Christmas and New Year Beyond the Clouds

(HONG KONG, October 9, 2008) – For a very different Christmas and New Year escaping to the snowcapped peaks of the Himalayas for a truly unique experience, Bhutan offers the perfect respite from today’s hectic lifestyle and a chance to explore this hidden kingdom and culture in surprisingly mild temperatures, under the guidance of Uma Paro’s specialist team.

Uma Paro has put together an exclusive seven-night programme over the festive season, which culminates in memorable events on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, inclduing a menu created by Chef Jillene Slui, an archery tournament and traditional music and dance performances – a unique memory to take home from this culturally rich adventure.

The seven-night programme (which can begin on any day between the 20th and 29th December 2008) incorporates the region’s most inspiring sights. These include visits to Paro town, the Haa Valley and the capital city, Thimphu. There are also insightful trips to local Dzongs. The highlight will be a visit to the magnificent Taktsang Goemba (the Tiger’s Nest) Monastery.

Guests will be accompanied by their personal, English-speaking guide and driver, and offered the perfect combination of action and downtime to enjoy the resort’s COMO Shambhala Retreat and a relaxing Hot Stone Bath.

The Christmas and New Year Package is available from US$3,419 per person (based on two sharing), including all taxes, government fees, full board, guiding and airport transfers.

For reservations or more information please visit http://uma.como.bz/paro/default.asp?page=1142&section=254.

- ENDS –

EDITOR’S NOTE

Understanding Uma: Uma means ‘Living House’ in Bahasa, the Indonesian national language. Developed by COMO Hotels and Resorts, Uma properties are located in unspoilt, inland locations. They are also ecologically aware. Every aspect of an Uma resort is infused with indigenous attributes, from design to cuisine to local staff knowledge. The intention is to immerse guests in the textural richness of the resort’s carefully chosen region – from culture to religion and landscape – offering the dual experience of escape and adventure. This is complemented by the holistic core of the COMO Shambhala philosophy, featuring Yoga and Asian-inspired therapies. Uma Paro’s sister resort, Uma Ubud, is located in Bali.

Understanding COMO Hotels and Resorts: COMO Hotels and Resorts’ first property opened in 1991 – the Halkin in London’s Belgravia. The winning combination of smooth and accurate service, healthy Michelin-starred food and contemporary, understated style has since led to the creation of further properties, each different from the other while respecting COMO’s core commitments – to indulge every guest’s sense of respite, be it on a private island or a city hotel in the world’s most dynamic capitals. Currently the COMO portfolio consists of two properties in London: the Halkin and Metropolitan, London. The resort product launched in 1998 with Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos. In 2002, Cocoa Island in the Maldives was born, followed in 2003 by the Metropolitan, Bangkok. In early 2004, COMO Hotels and Resorts assumed management of Begawan Giri Estate in Bali. That same year saw the opening of Uma Paro, Bhutan, and Uma Ubud, Bali. In 2005, Begawan Giri was relaunched with substantial new facilities as a top-end residential wellness retreat called COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri.

Understanding COMO Shambhala: COMO Shambhala is a health concept that has been developed in line with Shambhala’s meaning (Sanskrit for ‘peace’) manifested as centres of wellbeing at all COMO Hotels and Resorts. These include COMO’s city hotels spas, known as COMO Shambhala Urban Escapes, as well as COMO Shambhala Retreats at the company’s private islands and Uma resorts. It is a consultative rather than prescriptive approach which allows consultants to respond to guests on a one-by-one, day-by-day basis. Treatments range from Yoga to shiatsu to Ayurvedic detox programmes. They distil the best of ancient Asian traditions and, where appropriate, older techniques are combined with Western advances. Bodywork is also an essential element of the COMO Shambhala experience. At all properties, Yoga facilities are available. Guests can partake in week-long programs led by the world’s best teachers. In addition, COMO Shambhala maintains on-going relationships with key health professionals, and in 2006, created a Board of Advisors made up of experts in holistic health to help direct the company’s evolution; members include Dr Robert Thurman, Rodney Yee and Donna Karan. COMO Shambhala cuisine, available at select properties, focuses on energising and organic foodstuffs. An emphasis on raw ingredients is combined with pan-Asian influences, with menus overseen by the company’s Executive Chef, Amanda Gale. COMO Shambhala also produces a range of skin and bodycare products, COMO Shambhala At Home, made from all-natural ingredients. COMO Shambhala Active Living is the company’s resort and activewear line, launched in 2007.

For more information please contact:

Uma Paro
PO Box 222
Paro
Bhutan
Tel: +975 (8)27 1597
Fax: +795 (8)27 1513
Email: res.paro@uma.como.bz
Website: uma.como.bz