Perched precariously on a cliff 3,800 metres above Bhutan’s lush Paro Valley, lies the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The journey to this sacred site winds through dense forests, past waterfalls and up steep mountain paths. As you approach, the fragrance of incense lingers in the air, leading you towards the striking edifice. Built in 1692, this Himalayan sanctuary is believed to be where Guru Padmasambhava meditated for more than three years, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. The monastery’s four main temples and its open courtyard are adorned with vivid murals depicting Buddhist teachings. 

The Kinkaku-ji, literally “Golden Pavilion”, is a Zen temple shimmering with the brilliance of its top two floors, entirely covered in gold leaf. It stands overlooking a serene pond sprinkled with lotus plants and stone formations reflecting Buddhist cosmology. An embodiment of harmony, each of its three levels showcases a distinct Japanese architectural style: the first floor, “The Chamber of Dharma Waters,” mirrors Heian-era aristocratic mansions; the second, “The Tower of Sound Waves,” pays homage to samurai residences; and the third, crowned with a golden phoenix, is inspired by Zen temples. 

Rising dramatically from the tidal flats of Normandy, Mont-Saint-Michel is a breathtaking fusion of medieval architecture and natural grandeur. The abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits atop a rocky tidal island, accessible only at low tide. Built in a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, the abbey’s silhouette with its spires and ramparts, often set against stormy skies and seas, is unforgettable. A symbol of resilience, it remains one of France’s most visited landmarks and its otherworldly appearance was even the inspiration for Peter Jackson’s Minas Tirith in The Lord of the Rings.

Hidden within the depths of Phraya Nakhon Cave rests the exquisite 19th-century Khuha Kharuehat Pavilion. Its strategic position, beneath a natural opening in the cavern’s roof, allows the sun’s rays to stream through at just the right angle, bathing the sanctuary in an ethereal golden glow. Reaching this marvel is no easy feat but, for those that make the effort, the reward is profound. Arriving between 10 and 10:30am offers the best chance to witness the pavilion’s most radiant illumination, a truly meditative experience after an arduous journey.  

Choose from a selection of hotels whose design and ethos reflect their surroundings. At COMO Uma Paro in Bhutan, sleek contemporary design blends with indigenous Bhutanese craftsmanship. For those visiting Mont-Saint-Michel, the historic Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde in Rouen provides an enchanting base. Housed in a 15th-century landmark, the beautifully preserved building is situated in the heart of Rouen’s medieval quarter. Book these hotels and more through ASMALLWORLD Collection.