Punakha's Dhensa Resort: An elegant retreat hidden among pines above the Mo-Chhu river valley

With notable nods from Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post and Singapore’s SG Magazine, the 24-suite Dhensa resort overlooks the lush Mo-Chhu river valley, surrounded by pine forests and perched above terraced paddy fields. With 45 square meter rooms in light, airy and minimalist tones—think walls in soothing whites, hand-painted lines of subtle gold, and horizontal bars of fresh-looking pine wood paneling—The property is a fusion of contemporary design with Bhutanese building styles, with a distinctly Zen aesthetic.

The grounds encompass six cottages with private balconies, a reading lounge, the Kibu Spa cottage, and a dining room serving Bhutanese, Asian and Western favorites from seasonal, organic, local garden-grown produce. Try one of their many spa treatments or lie back in the outdoor, wood-fired bath. A 10-minute walk brings you to nearby Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. The nunnery’s white-washed stupas overlooking the valley, tinged by a rosy sunset or sunrise, will have you halfway to enlightenment, especially when the resident nuns sing their prayers in unison.