The grand entrance, with its feng shui-inspired design and breathtaking spiral chandelier, set the tone for what would be an unforgettable stay. Rising 31 stories above the dynamic Marina Bay, the hotel offers not just a place to rest but a full sensory experience, where impeccable service, stunning views and a celebration of art and culture come together in perfect harmony.

_Lobby

_{King Room Marina View}

The Conrad’s seamless blend of sophistication and cultural immersion left a lasting impression, starting with the lobby, with its striking sculptures and rich colour palette, while the hotel’s commitment to local art is evident throughout. Rafael Barrios’ Turbulence sculpture, symbolising fire, and the glistening gold ceiling welcomes guests into an energetic but tranquil environment.

Rooms are a spacious retreat here, with contemporary Peranakan-inspired accents, offering a perfect balance of comfort and style. The view of Marina Bay is simply magnificent and luxurious amenities include a personalised pillow menu and Byredo toiletries. The marble bathroom, with its double vanities and walk-in shower, provide another indulgent space to unwind after a day of exploration.

_{Golden Peony}

_{Dim Sum at Golden Peony}

For dining, the hotel offers an exceptional range of options and guests are spoilt for choice. Oscar’s, with its live charcoal barbecue and seafood bar, provides a delightful fusion of Western and Asian flavours. Golden Peony’s Cantonese specialties, including the signature Peking Duck, are a true highlight – and a personal favourite. Meanwhile, The Terrace offers a relaxed atmosphere that transforms into a gin lover’s paradise in the evening, with an extensive selection of artisanal gin and tonic combinations.

_{Lobby Lounge Bar}

_{Outdoor Pool}

Whether visiting for business or leisure, Conrad Singapore Marina Bay stands as a premier destination amid several landmark attractions, making it an optimal base for exploring Singapore. With an effortless fusion of luxury service and local influence, this hotel doesn’t just raise the bar, it defines it.

by Vivian Hui

The starting rate for Conrad Marina Bay is S$416 per night

hilton.com/en/hotels/sincici-conrad-centennial-singapore/

The post Discovering Refined Comfort at Conrad Singapore Marina Bay first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

Mama Shelter resists the vocabulary of ready-made labels and has one reaching for an oxymoronic term like budget luxury. On the one hand, rooms are small, with queen-size beds and some have bunk beds but sheets are satin cotton, some bedrooms have private balconies and all have large screens and sound proofing.

There are two swimming pools, one of which doubles as a stage for DJ sets and live performances, and the rooftop enjoys an air-conditioned restaurant and deckchairs for sunset cocktails. Another restaurant, at ground level, has its own bar and a brasserie-style menu; Sunday brunches, always a big draw in Singapore, will attract local and tourists alike.

_{A medium double at Mama Shelter}

The Paris-born Mama Shelter hotel brand has been around since 2008, accumulating a score of properties around the globe but, until now, none further east of Europe than Dubai. The design team behind the Singapore hotel, Dion & Arles, also worked on Mama Shelter Shoreditch.

Their signature style displays colourful décor, patterned textures and a playful quirkiness that results in whimsical touches to the interior decoration but also, in the Singapore hotel, a hand-painted ceiling mural by Parisian street-artist, Beniloys, that took three months to create on site.

_{First-ever Mama Shelter bunk rooms}

Centrally located in the city state and with an ethos of affordability without sacrificing comfort, Mama Shelter Singapore should have an instant appeal for tourists valuing utility but appreciating a choice of bedrooms and a design-conscious environment.

by Sean Sheehan

Rooms from S$190+ per night, inclusive of breakfast for two guests, on bookings made before 31 August. The opening offer is valid for stays from 23 September 2025 to 28 February 2026, subject to blackout dates and availability.

For reservations, visit mamashelter.com/Singapore.

The post Get A Look At The New Mama Shelter, Singapore first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

You have to take the plunge, distracted by sights while dodging a perpetual flow of scooters around you. What helps is a tour on motorbike or in a faux military-style jeep, stopping for one-off experiences like a drink perched on a seat precariously close to tracks as a train hurtles past. Apparent madness and the mundane coexist in Hanoi.

