Pemako Punakha – Review

Set in the lush Punakha Valley, Pemako Punakha is a serene luxury retreat surrounded by rice fields, forested hills, and situated on the banks of the fast-flowing Mo River. Blending contemporary comfort with Bhutanese design, the lodge offers a calm and refined base for exploring the region—whether hiking through mountain trails, visiting ancient Buddhist sites and temples, meditation, archery, river rafting, or discovering Bhutan’s rich culture and culinary traditions. Thoughtfully understated and deeply connected to its Buddhist setting, Pemako Punakha invites guests to experience the kingdom at a relaxed and meaningful pace. The Luxury Editor recently visited, so read on to discover more.

Punakha town and the stunning valley are nestled at the confluence of the Pho CHHU and Mo CHHU Rivers. This former capital is a living testament to Bhutanese culture, with the town at the district’s administrative heart.  The exciting arrival began with crossing over the powerful Mo CHHU River on a swaying suspension footbridge adorned with colourful prayer flags: a truly memorable entrance. Transferring to a golf buggy, you are transferred past a symbolic waterfall installation to receive a blessing from the resident monk, who offers prayers at the onsite temple, immediately setting the tone for a spiritual journey.

Set among 75 acres of hillside pine forest, Pemako Punakha was designed by Bill Bensley, known for creating spaces with profound connections to local culture. As the first Bhutanese owned and operated luxury hotel, this place doesn’t skimp on luxury. A personal butler makes each stay unforgettable. With impeccable attention to detail, the thoughtful, personalised service adds an entirely unique dimension to the experience.

There are 21 luxury villas scattered across a huge pine-forested hillside, set apart for complete privacy and accessed by a steep and narrow winding road just wide enough for golf buggies. Personal butlers use the buggies to transfer guests for all meals, spa treatments and activities.

Each Luxury Tented Pool Villa boasted strong accents of orange and yellow throughout, breathing vibrancy into the luxe interior, where carved dark wood furniture supported traditional artefacts and folkloric art. The bed was enormous, formed by two queen-sized beds joined together to create a vast, almost trampoline-like expanse of indulgent comfort covered in plush pillows and orange velvet cushions.

Outside, surrounded by a forest of soaring pines, a spacious wooden deck framed a private heated pool; a constant fly-by of brilliant butterflies and bright red dragonflies flitted across the pool’s surface.

The focus on authentic Bhutanese meals in dzong-style pavilions brings culinary traditions to life, and experiences like archery tie in beautifully with the region’s history and myths.

Soma, the all-day dining room, serves regional and international dishes. Alchemy House, a restored heritage home, serves traditional Bhutanese meals in a communal, hands-on style. Chefs conjure up yak curries, chur jaju (a soup of river weeds and cheese) and ema datshi (Bhutan’s iconic chilli and cheese dish) in clay pots. Sura is an exclusive hall for private gatherings of royalty and VIPs; Ati, a magical treehouse cabin overlooking a gorge, offers bespoke barbecues in a pine forest. Each venue celebrates Bhutan’s flavours, culture and sense of place.

From exploring ancient temples and indulging in traditional wellness practices, to savouring local flavours and embarking on immersive cultural journeys, every experience brings Bhutan’s rich traditions and the spirit of Gross National Happiness to life.

A butler who combines meticulous attentiveness with a deep understanding of local culture is the perfect complement to a place like Pemako Punakha, where tradition and understated luxury come together so effortlessly.