The 45-room Zhiwa Ling combines the sensibilities of a fine Bhutanese guesthouse with the best of 21st Century technology. Envisioned and created by a local Bhutanese company, the hotel's elaborate hand-carved wooden cornices and masterful stonework coexist beautifully with cutting-edge telecommunication systems and Swedish under-floor heating.

The spa offers all the amenities of a modern fitness center – sauna, steam room, gym – as well as a traditional Bhutanese outdoor hot-stone bath. There is a Business Center, and a Tea House, two fully-equipped conference rooms and a Meditation House. One restaurant specializes in contemporary international cuisine, the other classic Bhutanese dishes. And everyone gathers at the Mad Monk Bar for after-hours fun.

Honoring the spiritual heritage of this ancient Buddhist kingdom, a temple has been built into the second floor of the hotel, made with 450-year-old timbers from the famous Gangtey Monastery, the crowning glory of this new ten-acre cultural landmark