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FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions

About the Sanctuary

What does "wellness-inclusive" mean at the Sanctuary?

“Wellness-inclusive” at the Sanctuary starts from the moment you enter our courtyard. We have thought about every step you will take during your journey with us. Our wellness-inclusive concept is not limited to spa treatments, a lovely pool, and a well-equipped gym, but transcends to all aspects of your stay. Our goal is a balanced body, mind, and spirit experience. 

Your stay will include delicious meals each day: a 4-course Chef’s Special set lunch, a 6-course Chef’s Special set dinner, and a freshly prepared à la carte breakfast. You’ll also have the chance to meet with a Traditional Bhutanese Medicine Doctor who will develop your personal wellness program. Every day you can enjoy a wellness treatment and make full use of our wellness facilities. Daily yoga classes, meditation sessions, and handpicked in-house activities are all part of the experience, created to help you feel rested, renewed, and deeply cared for.

Learn more about our wellness offers here.

You can opt for either a Terrace room (54m²) or a Balcony room (46m²). Whichever one you choose, all our rooms have a wonderful view of the Neyphu Valley and the snow-topped Himalayan mountains. The rooms are elegantly decorated in light colors and with natural materials. Both types of rooms have their own comfortable sitting area and a private bathroom with floor heating. 

If you are looking for privacy, the Balcony rooms are more suited for you. If you are looking for lots of space and free entrance into our gardens, the Terrace rooms are recommended.

Learn more about our rooms here. 

At Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, we warmly welcome children aged 12 years and older. We do not have interconnecting rooms available.

Absolutely! We have a dedicated and passionate Culinary Team, led by an international Executive Chef, that can adapt to many dietary restrictions or preferences – including vegan, vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-free. 

Kindly inform our team before your arrival so we can adapt accordingly.

At the Sanctuary, we do not have fixed check-in and check-out times. We know that many flights arrive early in the morning, and whenever we can, we will accommodate early check-in without additional charges.

If your room is not yet available, we kindly invite you to breakfast in our restaurant, and we will store your luggage for the time being.

We offer complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas in the Sanctuary. We kindly ask you not to use your cell phones in the Wellness lounge.

We often host retreats, events, and special programs at the Sanctuary. We regularly collaborate with yoga teachers, coaches, artists, and writers for thematic events & retreats. 

If you would like to host an organised retreat or special program at the Sanctuary, kindly reach out to us at sales@bhutanspiritsanctuary.com – we would love to discuss this further.

Yes. We have a dedicated and passionate Culinary Team, led by an international Executive Chef, serving a variety of Western, Asian, and Bhutanese dishes – with the ability to adapt to many diet preferences or food allergies. Guests can enjoy our dining-inclusive concept daily, with healthy and tasty à la carte breakfasts, 4-course Chef’s Daily Special set lunches, 6-course Chef’s Daily Special set dinners, and snacks. Learn more about the Sanctuary’s restaurant here.

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary is very centrally located, and only a 15-minute drive from the only international airport in Paro, Bhutan. 

You can also easily visit all other major attractions in Bhutan from our Sanctuary:

  • Eutok Goenpa Monastery in the Neyphu Valley (1 hour hike/10 minute drive);
  • Tiger’s Nest base (45 min drive);
  • Bhutan National Museum in Paro (45 min drive);
  • Chele La Pass (3 hour drive);
  • Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan (1 hour drive);
  • Dochu La Pass (1,5 hour drive).

No, our room rates do not include transport to and from the airport, but we can arrange this for you. Kindly reach out to us at sales@bhutanspiritsanctuary.com

Absolutely. During your stay with us, we can arrange tours or excursions outside the Sanctuary (at an additional cost). Please contact us at sales@bhutanspiritsanctuary.com 

About Bhutan

Tourism policy

Bhutan holds a unique tourism policy of ‘High-value, Low-volume’, preventing mass tourism and protecting the pristine environment of the Kingdom. As a consequence, visitors of Bhutan need to comply with several regulations: apply for a visa or travel permit, and pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).

The mandatory SDF is levied by the Government of Bhutan to all tourists visiting Bhutan and is used for various initiatives in the country, including preserving the country’s environment, maintaining its cultural heritage, providing free healthcare and education, and supporting sustainable development projects that benefit local communities.

