【 Bhutan 】 Why Bhutan, Why Now? A Journey Through Amankora
Updated: 1 day ago
Why Bhutan, and why now?
The world is filled with countless beautiful destinations, from magnificent architecture and sophisticated hotels to exceptional dining experiences. Yet, if what we seek from travel is an opportunity to step away from everyday life and reconnect with ourselves, a journey to Bhutan may offer something truly special: a chance to see ourselves in a new light.
Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan is a country where Buddhist traditions remain deeply woven into everyday life. Offering an intimate connection with the country's natural landscapes and cultural heritage is Amankora, a collection of luxury lodges.
In 2026, two of Amankora's lodges, Paro and Punakha, reopened following extensive refurbishments.
At Paro, set among pine forests at an altitude of 2,250 metres, guests can experience new wellness rituals surrounded by woodland and glacial streams. Meanwhile, Punakha offers a different kind of retreat, where a beautifully restored 300-year-old traditional farmhouse provides a setting in which to experience Bhutan's history and spiritual heritage.
Though located in the same country, the two lodges reveal distinctly different sides of Bhutan.
Their recent transformations offer a compelling reason to take a fresh look at Bhutan as a travel destination.
Amankora Paro: A Retreat Among Pine Forests at 2,250 Metres
Located at an altitude of 2,250 metres in the Paro Valley of western Bhutan, Amankora Paro is surrounded by a serene blue-pine forest.
Overlooking the ruins of the 17th-century Drukyel Dzong fortress, the lodge offers a peaceful retreat far removed from the bustle of modern life, yet is just a 20-minute drive from Bhutan’s only international airport.
Among the highlights of the recent refurbishment are two new wellness experiences designed to deepen guests’ connection with nature.
A Private Spa House Nestled Deep in the Pine Forest
The newly opened Spa House, tucked away deep within the forest, was designed by Kerry Hill Architects, a long-standing collaborator of Aman.
This standalone wellness sanctuary features a private hammam, a double treatment room, a relaxation lounge, a heated swimming pool and a Jacuzzi.
At the heart of the experience are wellness rituals inspired by traditional hammam bathing practices.
The 60-minute Hammam Treatment combines steam, body exfoliation and bathing, followed by time to unwind in the relaxation lounge.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, a half-day programme is also available, combining the hammam ritual with a 90-minute body massage, refreshments and extended time for relaxation.
Rather than filling every moment with sightseeing, guests can simply enjoy the luxury of doing nothing. The Spa House offers an inviting setting for precisely this kind of retreat.
A Riverside Sauna Retreat in Bhutan’s Pine Forest
Another highlight is the newly introduced Wild Nature Banya Experience.
Surrounded by towering pine trees and a glacial stream, this unique sauna experience draws inspiration from Eastern European and Scandinavian traditions. Crafted from Canadian Hemlock wood, the banya features panoramic windows overlooking the ruins of the historic fortress.
The ritual includes a traditional venik massage, using bundles of oak and birch branches, followed by time outdoors in a warm pool, a cold plunge or an invigorating dip in the river.
The contrast between the warmth of the sauna and the cold water, experienced against the breathtaking natural backdrop of Bhutan, creates a distinctive wellness experience.
24 Suites Bringing the Beauty of the Forest Indoors
The refurbishment extends beyond the wellness facilities, with all 24 suites at Amankora Paro thoughtfully renewed.
Timber flooring, ceilings and wall finishes take their cues from the surrounding landscape, bringing a sense of the forest into the interiors. Modernised climate control, lighting and in-room amenities introduce contemporary comfort without compromising the lodge’s understated character.
The dining room and kitchen have also been reimagined, alongside the introduction of a new bar. Meanwhile, the library offers a quieter, more intimate setting, serving both as a place for reflection and a private dining space.
Elsewhere, the existing spa has been refreshed, with each of its five treatment rooms opening onto a private terrace with a traditional hot stone bath. Among the pines, a new yoga pavilion overlooks the river and the ruins of the historic fortress.
There is a quiet appeal to the simplicity of life here: time spent resting among the trees, practising yoga or enjoying an unhurried spa treatment.
At Amankora Paro, the landscape is more than a backdrop. It becomes part of the experience itself.
Amankora Punakha: 300 Years of History
The carefully restored farmhouse continues to reflect Bhutan’s history and spiritual traditions.
The recent refurbishment preserves the building’s original character while introducing updated communal spaces, including a dining room accommodating up to 18 guests, a library and a lounge. Of particular interest is the altar room on the upper floor.
Here, a resident monk continues to perform traditional Buddhist blessing ceremonies, maintaining a living connection to the building’s spiritual heritage.
