Bhutan Honeymoon Escape: A 9-day honeymoon package in the Last Shangri‑La

The first stop is Tamchog Lhakhang, a historic temple midway between the airport and Thimphu. Then Buddha Dordenma, a colossal statue 51.5 metres tall on a hilltop above the city, with landscaped gardens and a calm, reflective air. Later, the Simply Bhutan museum, a living museum of age-old arts, crafts and architecture where you can even try your hand at archery, and the Takin Preserve, home of Bhutan's national animal, with the body of a cow and the head of a goat.

In the evening, a 30 to 45-minute walk from the BBS Tower at Sangaygang to Wangditse Goenpa, a 300-year-old temple on the ridge, through pine forest in the setting sun, with the golden roofs of Tashichho Dzong below and the city lights coming on as you walk back under the stars. The day ends in an authentic Bhutanese home with a dinner of ema datshi, phaksha paa and momos.

Back at your hotel, your room is prepared with fresh flowers and soft candlelight: a warm, private start to your honeymoon in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Step into a serene monastery to meet a revered Buddhist master, who conducts a private blessing ceremony for your marriage, invoking harmony, protection and a lifetime of happiness together. A guided meditation follows, a chance to slow down, breathe and connect with each other and the present moment.

At midday, escape to a hidden riverside spot far from the world, where a private picnic awaits: freshly prepared gourmet food, cosy cushions and the sound of the river. In the afternoon, back in the city, local cafés and a curated art gallery show Thimphu's softer side.

The day ends with a private candlelight dinner at a handpicked restaurant and bar, looking out at Tashichho Dzong glowing in golden light under the night sky: the perfect celebration of your love.

In the Punakha valley, a short walk through the rice fields past houses painted with cheerful phallus symbols leads to the fertility temple, Chimi Lhakhang, much loved by couples hoping for a child. Your guide shares the stories of the Divine Madman and his flaming thunderbolt, used to subdue demons in Bhutan's early days.

Then Punakha Dzong, the palace of bliss: the second-oldest and second-largest fortress in Bhutan, and arguably the most beautiful, with fine spots on the way for a panoramic picture. Afterwards, a walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, with views of the valley, and the quaint village beyond.

Optional: white-water rafting on the Mo Chhu, with rapids for novices and experienced rafters alike, past terraced rice fields and villages, and views of Punakha Dzong at the meeting of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers.

In winter, rare black-necked cranes fly in from Tibet, celebrated with a crane festival around mid-November. The Royal Society for Protection of Nature's Crane Centre explains the birds and their habitat.

After lunch, the Gangtey Trail leads from Gangtey Monastery through dense pine forest, flower meadows and grassland, with wide green views and, in winter, the cranes. Afterwards, wander the valley or rest at your resort.

For deeper relaxation, visit one of Bhutan's most exclusive wellness retreats, such as Amankora Gangtey or Gangtey Lodge, for a spa treatment with panoramic valley views (treatments are arranged on request and paid directly at the property).

In the evening, back at your hotel, a complimentary traditional hot stone bath is prepared just for you, infused with natural herbs and heated river stones: the perfect ending to a tranquil day.

In Paro, visit the National Museum of Bhutan and stroll around town, enjoy the evening at a popular pub with good music, or rest at the resort. The historic town sits at the centre of a valley rich in sacred sites, with terraced paddy fields and farmhouses below and coniferous forests above the Paro Chhu.

The trail climbs through pine forest, the Paro valley unfolding below and prayer flags fluttering along the way. Midway, a cafeteria viewpoint is the perfect rest for tea and a photo of the monastery framed by cliffs and mist. On the final stretch, a waterfall cascades beside the stone steps to the entrance: a photographer's dream.

As you take off, look out one last time at the snow-capped peaks and emerald valleys, and leave with a heart full of stories, moments of peace and a quiet longing to return.