As Bhutan grows increasingly popular among travellers seeking a break from fast-paced lifestyles, with visitor arrivals rising by 41% in 2024, Pemako Punakha presents a rare opportunity to unplug, unwind, and connect with the country’s sacred bounty. Nestled in the remote Punakha Valley, this one-of-a-kind retreat features 21 luxurious tented villas thoughtfully woven into 60 acres of pristine Himalayan wilderness.
Conceptually designed by American landscape architect and interior designer Bill Bensley, the hotel’s whimsical accommodation is in harmony with Bhutan’s landscape and spirituality, providing guests with an alternate universe that is grounded in nature and evokes a sense of mystery. Hidden on the banks of the Mo Chhu River and engulfed by greenery, the retreat is only accessible via a prayer-flag-lined bridge which guests cross before being greeted by a traditional prayer ritual for well-being.
Each of the tented villas, which categories include a luxury tented pool villa, a two-bedroom family villa and an expansive presidential suite, are opulent hideaways with private temperature-controlled pools (a first in Bhutan) and expansive outdoor decking with panoramic views over the Mo Chhu river. The interiors draw from the local culture, and feature the yellow, white, and orange of the national flag; black-hued tones reminiscent of highland tents; and furnishings that pay homage to ancient Dzong architecture – a distinctive type of fortress-monastery found primarily in Bhutan.
Pemako Punakha is a sanctuary where visitors are encouraged to slow down and feel immersed in Bhutanese heritage. The name "Pemako" means “hidden lotus-shaped land”, drawing from Himalayan folklore and the concept of beyul — mystical hidden lands said to offer spiritual refuge.