All visitors (except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives) require a visa to enter Bhutan. 

To apply for a visa to Bhutan, please visit the Department of Immigration’s official website at https://immi.gov.bt/home/.

The following documents are required for your application:

  • A digital copy of your passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Bhutan.
  • A recent passport-size photograph in digital format.

As part of the visa application, you will need to pay the mandatory Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). Kindly ensure that all transfer fees and bank charges are covered, as any unpaid fees may delay the processing of your application. Visa processing typically takes up to 5 working days. 

For support on visa processing, please contact us at sales@bhutanspiritsanctuary.com.

Yes, as per Bhutanese law, it is mandatory to be accompanied by a licensed guide when visiting sites in the country. Our in-house travel agency can assist in arranging these services, which should be pre-booked before your arrival.

No, there is no limit; everybody is welcome to visit Bhutan.

Bhutan has one international airport: Paro International Airport (PBH). 

Flights are operated by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines from major hubs such as Delhi, Kathmandu, Bangkok, Dubai, and Singapore. 

If you need any assistance with flight reservations, please contact us at sales@bhutanspiritsanctuary.com.

Bhutan is a year-round destination, and each season has its own unique beauty:

  • Spring (March–May): Blooming valleys, warm sunshine, and ideal trekking weather.
  • Summer (June–August): Lush green landscapes and quieter experiences.
  • Autumn (September–November): Crisp days, clear mountain views, and lively festivals.
  • Winter (December–February): Blue skies, peaceful surroundings, and occasional snowfall.

There is no single “best” time, as Bhutan is beautiful in every season.

Yes. Bhutan is considered one of the world’s safest countries, with low crime rates and a culture rooted in kindness and respect.

The local currency is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN).

Credit cards are generally not accepted outside of hotels, and reliable ATMs are scarce in Bhutan.

At the Sanctuary, we accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. A 3% processing fee is charged by the bank for credit card payments. We will cover this fee for room-related payments, but it will apply to all other charges. 

We also accept payments in cash, including USD, EUR, GBP, INR, and BTN. Please ensure that banknotes are undamaged and relatively new, as older or worn notes may not be accepted.

  • Confirm with your bank that your debit/credit cards are enabled for international transactions, including use in Bhutan.
  • Notify your bank of your travel dates and destination to prevent transaction declines and ensure smooth payments.
  • Ensure your card network — Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, JCB, or American Express — is supported by banks in Bhutan.
  • Note for Indian tourists: Cards issued in India denominated in USD will not work in Bhutan due to FEMA regulations by the Reserve Bank of India. 

As a licensed exchange facility, we offer currency exchange services for USD, EUR, GBP, and INR into Bhutanese Ngultrum. Credit card payments for exchanges are subject to a 3% processing fee.

English is widely spoken, especially in the hospitality sector. 

Most valleys, including Paro and Thimphu, lie between 2,200–2,800 meters (7,200–9,200 ft). Some visitors may feel mild effects upon arrival, but most adjust quickly. Staying hydrated and resting on the first day helps. Our Wellness Team is there to support  you in case of any symptoms.

Layered clothing is essential, as temperatures vary by season and altitude. Comfortable walking shoes, warm evening wear, and breathable fabrics for daytime are recommended.

Respect is deeply valued in Bhutan. Some of the key etiquette to keep in mind:

  • Removing shoes before entering temples or monasteries.
  • Dressing modestly at religious sites.
  • Walking clockwise around stupas or prayer wheels.
  • Asking permission before photographing monks or locals.

Although it is not mandatory, we highly recommend travel insurance to cover medical emergencies.

Many experiences (cultural visits, wellness treatments, and even trekking) can be enjoyed at a gentle pace. Bhutanese hospitality ensures you are comfortable at every stage.

Bhutanese cuisine mainly features rice, fresh vegetables, and flavorful spices (especially chili!). 

At the Sanctuary,  we serve a mix of international, Asian, and Bhutanese dishes.

Yes. Bhutan is often combined with Nepal, India, or Thailand, thanks to excellent regional flight connections from Paro.