RARE India has added the Zhiwaling luxury hotel to its curated portfolio of experiential hospitality properties in Bhutan. Notably, the property remains the only hotel in Bhutan that National Geographic has certified as a Unique Lodge, further strengthening its reputation in the global luxury hospitality sector.
Located in the scenic Paro Valley, Zhiwaling offers panoramic views of Paro Rinpung Dzong and stands as Bhutan’s first luxury hotel that Bhutanese entrepreneurs built and own. Since its establishment in 2005, the property has consistently reflected Bhutanese heritage, architecture, and sustainable hospitality practices.
The luxury hotel features three restaurants, a bar, a spa, outdoor hot stone baths, and an indoor heated pool. Additionally, the company stated that the property prioritizes local employment and uses traditional building materials sourced from nearby regions, reinforcing its commitment to community-driven tourism and sustainable development.
“Zhiwaling was built on the belief that luxury hospitality could emerge from authentic Bhutanese values rather than imported aesthetics,” said Dasho Ugyen Rinzin, Zhiwaling founder and chairman. “We don’t see hospitality as separate from culture; they are inseparable. That philosophy guides everything we do.”
Meanwhile, Shoba Rudra, RARE India founder, stated that Zhiwaling perfectly represents the kind of property that the platform aims to showcase. According to Rudra, the hotel remains deeply rooted in its destination while the people behind it stay strongly committed to their communities, traditions, and cultural heritage.
Furthermore, Zhiwaling’s inclusion in the RARE India portfolio highlights Bhutan’s rapidly growing profile as a premium and high-value tourism destination. Visitor arrivals in Bhutan reached 209,376 in 2025, reflecting a 44.33 percent increase from the previous year, according to Tashel Melong 2025, the annual tourism snapshot released by Bhutan’s Department of Tourism.
The development also aligns with RARE India’s continued expansion in the experiential luxury hospitality segment. Earlier in February, RARE India and Wildlife Luxuries Pvt. Ltd. launched Tipai Wildlife Luxuries near Tipeshwar National Park in Maharashtra, further strengthening the company’s presence in destination-led luxury travel experiences across South Asia.
The addition of Zhiwaling to the RARE India portfolio underscores the increasing global demand for authentic luxury travel experiences rooted in local culture, sustainability, and heritage. As Bhutan continues to attract premium international travelers, hospitality brands such as Zhiwaling and RARE India are positioning themselves at the forefront of experiential tourism and culturally immersive luxury hospitality.