_{Landmark 81 – Ho Chi Minh city}

Colonial-era buildings have been superbly preserved, now home to foreign embassies or government ministries, and admiring them up close is one of the city’s pleasures. Now mostly clustered in the vicinity of the Ho Chi Minh Memorial, streets here are more pedestrian-friendly and there’s time to take in the less frenetic cadence of a city with a thousand years of history.

_{Flowers and plants galore in the heart of a Vietnam metropolis}

Hoi Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, may at first be more familiar as a metropolis – witness its full-on coffee culture – but the food and drink scene is sensational and a food tour on foot will convince you of this. Pho will never taste as good, and then there is Anan, the first restaurant in the city to receive a Michelin star.

_{The State Bank of Vietnam}

To enjoy its jazzy vibes, a visit to Anan could begin in its darkly-lit bar area on the second floor. Guaranteed not to be easily forgotten, here is a drink with a bud of acmella oleracea – (aka Szechuan button) – pegged to the rim of your glass. The rooftop, dwarfed by high-rise edifices, is the spot for the tasting menu and its avant-garde takes on traditional Vietnamese dishes.

_{The old French quarter in Hanoi}

Vietnam Airlines is the only airline operating nonstop services between London Heathrow and both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Using 787-10 Dreamliners, the airline will also take you comfortably between the two cities.

by Sean Sheehan

For Vietnam Airlines, see vietnamairlines.com; for Hanoi tours, see hanoibackstreettours.com; for food tours in Ho Chi Minh City, see saigonstreeteats.com; for Anan restaurant, see anansaigon.com

The post Exploring the Sultry Street Life in Vietnam first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

It’s one of those properties you don’t notice until you look up. Lush greenery and friendly greetings frame a warm welcome, and upon entering The Lounge, the space echoes a “home away from home” feeling. Taken over by colourful bookshelves, curated art, and inviting seats, every corner of the hotel conveys a subtle, confident charm.

_{The Hari Hong Kong Exterior}

Opened in December 2020 and part of the Harilela family legacy, The Hari is the brand’s first venture into Asia following its London flagship. Designed by Tara Bernerd, the interiors layer petrol blue lacquer, rich timber, and plush velvets into a warm, contemporary aesthetic. The hotel’s creative spirit extends to its support for emerging talent through The Hari Art Prize, launched in 2023 to champion young Hong Kong-based artists, and it’s these that decorate the unique property.

_{The Lounge}

Luxurious accents are seen in the guest rooms as well. Our stay in one of the One Corner Room features smart detailing, tactile textures, and a marble bathroom with a walk-in rainforest shower – creating a quiet, comfortable retreat above the city streets.

Dining is another cornerstone. Mornings at Lucciola, the hotel’s chic Italian restaurant and bar, unfold over beautifully plated classics served alongside a buffet, while evenings at Zoku offer a more theatrical experience. The contemporary restaurant on the second floor is inspired by Japan’s culinary culture, where dishes are served beneath an origami ceiling.

_{Premium Corner Room}

_Zoku

Adjacent to Zoku is The Terrace bar, framed by a soaring green wall. The space provides a refreshing contrast to the city’s urban pace, serving signature cocktails (my favourite being the Hari75) and delicious small plates in an al fresco setting – I could have easily spent the whole day here sampling the extensive menus.

_{The Terrace}

Service throughout is polished, intuitive, and never intrusive. Whether returning from a gallery visit or an evening out, The Hari maintains a calming presence in the loud streets of Wan Chai, always composed and always welcoming. The team shared their knowledge and advice when it came to navigating Hong Kong, most helpful was Sugus who answered my curiosities about both inside and outside The Hari, having her expertise on local recommendations made my experience of the city much more seamless.

