Amankora Bhutan
Thimphu, Bumthang, Paro, Punakha and Gangtey
Amankora, the Bhutan collection from the renowned international Aman hotel group, has been setting the gold standard for high-end hospitality in the kingdom for over 20 years. Consisting of 5 exquisite lodges spread across 5 regions, Amankora offers guests the chance to experience Bhutan’s singular landscapes in unpretentious comfort. Treat yourself to a little extra luxury with an extended stay in a particular lodge, or anchor yourself to Amankora’s signature elegance throughout your trip with a couple of nights in each.
Whilst the experience offered at each lodge reflects the distinct characteristics of its setting, there are common threads which connect them all. A strong sense of the landscape, an atmosphere of sanctuary, and an ambiance of nurturing luxury can be felt throughout. Cutting-edge, minimalist design is used to best effect to frame and showcase each region’s surroundings. Whilst there are plenty of rest and relaxation options on site, including spas, saunas and yoga facilities, you are encouraged at every turn to get out and explore Bhutan’s extraordinary countryside. These lodges are the crème de la crème, and well worth treating yourself to.
Location
Amankora has 5 lodges in Bhutan, at Thimphu, Bumthang, Paro, Punakha and Gangtey. Each makes the most of its singular location, with uninterrupted views overlooking forested hills, sweeping valleys and sheltered towns.
A little more detail
Spa and Ayurvedic massage
Hot stone baths
Wood-fired stoves
Hiking and mountain biking
From a client…
Whether curling up in a window seat or sitting around a campfire, these boutique lodges focus on making sure you truly relax.
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Why we love it
Discover what to expect from staying at Amankora Bhutan
Amankora Thimphu
Set on a forested hillside above Bhutan’s thriving modern capital, Amankora Thimphu combines city sightseeing with rural retreat tranquillity. With just a handful of suites, this calm hotel is able to provide a truly bespoke and attentive service, leaving you rested, refreshed and ready to explore. Think generously-sized beds in restful corners, plush armchairs by wood-burning stoves, and window seats for soaking up the view through the trees. Try out Bhutan’s much-loved national sport with an archery lesson, make a pilgrimage to the imposing, golden Buddha Dordenma statue, and unwind with a traditional Thimphu Ayurvedic head massage.
Amankora Gangtey
This simple, chic lodge in the wilderness of Phobjikha Valley is the ideal place to properly recharge your batteries. Lots of hotels are described as being ‘peaceful retreats’, but the Amankora Gangtey fully deserves the accolade. The open-plan rooms have free-standing terrazzo baths, perfect for blissfully-long soaks, and welcoming window seats to unfold on as you gaze at the scenery. Sheltered outdoor spaces offer excellent views over the valley below, where hundreds of migrating Black-necked Cranes land every winter, and towards the iconic Gangtey Goemba monastery. Enjoy traditional Bhutanese cuisine by candlelight, and join local monks for quiet contemplation at morning or evening prayers.
Amankora Paro
With its stunning location and disarmingly unfussy luxury, the Amankora Paro provides a snapshot of comfortable mountain living. At the edge of a traditional village, 25 minutes from Paro, it’s the perfect place to relax in the crisp, mountain air, and take advantage of the region’s trekking. Each suite features a wooden-clad, open-plan sleeping and living area with superb views out across the valley to Jhomolhari, Bhutan’s second highest mountain, creating a modern alpine feel. If you’re up for the challenge, embark upon the 4-hour hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, or just unwind around the fire on the sunken terrace, surrounded by tall conifers.
Amankora Bumthang
The carved eaves and minimalist white walls of this striking lodge sit comfortably next to the historic Wangdicholing Palace in the temple-peppered hills of Bumthang. It’s an ideal base for spending a few days walking in the countryside around Jakar, and visiting some of the region’s many temples and monasteries. The spacious suites are instantly welcoming, and amber light from the bukhari stoves creates a warm glow against the honey-coloured wood. On warm days, enjoy alfresco barbeque dining around a campfire in the courtyard accompanied by live music, be pampered at the sweet cedar-scented spa, and end the evening with some fireside stargazing.
Amankora Punakha
The luxurious Amankora Punakha lodge enjoys a sheltered hillside location overlooking the Mo Chhu River and is, rather uniquely, accessed via a suspension bridge over the river, followed by an uphill tuk tuk ride. This characterful property ticks all the boxes for rest and relaxation, and has a genuine sense of local culture and history. The open plan design lends itself to spending leisurely time in your suite, and the design of the building reflects the farmhouse that it once was, with heavy wooden doors and traditional, brightly-coloured details. Pay a visit to the beautiful Punakha Dzong, learn to pick out ingredients at the market with the hotel chef and use them to create traditional dishes, and unwind in the infinity pool overlooking the rice terraces.
What can you do there?
Revel in the tranquil, nurturing ambiance of each lodge, taking full advantage of the excellent spa facilities, hot stone baths and wood-burning stoves, before setting out to explore each region’s stunning surroundings. Stay at several of the lodges in sequence for a journey through Bhutan with a backdrop of high-end comfort.
