I’ve stayed in a goodly number of luxury—and even uber luxury—hotel properties around the world, and with only an occasional trivial objection, I’ve enjoyed them all. But I’ve also learned to keep an open mind about where I lay my head for the night. Particularly, if one is open to what might be considered “unconventional” experiences, there are opportunities to stay in places where the tourist never ventures.

 

For example, in Bhutan I’ve had the opportunity to stay at the Shingkhar Dechenling Monastery, situated at about 11,000 feet in the central eastern part of the country. The only way to reach it is by rough road from what was then the country's only airport at Paro.

 

The monastery itself is a simple one, without electricity, but its views are fabulous and its temple beautifully decorated with representations of the story of Buddhism. The two guest rooms are heated with wood-burning stoves, but the hot water bottle placed at the bottom of each bed at night is especially welcome. There are Western toilets and running water. In the meadow below, monks prepare crude but luscious hot rock baths with spring water. Meals are excellent, as they also are in the small village restaurants that provide the dining en route. Vegetables, cheese and chilies, red rice and curry, chicken stews and pork dumplings, much of it quite excellent, are commonly served.  

 

 

 

Paula “Anyplace I Hang My Hat Is Home” Gifford