When it comes to travelling far from home, comfort and reliability are what many look for. At The Hari Hong Kong, the property stands out not just for how it looks, but how it makes guests feels.

by Vivian Hui

For more information, visit https://www.thehari.com/hong-kong/

330 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai

The post Elevated Luxury in the City of Skyscrapers first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

_{Bar at Uga Chena Huts}

While most associate big game safaris with Africa’s storied reserves, another compelling option exists along the wild south-eastern shores of Sri Lanka. Here, Yala National Park, a semi-arid swathe of jungle set between mountain and ocean, is home to a thrillingly diverse flora and fauna distinct to the island, including the world’s highest density of leopards, which can reach up to twice the size of their African equivalents.

Edging deeper into Yala, huge gneiss rock formations push up past the canopy, malabar pied hornbills and storks flap past and we witness basking mugger crocodiles, water buffaloes taking a cooling dip and grey langur monkeys feasting on berries among the trees.

_{Bedroom interior}

_{Private Plunge Pool}

Such abundance has made Yala’s 100,000 hectares a haven for wildlife lovers and, on its fringes, Uga Chena Huts is perfectly positioned for those hoping for close encounters with nature. This stylish resort occupies the same habitat as the park, whose entrance is a five-minute drive away, meaning many of its residents can be spotted foraging or flying in sight of its scattering of 18 secluded thatched cabins.

Spread among the trees and linked by raised walkways, their design is inspired by traditional farmers’ lookout huts, all muted tones, handwoven textiles and natural materials, as well as luxe touches including the spacious standalone bath. Each comes with a private pool terrace, angled out into the scrub and it’s from here that I observe mongooses, swaggering monitor lizards and darting green bee-eater birds as I cool off after my first game drive.

_{Main Pool}

_{Asian Elephant}

More serendipitous sightings follow during sundowners, when a solitary bull elephant ambles along the beach as a handful of fortunate onlookers observe from the terrace. It’s a thrilling, unexpected moment and there’s a hushed silence as our new companion rustles through the scrub in search of evening sustenance.

With the sun dipping further towards the horizon, eyes turn skywards as a tapestry of stars and planets become visible as the bar team deliver gin and tonics and a chorus of cicadas and frogs accompanies the crash of the Indian Ocean on the shore.

_{Basses Restaurant}

_{Grilled prawns at Uga Chena Huts}

Taking its name from the Basses lighthouse blinking offshore, which wards passing ships off Sri Lanka’s southern reef, the resort’s restaurant is a sophisticated melding of Sri Lankan influences and ingredients with a focus on over-fire cooking. As well as claypot curries and spicy sambals, barbecued seafood is a speciality, while mornings offer coconutty halapa pancakes, buffalo curds with kithul treacle and tropical fruit platters alongside international brunch staples. 

_{Beach at Uga Chena Huts}

Over the days that follow, further game drives – part of Uga Chena Huts’ all-inclusive offering – shed more light on the region’s residents, with Jayaba’s deep knowledge accompanying each sighting with fascinating context. We visit prehistoric settlements and stop for snacks at a commanding viewpoint where Yala’s dramatic expanse opens up in front of us.

On a beach walk between dunes and shoreline, we spot buffalo tracks, elephant dung and telltale signs of turtles heaving themselves out of the sea’s strong currents to lay eggs the night before. Even the insect life sets out to impress here, with bright-hued dragonflies and butterflies a constant around the tree-lined pool. While the leopard might have remained but a grey smudge on this occasion, Sri Lanka’s vivid landscapes and abundant wildlife play out in thrillingly high definition.

by Ben Olsen

_{Nightly rates at Uga Chena Huts start from $1,237 per night, based on two adults sharing a Luxury Pool Cabin on an all-inclusive basis. ugaescapes.com/chenahuts}

The post Into the wild in Sri Lanka’s Uga Chena Huts first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

The unique property elevated above the vibrant city is an urban retreat in the heart of Shinjuku’s world-famous Kabukicho district. It’s worth staying for the views alone – being nestled on the 39th to 47th floors of the Tokyo Kabukicho Tower means that you’ll be overlooking the panorama of Tokyo.

