Le Méridien hopes to harness Bhutan's happiness with a second hotel, Le Méridien Paro

PHOTO: Exterior view of Le Méridien Paro courtesy of Le Méridien Paro

On the eastern end of the Himalaya’s sits the nearly unspoiled Kingdom of Bhutan. Open to the rest of the world only since the 1960s, Bhutan quickly became known for being the “happiest country in Asia,” and their three-quarter-of-a-million people continually hold an almost mythical allure for new and seasoned travelers alike with their beautifully gracious warmth.

Yet despite Bhutan’s cultural allure, the level of five-star hotels remains fairly scarce. In this arena, the formidable Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, began their quest for Bhutanese hotel domination with the opening of Le Méridien Thimphu late last year. Not one to rest upon their laurels of success, today, Starwood Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of yet another hotel in the Kingdom of Bhutan.

PHOTO: Guestrooms at Le Méridien Paro courtesy of Le Méridien Paro

Le Méridien Paro, Riverfront is situated on the edge of the Chu River, offering panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas. This intimate hotel features 59 contemporary guestrooms and suites, all designed to foster the Bhutanese culture as the last Shangri-La -- as famously encapsulated by James Hilton’s book Lost Horizon.

Also, with an idyllic swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness center and signature Explore Spa, the hotel is very close to the airport, as well as several sacred fortresses and hidden monasteries, including Bhutan’s iconic Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) as well as Ta Dzong, the National Museum and the hotel’s Unlock Art™ partner, allowing guests of Le Méridien Paro complimentary access.

PHOTO: Exterior view of Le Méridien Paro courtesy of Le Méridien Paro

“As a country that measures its success by the Gross Domestic Happiness of its people, Bhutan truly is a one-of-a-kind destination waiting to be discovered, and with two stunning Le Méridien hotels in Paro and Thimphu, we are delighted to help adventure seekers unlock the country’s mythical allure,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader, Le Méridien Hotel & Resorts.

In conjunction with the highly anticipated hotel opening, renowned American photographer Gray Malin has unveiled his newest series, "Bhutan, Land of Happiness,” which juxtaposes the sweeping landscape and architecture of Bhutan with Malin’s modern interpretation of joy and happiness.

PHOTO: "Bhutan Land of Happiness" courtesy of Gray Malin

"From the rice paddy fields to the riverside, shooting the series, which will be included in the second installation of the Follow Me partnership with Le Méridien, was truly a moving experience,” said Malin. “Bhutanese people and their breathtaking landscape both evoke an overwhelming sense of happiness that served as my inspiration for the collection."

PHOTO: "Happiness" courtesy of Gray Malin

This collaboration celebrates Le Méridien as the first global hotel brand to bring its guests an immersive experience of this scale, capturing the excitement of world travel through photography. To learn more the series please visit www.lemeridien.com/FollowMe. Work from Malin's "Bhutan, Land of Happiness" collection is now available for purchase at www.GrayMalin.com.