Penny Buckley finds a home away from home at Uma Paro in Bhutan
Uma Paro sits nestled in Paro’s dense forest and yet, is just a short drive from the airport. As I experienced on a recent trip to Bhutan, Uma Paro makes for a memorable and relaxing introduction to the magical mountain kingdom of Bhutan, or an equally perfect finale before flying home. For a first-timer to Bhutan, Uma Paro wonderfully encapsulates everything that Bhutan is, whilst adding that bit of luxury and service, some might welcome on a trip to the Himalayas. There is no doubt that Bhutan is reminiscent of Switzerland wherever you go, with its rolling valley scenery, dotted with quant wooden houses and dairy farmland. It is the quintessential scene of the Alps in summer, except in Asia and with the friendliest locals to be found in this part of the world. Upon getting out of my car at Uma Paro’s beautiful and traditional main building, the smell of pine trees is so beautiful and familiar, I instantly feel at home.