_{Studio Premier}

_Reception

As with all the guest rooms in BELLUSTAR TOKYO, Japanese culture is seamlessly woven into the interiors. My Studio Premier room has all the amenities you’ll find in a comfortable home, with the option of the rain shower or jet bath to revitalise oneself after long days in the city.

SPA Sunya

If ultra-relaxation is what you’re after, Spa Sunya, Sanskrit for “sky”, offers treatments to calm the body and mind, inspired by blessings from the different regions of the country. Guests can experience the four seasons and beauty of Japan’s soil while surrounded by dramatic sights as the spa is situated on the hotel’s highest floor. 

_{Teppan Ten-Yu}

For elevated Japanese experience of the culinary kind, Teppan Ten-Yu is perfect for guests like me who are looking to relish the finest Wagyu beef. The restaurant savours seasonal ingredients crafted by skilled chefs and, with a backdrop of Tokyo’s skyline, it’s hard not to be clicking on your camera while in this private dining space. 

Up in the skies, the tranquil haven of BELLUSTAR TOKYO sets itself apart from the buzz of the city, but with its central location and easy access to Tokyo’s must-visits, you get the best of both worlds.

by Vivian Hui

_{Starting rate at BELLUSTAR TOKYO is JPY75,000 net (all room rates are subject to prevailing taxes)}

_{Address: 1-29-1, Kabukicho Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan 160-0021} 

_{panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/bellustar-tokyo.html}

The post Glass finds tranquillity above the lively capital at Bellustar Tokyo first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

_{Prestige Suite Room}

Boasting 546 rooms and suites across 36 floors, the Osaka outpost offers panoramic views of the city equipped with all the necessities any tourist might need. Getting out and about is not a problem due to the hotel’s hyperconnectivity to cultural landmarks and surrounding neighbourhoods, making it ideal for business travellers and families alike. 

_{Deluxe Suite Room}

Comprising six different restaurants, including a café for your morning coffee, a bar for a relaxing night-cap and a top-floor intimate dining area, each of the culinary options brings a carefully considered offering that promises local produce are utilised and menus abide by the seasons. 

_{The Lounge}

For relaxation, the Pürovel Spa promises to be a serene escape with its Swiss-inspired wellness treatments and indoor pool. If you’re after a photo-worthy opportunity, then the trendy canal side district of Dotonbori and Kuromon Market are within walking distance. Promising not just a five-star stay, Swissotel Nankai delivers an immersive experience that blends culture with Osaka’s vibrant landscape from every angle. 

by Ashleigh Jacobs

_{Room rates start from £198 for Swiss Queen room}

_{swissotelnankaiosaka.com}

The post Glass gets that east meets west feeling at Swissotel Nankai first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

Tucked away amongst 4.5 hectares of verdant gardens, Azerai Ke Ga Bay’s unique location makes it a popular wellness destination. Now, to further spotlight its serene surroundings, Azerai Ke Ga Bay is introducing outdoor yoga sessions.

_{Azerai Ke Ga Bay}

Guests at the resort can enjoy a calming complimentary midweek and weekend sunrise yoga class, led by yoga specialist Trang Tran. With expertise in classical yoga, yin yoga, pranayama, and mindfulness practices, Trang Tran’s yoga sessions melt away any stresses and promote holistic relaxation. Additionally, Trang Tran is a certified sound healer and can intertwine therapeutic sound healing techniques, such as singing bowls and gongs, into her private sessions.

Speaking on the yoga sessions, General Manager Julian Moore said: “Azerai Ke Ga Bay is an oasis of relaxation on the sea, and our new yoga sessions will help guests rejuvenate their mind, body, and soul as they start each day with peace, stretching and grounding, and connect with nature themselves”.

_{Azerai Ke Ga Bay}

The yoga sessions will take place outside Azerai Ke Ga Bay’s oceanfront spa, where additional wellness experiences are on offer. The spa menu features many rejuvenating treatments, including deep tissue to gentle massages, stone therapy, body scrubs, wraps, facials, and hand and food therapy.  

