Taj Tashi

Class: Deluxe

Style: Stylish alternative

Rooms: 66

The luxury market in Bhutan’s capital is not a crowded space — if you’re in town looking to maximize your Gross Personal Happiness, there’s really no place quite like the Taj Tashi Thimphu. Consider it a reward for trekking through the mountains, or for simply getting through the country’s stringent visa process. The Taj group is known for planting its properties squarely at the intersection of local and decadent, and this one is no exception.

The hotel, whose dzong architecture lends it a fortresslike aspect, is situated in the middle of the capital city, ringed by the Himalayas. Bhutan pine and Thai silks cover the floors; detailed Buddhist murals cover the walls. While guests can certainly opt for eggs and other Western specialties, they’re missing a chance at some fine Bhutanese food, including the chili-and-cheese stew known as ema datshi. Traditional dancers perform each night in the courtyard. And out back is an enormous hand-etched prayer wheel, containing, according to some, a billion mantras.

As for decadence, consider this: a pillow menu, ranging from the typical to an herb-filled concoction meant to stimulate meditation; heated floors and standalone tubs in the bathrooms; canopy beds and balconies and divans positioned so that you can recline with views only of treetops and swirling clouds; and nightly treats helping ensure sweet dreams. And then there’s the spa. Some of its signature treatments involve an invigorating massage, followed by a relaxing poultice; others feature intricate bathing rituals developed to prepare royalty for their wedding day.

Taj Tashi Thimpu is a 45-minute drive from Paro International Airport, which is the only international airport of Bhutan. There are flights from Bangkok, New Delhi, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Bagdogra and Guwahati to Paro.