A fully owned Bhutanese hotel set on 12 acres, Zhiwaling Heritage pays homage to Bhutan’s spectacular architecture, built by local artisans to reflect the country'e heritage. The main building has been built to resemble a Bhutanese Dzong (fortress) and one can find traditional Bhutanese architecture and design flowing through the hotel. Without compromising on comforts, the kingdom’s traditions and values, it seamlessly combines the past and present – from an elegant temple made with 450-year old timbers to its Swedish under-floor heating.

There are three categories of rooms at Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel. Named after Bhutan’s national bird, The Royal Raven Suite, is the preferred choice of the royal family when visiting. A two bedroom suite, it offers butler service, sitting and dining room, and a private shrine room that comes with wooden flooring that is over 450 years old and was brought in from one of the oldest temples in Bhutan - Gangtey Goenpa, Wangdue Phodrang.

Two one bedroom suites are named after the national flower Blue Poppy and the national animal Takin (gnu goat). Located on the second floor of the main building, both suites offer views of Paro valley and hotel grounds. The suites come with a private balcony, have a separate seating area and can connect with a Junior suite to accommodate a family or small group travelling together.

Most of the Junior suites are divided in 8 cottage blocks and have options of king beds and split king beds. The cottages are named after the eight lucky Bhutanese signs, and rooms look to the lake, mountains or village. One cottage allows wheelchair access.

All rooms come Swedish underfloor heating, in room tea and coffee maker, and access to the use of the pool, steam and sauna.

Dining

At Zhiwaling Heritage, there are two restaurants to choose from – Lingka and Gawa, while pre dinner drinks can be had at the Mad Monk Bar. Lingka is the all day dining experience with a multi cuisine menu – serving everything from baked breads to a three course dinner meal. When the weather is right, it is possible to dine on the terrace. Gawa, with its traditional décor serves Bhutanese and Western cuisine and overlooks the stream.

Zhiwaling offers room service as well.

Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel’s location allows access to the best of Paro. Tiger Nest Monastery is 4km away and the ancient ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, 5km away. Within Zhiwa Ling, one can try their hand at archery which is the national sport of Bhutan, and a game of Khuru (darts). There is a Tea House with a menu of select teas including butter tea, and a place to relax and lounge. Additionally the in-house temple and Meditation centre are accessible to guests.

Bhutan is often referred to when the world talks about carbon footprint or environmental issues. This small landlocked country has set benchmarks where by law 60% of the land has to be under tree cover and it measures itself against a metric of Gross National Happiness.

No Single Use Plastic: There is minimal use of plastic used. Safe drinking water is provided in glass bottles in rooms and in the restaurants with plastic bottled water offered only on request. Biodegradable bin liners, no individual sachets for tea and coffee, no single use bathroom amenities, bamboo stirrers, paper cups instead of plastic ones and bamboo bins across the hotel further ensures minimal use of single use plastic.

Safe Garbage Disposal: Garbage generated is segregated at source, wet waste is composted and dry waste is disposed carefully if not reused. Bulk purchasing measures are in place. Old linen and towels are donated to monks. A sewage treatment plant is in place.

Water Conservation: A UV filtration system is in place to provide safe drinking water. The sewage treatment plant allows for grey water recycling. Water saving faucets are in place and staff are provided training in water conservation.

Energy Efficiency: Use of energy efficient appliances and LED lighting are in place. Under floor heating is available in all guest rooms along with one key turn off for all lights. A diesel generator is in place and used rarely only when electricity from the grid is unavailable.

Nature and Biological Diversity Conservation: Twice a year, clean up drives are conducted in the stream that is within the hotel premises. A tree planting drive is to add to the community forest is in the pipeline.

Local Community Engagement: Being a completely Bhutanese owned and managed hotel, the staff is fully local. At the construction phase, local artisans were hired and staff are regularly trained and upskilled.

Light Footprint Tourism: All materials at the time of construction were sourced locally. Guests can visit the organic kitchen garden and see what is on the menu for the day. Bhutan’s cap on the number of visitors automatically ensures light footprint tourism.

Sensitive Destination Discovery: Plenty of hikes and local activities are what makes a stay here special. Interactions between guests and locals are facilitated; staff is trained to aid in cultural and community preservation.

Heritage Preservation:  The building pays homage to local Bhutanese architecture and remains committed to promoting the values that the country has set. The building is designed to resemble a fort and local cuisine is offered.

Human Touch: Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel is focussed on showcasing Bhutan in all her elements – her natural beauty and the values of the country as a whole. It supports local schools, self help groups, youth and women’s organisations, while taking care of the staff and helping them grow.

The RARE Sustainability Quotient is a self-audit tool that is used by our hotel partners to measure, document and assess their planet and people friendly practices and is based on the RARE Touchstones.