MY PASSION - MY PATH
The threads of my life, creativity, sustainability, spiritual inquiry, and service have woven together over decades across cultures and continents. What I create is an expression of what I stand for: conscious living, meaningful collaboration, and a deep respect for land, culture, and community.
Originally from Switzerland, I have lived on Maui since 1985, where my husband Raphael and I founded the Kahua Hawaiian Institute. For most of our adult lives, we have dedicated ourselves to teaching Embodied Spirituality, mentoring students internationally, and offering concerts, workshops, and retreats around the world. Through this work, we were able to establish our home base on Maui, now known as the Maui Eco Retreat, a living expression of regenerative design, community, and ecological stewardship.
My relationship with Bhutan has unfolded over more than twenty years and carries a depth that is beyond words. What began as travel gradually became something more personal, a bond with the land and with individuals who have become part of my extended family. When I first met Her Majesty Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, Queen Mother of Bhutan, I introduced myself by saying, “I am Swiss, I live in Hawaii, and in my heart, I am Bhutanese.” That sentiment continues to guide my connection today.
Over the years, this connection has been deepened through collaboration with Bhutanese communities, mentorship initiatives with emerging artists and designers, support for sustainable building projects, and my advisory role with the Bhutan Nuns Foundation under the patronage of Her Majesty Gyalyum Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. In 2008, Raphael and I created the album The Sacred Feminine Voices of Bhutan, featuring prayers, chants, and songs performed by the nuns of Bhutan. This long-standing relationship eventually gave rise to The Dragon’s Gift Oracle Deck, developed over many years as a bridge between Bhutanese symbolism and contemporary reflection. Both creations were offered in support of the Bhutan Nuns Foundation and its ongoing work in spiritual education and well-being.
My work in environmental advocacy, particularly pioneering bamboo as a sustainable building material, has been recognized internationally. Yet beyond projects and titles, what matters most for me is relationships: listening, learning, and walking respectfully alongside the people and places that shape us.
It is from this lived experience that I guide small, intentionally curated groups to Bhutan, not simply to visit the country, but to experience it with awareness, connection, and depth.
More about my work can be found at:
A Great Team
Each Bhutan immersion is personally curated and led by me, from the first conversations and countless preparations to the design of the itinerary, the creative collaborations, and the long-standing relationships that shape the journey. Bringing this experience to life is both a privilege and a deep commitment, and much of the work unfolds long before we arrive in the Himalayas. I am supported by a trusted and dedicated team whose care and professionalism allow the journey to move with ease once we are in Bhutan.
Kesang – Lead Guide
Throughout the journey, we are accompanied by Kesang, a deeply knowledgeable cultural guide trained in the philosophy and history of Buddhism.
Kesang offers clear and thoughtful explanations of Bhutan’s spiritual iconography — the intricate wall paintings and thangkas found in monasteries and nunneries, each rich with symbolic meaning. He helps us understand what we are seeing, not only visually, but contextually — the deities, protectors, mandalas, and stories that form the spiritual fabric of the Dragon Kingdom.
He also guides us in the proper protocol for entering sacred spaces, ensuring that our presence is respectful and aligned with local tradition. From how to enter a temple, to when to bow, to how to move within these spaces of devotion, his guidance allows us to participate with awareness rather than as observers from the outside.
In addition, Kesang shares the historical background of Bhutan — its kings, its spiritual lineages, and the cultural foundations that shape daily life in this Himalayan kingdom.
You will return home not only with images of extraordinary landscapes, but with a deeper understanding of the living tradition behind them — enriched by new insight, cultural sensitivity, and a more nuanced appreciation of this remarkable country.
Jigmi & Phuntso – Drivers
From the very beginning of my journeys in Bhutan, Jigmi and Phuntso have been our trusted drivers. With extraordinary skill, they navigate the narrow and winding mountain roads with confidence and care. Beyond their expertise behind the wheel, they are attentive and generous, always ready to lend a hand. Their steady presence contributes greatly to the sense of safety and quiet protection that accompanies our travels.
Dechen – Office Manager, Bhutan
Dechen serves as Office Manager of White Tara Tours and oversees the coordination of logistics within Bhutan. With thoughtful organization and quiet efficiency, she ensures that the many details behind the scenes unfold smoothly.
Andrea – Hawaii Office Manager
From our Hawaiian office, Andrea supports participant communication and preparation, helping to create a seamless bridge between Hawaii and Bhutan.
Our Hosts – White Tara Tours
Our journeys are made possible through our partnership with White Tara Tours, led by our generous hosts, Ashi Sonam and Dasho Wangdi. Their integrity, experience, and hospitality provide a strong and trusted foundation for our work together.
Our group remains intentionally small. Care is taken not only in shaping the itinerary, but also in cultivating a circle of participants who contribute to the depth, harmony, and richness of the experience. This immersion is created with discernment and devotion, a labor of love shaped through decades of relationship and guided with intention every step of the way.
See more from Kutira’s first journey to Bhutan… 18 years ago!