All 12 suites have also been refurbished, retaining the character of the traditional architecture while incorporating modern amenities.
The spa has been enhanced with three new treatment rooms and a yoga studio, alongside facilities including a steam room and cold plunge.
Staying within a 300-year-old building while enjoying contemporary comfort and wellness offers an unusual balance between past and present.
At Amankora Punakha, history and living spiritual traditions are not simply part of the setting; they remain an integral part of the experience.
A Journey Through Bhutan’s Five Valleys
Amankora’s appeal extends beyond a stay at a single lodge.
With properties across five valleys in Bhutan — Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang — guests can create a personalised journey combining several destinations.
From the blue-pine forests of Paro and the subtropical landscapes of Punakha to the cultural heart of Thimphu and the high-altitude scenery of Gangtey and Bumthang, each valley offers a different perspective on Bhutan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Travelling between the lodges at an individual pace, with time for wellness rituals and thoughtfully prepared dining experiences, is central to the Amankora experience.
Combining the recently refurbished lodges in Paro and Punakha offers an opportunity to experience two contrasting sides of the country: the tranquillity of the forest and the enduring presence of Bhutan’s history and spiritual traditions.
Bhutan’s Heritage: A Culture Shaped by Buddhism
Located in the eastern Himalayas, between India and China, the Kingdom of Bhutan has a history deeply intertwined with Buddhism.
Understanding the country's past means recognising the profound influence of Buddhist traditions on its culture and society.
According to tradition, the Buddhist master Padmasambhava visited Bhutan in the 8th century, marking an important chapter in the spread of Buddhism throughout the region. Over the centuries, Buddhist teachings became deeply embedded in Bhutanese life.
In the 17th century, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal led the unification of Bhutan, establishing a distinctive system of governance that divided religious and secular authority.
The hereditary monarchy was established in 1907, followed by Bhutan's transition to a constitutional monarchy in 2008.
Throughout this history, Punakha played a significant role as a centre of both political and religious life.
Once the country's winter capital, the valley remains home to historic buildings that reflect Bhutan's enduring cultural and spiritual heritage.
Among them is the 300-year-old traditional farmhouse that now forms part of Amankora Punakha.
8th Century
Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) is believed to have visited Bhutan, playing a significant role in the spread of Buddhism.
17th Century
Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal unifies different regions, laying the foundations of the Bhutanese state.
1651
The dual system of governance is established, dividing religious and secular authority.
1907
Ugyen Wangchuck becomes Bhutan’s first king, marking the beginning of the hereditary monarchy.
2008
Bhutan holds its first parliamentary elections and adopts a constitution, marking its transition to a constitutional monarchy.
Finding a Different Kind of Richness in Bhutan
The landscapes and architecture we encounter on our travels often reflect the history of a place and the traditions its people have cherished for generations.
From Paro, nestled among forests at 2,250 metres, to Punakha, where a 300-year-old traditional farmhouse has been carefully preserved, these two distinctive lodges offer a glimpse into the richness of Bhutan’s natural and cultural heritage.
What we see, what we feel and how we choose to spend our time can shape the way we experience a destination.
Perhaps Bhutan deserves a place on your next travel itinerary.
Amankora Paro
Location
Paro Valley, Bhutan
Altitude
2,250 metres
Access
Approximately 20 minutes by car from Paro International Airport
Accommodation
24 suites
Facilities & Experiences
Private Spa House and hammam
Wild Nature Banya Experience (sauna ritual)
Heated swimming pool and yoga pavilion
Restaurant, bar and library
Amankora Punakha
Location
Punakha Valley, Bhutan
Historic Building
A restored traditional Bhutanese farmhouse dating back approximately 300 years
Accommodation
12 suites
Facilities & Experiences
Spa and treatment rooms
Steam room, Jacuzzi and cold plunge
Yoga studio
Dining room and library
Traditional Buddhist blessing ceremonies
Reservations & Enquiries
Both lodges have reopened following extensive refurbishments and are now accepting reservations.
Guests can also enquire about personalised journeys combining several Amankora lodges across Bhutan.
Official Website:https://www.aman.com/resorts/amankora
Accommodation Rates:Rates vary depending on travel dates and accommodation packages. Please refer to the official website for current pricing and availability.
Historical References – Bhutan
Royal Bhutanese Embassy
Parliament of Bhutan – System of Government
Eat Well · Feel Well · Live Well Editorial Team
A Switzerland-based online magazine exploring what makes places, experiences and ideas worthwhile. Published in English and Japanese, EFL features hotels and restaurants to visit, ideas to try at your table, and perspectives from culture and art to enrich everyday life. We offer information to help you choose and stories that deepen your enjoyment of each experience.
