A Stay On The Edge Of A Cliff: Willing Resort, Trongsa
If you are anywhere around Trongsa and wondering where to park yourself for a absolutely indulgent pause, let us introduce you to Willing Resort, Trongsa – a five star property about 15 – 20 minutes outside the main Trongsa town, tucked up high on a hill – perched up there like a secret clubhouse for people who really love valley views. It’s still super close to the Prakhar Lakhang festival grounds and the museum.
The resort itself sits on over 3 acres of hillside and has this crazy panoramic outlook – the valley on one side, distant peaks on the other, and that winding Mangdechhu River sneaking through like it’s showing off.
Every room pretty much has a balcony or terrace eye level with the clouds.
After a full day of soaking in the colours, music, and energy of the festival, followed by a wander through the museum, we finally made our way to the resort. The road leading up was slightly muddy – one of those classic “Bhutan keeps you humble” moments – but then suddenly..the resort appeared, sitting right at the edge of a cliff, overlooking endless layers of hills and valleys.
It was so beautiful that my first instinct wasn’t to unpack, but to paint it. That is always my benchmark for places that really move me.
We were welcomed with smiles and welcome drinks, the kind that instantly make you feel like you’ve arrived somewhere safe and warm. Even though we reached around 4 pm and the kitchen had technically closed, the staff didn’t even blink – they offered to whip up some sandwiches for us. And not sad, limp sandwich shop stuff – but warm, delicious sandwiches that felt like they were made with care.
We picked our dinner from their curated set menu and headed to our suite to freshen up.
Let’s talk about the rooms for a second – spacious, spotless, thoughtfully designed, and packed with all the amenities you would want after a long travel day.
And then there was the balcony. And then the bathtub. On the balcony. Overlooking the valley.
We don’t know who came up with that idea, but we hope they are having a wonderful life!!
We made ourselves tea, sank into that tub, and watched the sun slowly disappear behind the hills, setting away our worries and tiredness aside, and our need to rush anywhere.
Dinner started coming in around 7:30 pm. Abhi went for the fish plate, I chose the broccoli pasta and salad. Both of the dishes were absolutely excellent. Comforting, flavourful, beautifully done. They came with thoughtful accompaniments that made the meal feel complete. Dessert followed (because obviously), and even that didn’t disappoint. At this point, we were just nodding at each other like, yeah okay, this place knows what it’s doing.
After dinner, we wandered the gardens like two people who suddenly have an evening off. Quiet paths, blooming bushes, mountain air that actually heals your lungs – it was magical.. Then back to the room, where I pulled out my paints and started working on a sketch of the resort. I wanted to finish it by morning so I could photograph it with the real thing.
Priorities were clear. Hot showers, clean sheets, and we were out.
In the stillness of Bhutan, you realize how little you actually need to feel full.
Morning arrived with bright sunbeams doing their dramatic entrance right through our windows. I sat in the balcony with tea and paints, creepy contentment creeping up my spine, fully appreciating the moment. Manifesting days where all I do is visit beautiful places and paint quietly became a thing I murmured to the universe. About an hour (and some paint speckled joy) later, the painting was done.
But then Abhi pointed out that the resort terrain was calling our names. Turns out the property has little trails, nooks, and spaces to explore – there was even a mini hike path that led us back up to the first view of the resort from the cliff.
There was this shaded bench area up there that felt designed for exactly one activity: staring at views while your brain unclenches.
Breakfast was another set thing- pick what you want from a range of continental and local options, all tasty and fresh.
Once done, we wandered a little more, discovering the lobby, the restaurant and bar areas, stairs leading to another chill lounge, and even cottages facing the valley that looked like tiny scenic dreams.
There’s a gym and spa too – but heads up, the spa needs an advance booking, so someone can come in from outside. We skipped it this time, mostly because we were short on time and were already deeply relaxed.
Checkout was smooth and unhurried at 11 am. On the way out, I made us stop so I could get a photo with the resort – one more memory, one more sketch added to my journal.
It felt like closing a very good chapter.
If you want one day in Bhutan where you just exhale, sit with the mountains, eat good food, watch sunsets, wander gardens, and maybe paint a memory or two – this place gets a solid 10/10 from us.
Exceptional staff, incredible valley views from every corner, and rooms that make you want to stay indefinitely.
Would absolutely recommend as a rest day stop on any Bhutan itinerary.
If you’re staying at Willing Resort, please don’t just drive past Willing Café (also called the Waterfall Café) like a sensible person – stop!!!
It’s right on the way, and you can sit there with desserts in hand, watching a waterfall do its dramatic thing.
Below is a glimpse of the majestic waterfall within the cafe.