For guests seeking a more personalised experience, Azerai Ke ga Bay offers private yoga sessions and singing bowl meditation, including for solo practice, couple’s sessions or a group gathering. All yoga sessions are subject to availability and reservations are required.

by Sophie Richardson

_{For more information or to make a booking, please visit here.}

The post Azerai Ke Ga Bay introduces new outdoor yoga sessions first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

This captivating country transitioned 16 years ago from one of the world’s most storied monarchies to a democratic republic, but retaining its distinctiveness in several unique ways. One of Nepal’s most captivating cultural traditions is the worship of the living goddess, Kumari, a young girl who is revered as a deity until she reaches puberty.

She has daily audiences in her Kathmandu palace with the public, where tourists can gain a glimpse of her. Other interesting facts about Nepal include being the only country in the world with a 15-minute time offset relative to its neighbouring countries, and also being the only nation with a non-rectangular national flag (depicting mountain peaks). 

_{Swimmng pool at Dwarika’s Hotel}

In Kathmandu we are staying at the palatial Dwarika’s Hotel, a heritage property showcasing Nepalese craftsmanship and resembling a museum rather than a luxury hotel with its 13th century artefacts and multiple courtyards.

It dates back to 1952 when the founder, Dwarika Das Shrestha, began rescuing ornate wooden carvings from ancient buildings. He purchased land to store and display these artefacts, eventually creating the eponymous boutique hotel, which opened its doors to guests in 1977.

_{Krishnarpan Nepali Restaurant at Dwarika’s Hotel}

The property, which continues to play host to a line-up of international royalty and celebrities, comprises 80 spacious and authentically designed rooms and suites. Each is a testament to Nepal’s creative history, featuring beamed ceilings, custom-made dark-wood furnishings, shiny terracotta tiled floors and hand-woven upholstery.

This family-run hotel offers three restaurants with most of the food supplied by the Dwarika’s local organic farms. Toran, the all-day dining eatery with an international menu where we enjoy an al-fresco breakfast in the tree-filled courtyard; Mako’s, the spot for Japanese fare; and the highly acclaimed Krishnarpan serving the finest Nepalese cuisine in Kathmandu. 

_{Organic Farm at Dwarika’s Resort}

A two-hour drive takes us to the laid-back sister property, Dwarika’s Resort, an all-suite wellness mountain-side retreat offering spectacular views of Kathmandu Valley. Mornings kick off with a mountain-top yoga session under the sunrise, followed by a hearty al fresco breakfast.

Afternoons are spent with the highly qualified Ayurvedic doctor offering advice on how to work towards a more holistic approach to life. We learn how to balance our mind and body and to discover what type of diet suits our specific body types and physiological needs. 

_{Dwarika’s Resort bedroom suite}

The charming guru Sivaraman teaches us how breathing therapy can help us in our everyday lives and he guides us on a range of breathing exercises. On our final evening, we head to the Pancha Kosha Himalayan Spa passing trees with affirmation inscriptions, an indication of the spirituality resonating throughout the resort. The indulgent massage with scented lemongrass oil soothes our muscles and calms our souls, just in time for pre-dinner drinks at the highest spot at the resort, Gol Lok Dham Lounge, where we enjoy panoramic views of the sun slowly setting over the Himalayas.

During our time in Nepal we discover a country where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with a tranquil lifestyle. From the bustling colourful streets of Kathmandu to the serene verdant tranquillity of the Himalayan foothills, this country guarantees a unique adventure exploring its natural wonders and its rich cultural tapestry.

by Amanda Bernstein

_{The Dwarika’s Hotel starting price (on BB basis, high season): $446.29 (for 2 people) dwarikas.com}

_{The Dwarika’s Resort starting price (on BB basis, high season): $620.62 (for 2 people) dwarikas-dhulikhel.com}

The post Glass experiences the beauty of the Himalayas first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

In a city famed to be the epicentre of food, arts and culture in Japan, this 200-room hotel offers a slower, more relaxed pace than what’s going on around it. Hopping off one of the mega-watt high-speed Bullet trains and entering into a cascade of sparkling chandeliers and golden hues, the bustle of the capital mutes into the fail-safe tone of what the Shangri-La chain has become synonymous with. 

