DESIGN
A view of Eutok Samdrupcholing , a monastic school across the Neyphu Valley
my coffee if I like , and never have to sign a bill … It gives you the feeling , ‘ I ’ ve come to friends ,’” Lennaerts says .
It ’ s that mindful leisure that transforms a visit to the small hotel from “ collecting impressions ” to making connections , either with locals through cultural events or with themselves ( each room offers either a terrace or a balcony — and a bench under an apple tree , along with an inspiring book ). WiFi , boosted by glass fiber cable , is generally good , Lennaerts says , despite inherent challenges – and guests seem to adjust just fine to not being on their phones as much .
The main entrance introduces the spirit of the property . Through a gate is a courtyard with prayer wheels and a tree . Guests turn the wheels and cross the courtyard via a “ golden bridge ” to a set of red double doors . Beyond that is the candle-lit transformation room , whose wall paintings have animal and wheel of life imagery . Guests are invited to do a simple welcome ritual before entering the main building , with activity rooms , a boutique selling local products , restaurant and a view of the valley beyond . The hotel ’ s library acts as a sort of business office to identify local entrepreneurial ventures , such as amenities or muesli from indigenous grains , and guests are invited to learn more , invest or lend expertise .
LOCAL WELLNESS Lennaerts calls the hotel “ a monastery of healing .” Its 80 employees are nearly all Bhutanese , including 11 devoted to the spa .
A spa treatment room with hot tub
Treatments include Kunye ( traditional Tibetan massage ) and hot oil compression ; wellness programs include a consultation with a doctor of traditional medicine , using local herbs and “ menchu ,” medicinal water in hot stone baths ; there ’ s also a sauna , steam room and 50-foot pool . Guest rooms , with blue-gray stained Japanese pinewood furniture designed by the Lennaerts and
36 hotelsmag . com December 2018