Dhensa Punakha is a luxury 24-suite boutique hotel located in the Punakha Valley in Bhutan. The resort enjoys a wonderful location surrounded by thick pine forest overlooking the valley, village houses and paddy fields.
Highlights
Fantastic views over the Punakha Valley set within a pine forest
Understated modern design, but drawing on traditional Bhutanese architectural styles
Only 10-minute walk to the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery where you can catch morning prayers
Opened in 2014, so the staff service levels are not fully developed
Dhensa is located on the hillside overlooking the Punakha Valley about a 15-minute drive from Punakha Dzong. Dhensa means 'Heavenly Abode' in Bhutanese. There are six cottages containing the suites, spread out on different elevations throughout the property linked by granite stairs (so expect a few steps here and there) all offering fabulous views over the valley. The cottages blend Bhutanese architectural traditions with simple modernity, blending understated white-washed walls with classic Bhutanese roofs.
The 45 square metre rooms themselves are light, airy and minimalist with neutral white tones and lead to large bathrooms containing a free-standing bathtub (with views) and separate shower. They all have small private balconies, and there are 15 suites with twin beds, and 9 with king beds. Expect flatscreen TVs and free WiFi.
Dhensa has one restaurant which serves both local and international cuisine, the food is excellent, although somewhat expensive by Bhutan hotel standards. There is a delightful terrace on which to eat out when the weather is milder.
There is a Spa which offers yoga, spa treatments in two double treatment rooms, steam room, sauna and an outdoor Bhutanese hot stone bath.
Accommodation is based on half-board but cash is required for extras, such as drinks, as the hotel does not currently accept card payments.
We love Dhensa's location and the quality of accommodation is excellent, though as Dhensa is a newly opened property, we have found that the staff are still learning and that the quality of service is mixed, but always friendly.
When to visit
Take your breakfast on the patio overlooking the valley. It's a lovely way to start the day.
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Enquire NowThe resort overlooks the Punakha valley and is surrounded by pine Forrest.
Approximately 3-hours west of Thimphu.
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Nalanda Buddhist College and Nobgang Walk
This fantastic experience combines the Sangchen Nunnery, the Nalanda Buddhist College and the Nobgang Village walk which takes you from the high hills above Punakha and winds gently down to the Punakha Dzong - you approach it almost vertically!
Punakha Weekend Markets
Khuruthang Saturday Vegetable Market is located in the small town next to the Punakha Dzong. On Sundays, you can visit the Wangdue Market, about a 30-minute drive away. Wander around the stalls, selling local fruit and vegetables.
A visit to Chimi Lhakhang
The Chimmi Lhakhang Temple is a temple of fertility dedicated to the Buddhist saint known as the Divine Madman. A short walk through paddy fields takes you to the temple and is popular with Bhutanese families wanting to start a family.
Hilltop Nunnery Visit
This evening visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup Lhakhang Nunnery which is home to a higher learning and meditation centre for nuns, as well as being home to some of the most impressive statues in Bhutan.