_{Horizon Club Lounge}

The interior blends the 360-degree views of its surroundings with an apt tribute to Japanese artistry. Think rich hues of colour from mahogany wood panelling to the plush plethora of fabrics that cover the sofas, and balancing this with an impressive display of more than 2,000 art pieces that provide a cultural depth to this whopping blend of opulence. 

_{Executive Suite}

But don’t be fooled by the decadence, the Shangri-La Tokyo values family guest stays, offering a special staycation package in the Executive Suite called Into the Wild. With a welcome train cake, Shangri-La bear and an enviable amount of rental board games, you can revel in the amenities while keeping your children equally entertained. 

_{Executive Suite – Kids setup}

_{View of Tokyo Station from Shangri-La Tokyo}

And with complimentary access to the hotel’s heated indoor swimming pool, they can make a splash while you wind down in a more serene manner, having a traditional Kisetsu body wrap in Chi, The Spa. Though city breaks aren’t always known for their relaxing vibe, a pit-stop at the Shangri-La Tokyo is far from your average stay – it’s a holiday in itself. 

by Imogen Clark

_{Stay package ‘Into the Wild’ starts at USD1,421}

_{For more information, visit shangri-la.com/tokyo/shangrila/}

_{Address: Marunouchi Trust Tower Main, 1-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Japan}

The post Glass enjoys a city escape at Shangri-La Tokyo first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

Designed by Belgian architect Jean-Michel Gathy and his firm Denniston, the immaculate 299-room establishment has won applause globally for its fresh take on luxury, reaching third spot in The World’s 50 Best Hotels List 2023. 

_Pool

Enveloped in a constant dialogue between Thai-design and world-class hospitality, the Four Seasons Bangkok balances sprawling courtyards full of amazing water features with an interior that boasts an art-fuelled lobby curated in partnership with MOCA Bangkok, herringbone patterned walls and bathrooms boasting Apaiser stone baths. 

_{Palmier by Guillaume Galliot}

When it comes to culinary prowess, Bangkok is fuelled by its multicultural offerings and the Four Seasons Bangkok offers some of the best. Yu Ting Yuan, its signature Cantonese restaurant by chef Tommy Cheung, has already earned a Michelin-star and promises to be a treat for the tastebuds.

From perfecting roasted meats to crafting intricate dim-sum, it’s pure joy from start to finish. For those after a taste of Europe, Riva del Fiume ushers you to Italian shores with its rustic menu, while Palmier by Guillaume Galliot serves French brasserie-style classics. 

_{BKK Social Club}

But it’s BKK Social Club that has everyone talking. Again considered one of the finest in the world (with a plethora of awards accordingly) and inspired by the nightlife of Buenos Aires, this bar has taken a slice of South American charm to create an environment of sultry glamour centred by a truly experimental cocktail menu.  

_{Executive Suite}

Being able to offer guests a type of peace and quiet rare for Bangkok while maintaining an exceptional level of service, makes this hotel more than worthy of all its accolades.  

by Imogen Clark

_{fourseasons.com}

_{Hotel Reservation: +66 (0)2 032 0887}

_{Starting price for Guest Rooms:  USD450++ for Standard Room}

_{Starting price for Suites: USD700++ for Studio Suite / USD1400++ for One-Bedroom Suite}

The post Glass stays in an urban oasis at the Four Seasons Bangkok first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

According to legend, the monastery was founded in the eighth century by Padmasambhava, the “Second Buddha”, who flew to this site on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours.  

This hike was the culmination of our Bhutanese adventure, having landed at Paro Airport a week earlier, with our plane banking left and right between the surrounding 18,000-foot peaks of Mount Jumolhari. Our pilot is one of only 24 in the world trained to land here.

