Amankora Paro, Amankora Punakha, Amankora Gangtey, Amankora Thimphuand Amankora Bumthangoffer a unique experience of Bhutan’s impressive dzongs (fortress-monasteries), historic lhakhangs (temples) and pristine Himalayan landscapes, opening access to traditions unchanged over centuries.

Sited in the picturesque Paro Valley near Balakha Village, 20 minutes from Paro’s only international airport, Amankora Paro is a 24-suite pine forest retreat commanding dramatic views of the 17th century Drukyel Dzong and the snow clad peak of Mount Jhomolhari at an elevation of 7,300 metres. Centred by a large flagstone courtyard, a lime-washed stone pavilion houses the living and dining room facilities, and library. Conceptualized as a ‘village’ and connected by flagstone pathways, the resort’s architecture draws inspiration from traditional Bhutanese building traditions. Suites are similar in design, featuring natural rammed-earth walls, gently sloping roofs and wood-paneled interiors with a king-size bed, a traditional bukhari wood-burning stove and a large terrazzo-clad bath.

Amankora’s Living Room is appointed with comfortable sofas and lounge chairs; an ideal spot for drinks and conversation, its floor to ceiling windows reveal a vista of Drukyel Dzong and snow- capped Jhomolhari beyond. The Library here provides a range of books on Buddhism and local lore, textiles and the Himalayas.

Overlooking the surrounding blue pine forest and Amankora Paro’sherb garden, the Spa’s relaxation and sauna rooms feature local timbers and glass walls filtering the forest light. A welcome return after treks, glass-walled treatment rooms feature hot stone baths with traditional massage and herb-based Bhutanese healing therapies. Spa facilities feature a yoga and meditation room.

Sited in a blue pine forest in the upper reaches of the Motithang area of the Thimphu Valley, Amankora Thimphuis a 16-suite lodge providing ready access to the museums, shopping and numerous sites of Bhutan’s capital city of Thimphu, yet remains a quiet retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Stairs lead down to the Spa which is appointed with three treatment rooms, and steam and sauna rooms. Suites are housed in two blocks joined to the lodge’s public areas by covered walkways. Consisting of a combined living and bedroom with a king-size bed, a reading chair and a window banquette, a traditional wood-burning bukhari stove is again provided, positioned between the bedroom and the spacious bathroom, which enjoys a view from the terrazzo-clad bath through a vertical window.

In Punakha’s temperate climate, the courtyard suits outdoor dining and relaxation. Adjacent is a tea pavilion that was once the royal kitchen, through which one accesses a two-storey building housing a yoga/meditation room with open views of the surrounding rice terraces on its upper level, while the lower level encompasses two private treatment rooms and a steam room.