Paro affords the most down-to-earth luxury in Bhutan. 

Many in Hong Kong know COMO because of Carrie Lau and Tony Leung’s wedding. But there’s much more to COMO Uma Paro than its star power.   

Upon arrival, I realised this place is nothing what you’d expect from a venue where a power couple ties the knot. It’s quiet, rustic, and understated — everything authentically Bhutanese. 

Background  

COMO Uma Paro was one of the first luxury international hotels to open in Bhutan. Opened in 2004, it’s perched on a hill just 10 minutes from Paro Airport. You can hear the planes come and go, but the calm quickly returns.  

Designed by architect Cheong Yew Kwan, in collaboration with traditionally trained Bhutanese artisans, the resort is meant to blend into its surroundings. The main building was once a Bhutanese nobleman’s home. Orchards, wildflowers, and blue pine trees surround the property. It feels remote but not isolated. The design respects the landscape and Bhutanese culture, with materials like stone, wood, and handcrafted tiles.  

Villas and Suites  

The rooms and villas are nothing flashy, but that’s the appeal. They’re simple, comfortable, and in tune with the environment. Forest View Rooms are snug, with hand-painted Bhutanese designs and views of the pine trees. Valley View Rooms are a little bigger, with balconies looking out over Paro Valley.  

The COMO Suites are much larger, with separate living and dining areas. The villas take things further. They’re private, with their own spa treatment rooms, wood-burning stoves, and butler service. The COMO Villa, at over 3,200 square feet, is the big one. It has two bedrooms, an outdoor hot-stone bathtub, and a fire pit in its courtyard.  

Food and Beverages  

The food is straightforward and well-executed. Bukhari is the main restaurant and gets its name from a traditional Bhutanese fireplace. It’s a favorite among locals and even royalty. The menu mixes Bhutanese, Indian, and Western dishes. There’s also COMO’s Shambhala Cuisine, which leans healthy without being boring.  

The Uma Bar is more casual. You can get a decent cocktail, a glass of wine, or a fresh juice. It’s the kind of place you can go for a snack or a quiet drink any time of day.  

Activities  

COMO Uma Paro doesn’t just offer a place to sleep. It’s about the whole Bhutanese experience. The COMO Shambhala Retreat focuses on wellness. There’s yoga, meditation, and treatments like reflexology and Ayurveda. The indoor pool and gym are there if you want to stay active.  

Outside the hotel, there’s plenty to explore. The guides will take you to spots like the Tiger’s Nest Monastery or help you try archery, Bhutan’s national sport. If you prefer hiking, the surrounding valley has trails with views that are hard to beat.  

COMO Uma Paro isn’t trying to impress with over-the-top luxury. It’s relaxed, thoughtful, and rooted in Bhutanese culture — the kind of place where you can slow down and take in Bhutan at your own pace.