Credit: Uma by COMO, Paro
BHUTAN Companies looking for a luxurious base in this Himalayan Kingdom may find what they're after at Uma by COMO, Paro.
The 15-hectare property is available for resort buy-outs, allowing the focus needed for top strategy meetings and brainstorming. It has 29 guestrooms, nine of which are villas.
“Bhutan offers a peaceful escape from the hectic nature of our modern world, and as such is the perfect MICE destination for high-level executive sessions,” said resort general manager Norman Luxemburg.
Uma by COMO offers a full-time onsite MICE coordinator to organise events from meeting planning to activities, dining and refreshments. Indoor spaces available include the Meeting Room, seating 12 people and is fitted with wifi, microphones and projectors, while each of the Uma Paro villas feature large indoor and outdoor communal areas ideal for breakout seessions holding up to eight people.
Outdoor areas can also be set up for meetings, dining or entertainment. These consist of the central courtyard, poolside terrace and archery field.
In addition, dining outlets like the main Bukhari offers private and corporate dining for groups keen to sample traditional Bhutanese cuisine (using produce from the resort’s organic kitchen). Healthy menus can be themed upon request. Uma Bar can be booked for groups of up to 20 people.
Team-building activities can be built around Pranayama, yoga and pilates sessions inside the hotel. Groups can de-stress at the COMO Shambala Retreat, which uses natural and local ingredients with the help with Bhutan’s Hospital of Traditional Medicine. Groups can try their hand at archery – Bhutan’s national sport – at the resort’s archery grounds.
Those, who want to spend a day or two of their programme away from the resort, can choose from a variety of itineraries. These include a treks around the Paro Valley, led by an experienced guide, that stop by Taktsang “Tiger’s Nest” Monastery, the National Museum, Krkgyel Dzong, the ancient temple of Kyichu Lhakhang, as well as a hike to Kila Nunnery, situated between the valleys of Haa and Paro. There are multi-night camping activities in inspiring destinations like Jimlang Tsho Lake accessed by the scenic Druk Path. The challenging terrain can develop critical thinking, concentration, strength and flexibility for a different and fun workout and experience. Luxurious accommodations await at the handpicked campgrounds.
Groups can also go mountain biking and horse riding, an excellent way to take in the spectacular scenery and experience village life. Cultural excursions, which include a visit to Bhutanese villages and sessions in Bhutanese dance, can likewise be arranged.
www.comohotels.com/umaparo/uma-como-paro-bhutan
Gigi Onag
