When only a top-of-the-line hotel will do, look no further than the Taj Tashi in Thimphu. With 66 rooms and suites, this is one of the biggest five-star hotels in town. It’s also part of the international Taj brand – but don’t mistake this for a cookie-cutter chain hotel. The Taj Tashi exudes character and charm from every facet of its design. The exterior artfully combines the appearance of a traditional Bhutanese dzong with more contemporary sensibilities, and the interior is decorated with hand-painted Buddhist murals. Depending on the room you choose, you’ll enjoy marble-tiled bathrooms and private balconies overlooking the mountains and town below. And thanks to its central location right on Nordzin Lam, you’ll have convenient access to great shopping opportunities at the National Handicraft Emporium and Thimphu Handicraft Market.

The Taj Tashi resort strives to offer guests a genuine cultural experience by embracing Bhutanese design motifs all over the hotel. Its bar, outdoor terrace, and tea lounge are each themed according to different aspects of Himalayan culture. For example, the Ara bar is named after the local rice wine and is decorated with the dramneyn, or Himalayan seven-stringed guitar. You can enjoy fine dining at two restaurants here: Chig-Ja-Gye specializes in local cuisine, while The Thongsel features both European and Bhutanese dishes on its menu. The resort’s Jiva Spa is the best way to unwind after spending the day in the capital city; available treatments include a hot stone bath and candlelit aromatherapy massage for couples.