Pemako Hotels, the first Bhutanese-owned and managed luxury hotel group, is announcing expansion plans with a third new property set to open in Paro in 2029.
Pemako, which translates to “hidden lotus-shaped land”, currently comprises of two thoughtfully curated hotels – opulent tented villas immersed in nature in Punakha, and an urban sanctuary located in Thimphu. The addition of a new hotel in Paro will extend Pemako’s presence in Bhutan further, with hotels in all of Bhutan’s key locations.
The new property will be designed in partnership with Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) in keeping with Pemako’s essence – which is for guests to experience authentic and genuine Bhutanese experiences. The Danish architects are also behind the new concept of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, the first area of its kind, set to open in Bhutan aiming to be world’s first mindfulness city.
Pemako Hotels offers a modern simplistic sense of luxury, rooted in Bhutanese culture and balancing guests’ needs for comfort and indulgence with a more measured approach.
The group’s two existing hotels are each set amongst natural surroundings infused with traditional Bhutanese essence, reflected across their design, culinary offerings and hospitality. Pemako Punakha is also the first luxury tented resort in Bhutan – an increasingly popular form of alternative accommodation in the luxury space. All of its guestrooms are luxury tented pool villas conceptually designed by Bill Bensley, and the property features five food and beverage outlets and a Sowa Rigpa inspired spa.
Soon to welcome Pemako’s newest offering, the popular Bhutanese destination of Paro is a historic town surrounded by small villages, historic buildings and home to as many as 155 temples and monasteries dating back to the 14th century.
Pemako is committed to fostering coexistence and symbiotic relationships with the local community. As a brand, 99% of their employees are local residents and they strive to use locally produced agricultural and farm products, supporting and empowering the community from within.
The hospitality brand – created to showcase Bhutanese hospitality and the beauty of Bhutan to the rest of the world – is looking into future expansion plans both in Bhutan and further afield, following a successful three years in operation.
Commenting on the future of Pemako, Mr Wangchuk Dorji , owner of the hotel group and co-owner of Bhutan’s largest private conglomerate, the Tashi Group, says: “Whilst Pemako remains a local brand, we have the aspirational goal to go global, bringing the beauty of Bhutanese hospitality to other special destinations in the future. In the next 5-8 years we hope to be internationally present and look forward to sharing more news in years to come.”
He adds: “Bhutan is a uniquely untouched land with self-nurtured culture and tradition which is hard to find in this fast-moving world. Bhutan shares the closest relationship with the nature, something that is really close to my heart. With Bhutan being my home, I want to share a little slice of my special country with each and every visitor by offering them a truly unique and authentic Bhutanese experience.”
