Page 17 - Marco Polo Travel Magazine - Spring/Summer 2013

17
landscape with an architecture that combines local
artisanship with COMO’s contemporary style. Guests can
choose from a selection of guest rooms or individual
villas. Families are welcomed.
Authentic Bhutan cuisine is a fundamental element of the
experience and each of the hotel’s “Bukhari” restaurants
offer seasonal menus that take a contemporary approach
to traditional national dishes, with a selection of
international dishes offered alongside.
Completing the immersive experience each property has a
COMO Shambhala Retreat, the famous signature Spa of
COMO Hotels & Resorts. At Uma by COMO, Paro facilities
include twoprivate Bhutanesehot stonebathhouses, a large
indoor pool with alfresco sundeck, steamrooms formen and
women, a gymand yoga studiowith ParoValley views. Each
of the nine villas even has its own private therapy suite.
*TheTiger’sNestMonasteryisa40minutedrivefromUma byCOMO,Paro
Legend has it that Buddhismwas introduced to Bhutan from
Tibet by Guru Rinpoche, who arrived on the back of a flying
tigress on the craggy cliff face that now houses the gravity
defying Taksang Goemba Monastery. On key dates
throughout the year this story and the birth of the Great
Saint is commemorated at large and colourful festivals
(known locally as Tsechu’s) played out by masked dancers
that take place in the huge Dzongs (Monastery/Fortress) of
the towns of Bhutan. People’s deep faith and devotionmake
these festivals a special occasion. At the same time, it is also
an opportunity to join hundreds, and even thousands, of
Bhutanese in taking part in an important religious and social
occasion that often exudes a carnival atmosphere.
The Tsechu (Festival)
1. The mist shrouds the landscape at Uma by COMO, Paro
2. The indoor pool at Uma by COMO, Paro
3. Taktsang Goemba (Tiger's Nest Monastery)
4. The main terrace at Uma by COMO, Punakha
5. View from bedroom at Uma by COMO, Panakha
3. 5.
2. 4.