_{Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten | Photography bay Marcus Westberg}

We have come to explore the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, nestled between China and India, with a population of only 750,000 living in the valleys of a country that is 99 per cent mountainous. Buddhism, the official state religion, permeates every aspect of the Bhutanese lifestyle, culture and even attire, with men wearing the traditional Bhutanese gho and women wearing the kira.

Bhutan has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last 15 years, evolving from an absolute to a democratic monarchy, with the government monitoring the country’s prosperity through its “Gross National Happiness” index. The so-called GNH tracks the population’s mental well-being, education, cultural diversity, community spirit, sustainability and living standards. 

_{Tiger’s Nest Monastery | Photography bay Marcus Westberg}

On our one-hour drive from the airport to the capital, Thimphu, our guide explains the reason for the mandatory accompaniment of all international tourists. It’s to ensure reverence for Bhutanese religious sites, to show respect for national traditions and to protect the environment.

We check in at Pemako Thimphu, a striking hotel enveloped by the vista of the surrounding mountains. Its exterior features a traditional Bhutanese façade with whitewashed walls, intricate wooden cornices and lotus-shaped window frames. The resident Buddhist monk blesses us with a welcoming ceremony, tying a red thread around our wrists, symbolising good luck and prosperity, which we proudly wear for the duration of our trip.

_{Punakha Dzong | Photography bay Marcus Westberg}

We are perfectly located to explore this quaint city and viewing its distinctive architecture, with each building adorned with ornate colourful designs and religious symbols. We later discover that the Bhutanese style of architecture extends to all the country’s monuments, dzongs, temples and monasteries.

Thimphu is the place to purchase textiles and handicrafts, to indulge in Bhutanese cuisine and to mingle with the locals. We admire the theatrical moves of the white gloved traffic policeman in an impeccable uniform, standing in his signal box directing traffic at the city’s only roundabout. Intriguingly, there are no traffic lights anywhere in Bhutan.

_{Pemako Thimphu Lobby and Restaurant}

A two-hour drive eastward across never-ending undulating valleys and verdant mountain peaks takes us to Punakha, the ancient capital city. We are staying at Como Uma Punakha, where our balcony overlooks the breadth of the riverine Punakha Valley. In the morning, we follow a trail to hike up to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a modern monastery built in 2004 to ward off evil spirits and bring peace and harmony to all living things. Afterwards, we take a river raft to Punakha Dzong, a fortress monastery and one of Bhutan’s most revered sites.

After our descent from Tiger’s Nest near Paro, we head to our hotel, Amankora Paro, and its sultry Aman spa with its specially blended Aman amenities. We luxuriate in a traditional steamy hot stone bath, infused with rosemary, to ease our weary muscles. This pristine lodge, with its minimal aesthetic and incomparable service, offers unrestricted mealtimes serving Michelin-star worthy dishes, a help-yourself bar, daily cultural activities and a same-day laundry service.

We came to explore what makes this tiny Kingdom of Bhutan the happiest place on earth. We depart feeling privileged to have experienced the uniqueness of Bhutan’s traditional lifestyle and the sense the excitement for the King of Bhutan’s plan for the economic development of Gelephu in the more accessible south of the country, which will enable many more tourists to experience this happy Himalayan Kingdom in the near future.

by Amanda Bernstein

_{COMO Uma Punakha: Valley room stays start from $695 per night, inclusive of tax and service charge. COMO offers end to end services including visa applications, guides and activities.} 

_{Pemako Thimphu: stays start from $1,020 during high season (March-May/September- November). Rates include accommodation on a B&B basis and use of hotel amenities.}

_{Stays at Amankora start from $1,900 per night, based on double occupancy, excluding taxes and fees, all meals at Amankora Dining Room, picnics en route to other Amankora lodges, in-house beverages.}

_{For more information on visiting Bhutan, see bhutan.travel}

The post Glass visits the happy Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan first appeared on The Glass Magazine.