Zipping through mountainous passes, flying above the magnificent Himalayas, imagining the freshness of the high altitude air; it almost feels like landing in heaven. We are aboard Druk Air, Bhutan’s very own airline and the only one that delivers you to the Kingdom of Bhutan, otherwise known as Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Warm scented towels, fresh orange juice, nourishing sand–wiches and fruits – the renowned Taj hospitality immediately comes into play as we enter our roomy van for the one and a half hour drive to Thimphu (flights only land at Paro), the kingdom’s capital and location of the grand new Taj Tashi property.

A general sense of cheer prevails; the people of the country have just held their first ever general elections and the optimistic outlook for the future is evident, although we do hear that the Bhutanese are calm, positive and peaceful by nature. Maybe it’s the effect of their unhurried life coupled with a deep spiritual belief system that makes their countenance so enviably serene.

As we pass through narrow, winding roads that take us 7500 feet above sea level, the quiet majesty of forest hills and rippling streams soothe our city-stressed nerves.

The welcoming drinks offered to us at the hotel foyer heightens this mellow feeling of well-being…warm lemon infused herbal teas with a dash of honey; we feel that Bhutanese spirit envelop us too.

The Taj Tashi’s culturally inspired structure of dzong architecture proudly showcases a distinctive earthern colour palette coupled with a liberal use of wood and makes for a grand vista. We admire the lobby ceiling adorned with gargantuan traditional bells as we head towards our cosy rooms that offer scenic views of rugged terrain. The bathroom floor’s dark stone surface is kept constantly heated; a much-appreciated feature, especially during chilly Himalayan nights.

Most aspects of the hotel adhere to sacred and timeless elements from the country’s heritage. The specialty Bhutanese restaurant, ‘Chig-Ja-Gye’, literally translated as the number 108 to symbolise the numbered principles of Buddhism, offers authentic cheese and chilli (key Bhutanese ingredients) preparations amid gold leaf paintings and brass dhung (long horned instruments) fittings – the latter’s magnified version greets you at the entrance doors of the hotel as well.

We head down towards the ‘Thongsel’, an all-day coffee shop with an eclectic menu of Indian, continental and Asian delicacies – the chefs willingly create customised treats on request, whether it’s a sudden craving for a portion of spicy hakka noodles or some home-cooked dal. We devour the sinfully gooey mudcake in butterscotch sauce while gazing at a magnificently gilted prayer wheel through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows.