Bhutan Luxury Hotels

AMANKORA • Paro, Thimpu, Punakha, Bumthang, & Gangtey

Aman offers more resorts in Bhutan than any other destination and for many years, provided the only luxury lodges in the country. The have now been joined by Uma, Taj, and in 2017, the Six Senses (below).

"Amankora" actually comprises five lodges totaling 72 suites spread across western and central Bhutan. The lodges meld rustic traditional elements with contemporary design Aman is known for.

Amankora Paro Lodge

The Paro Valley is the arrival point for most journeys in Bhutan. Surrounded by pine forests, the Amankora Paro is a 24-Suite retreat with contrasts of Bhutanese rustic elements with contemporary design. Guest Suites offer a combined lounge and bedroom furnished with a king-size bed, banquette window seat, reading chair and traditional bukhari wood-burning stove. Combined bedroom and living area with terrazzo-clad bath offer forest views.

Amankora Gangtey Lodge

In the beautiful yet least-visited Phobjikha Valley near the village of Gangtey, the eight-Suite Amankora Gangtey is located on a forested knoll with scenic views of the valley floor and the striking 16th-century Gangtey Goemba monastery. Part of an important wildlife reserve, the valley is home each winter to a flock of hundreds of endangered black-neck cranes. Suite interiors are identical to those of Amankora Thimphu, each featuring a view across the valley with open-plan bedroom and living area with serene valley views.

Bumthang Lodge

The highlights of Bumthang are the stunning valley views and over two dozen temples and monasteries, offering a treasure-trove of Bhutanese ancient art and paintings. The 16-Suite Amankora Bumthang sits adjacent to the Wandichholing Palace, within the town of Jakar in the sublime Choekhor Valley. Views overlooking a tranquil courtyard and the nearby Wangdicholing Palace.

Amantaka Punakha Lodge

Reached by a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu River, the Amankora Punakha Lodge incorporates a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse built by a former Je Khenpo (chief abbot of Bhutan). The eight Suites are identical in design to those of Amankora Paro, with views across an orange orchard and rice terraces. Set in rammed-earth buildings, with views of rice paddies ascending the valley.

Amankora Thimpu Lodge

Wood-paneled interiors, landscaped courtyard, and pine forest views. Amankora Thimphu is situated in a pine forest in the upper reaches of the Thimphu Valley, a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Kingdom's capital. Two accommodation blocks house a total of 16 suites, featuring a combined living and bedroom that includes a king-size bed, a reading chair and a window banquette providing views across a landscaped courtyard or directly onto the nearby stream and pine forest.

Room interiors feature combined wood panel and chocolate brown walls. Facilities include spa, restaurant, and Internet access. (For all resorts). Five stylish lodges (including the newer Bumthang Lodge) are situated in carefully-chosen locations a few hours' drive apart, known collectively as "Amankora" (the Bhutanese word kora means "circular pilgrimage"). All display a refined synthesis of tradition and modernity, with expanses of natural wood and stone creating the serene and elegant design aesthetic that is the hallmark of Aman properties throughout Asia. Modern baths are comfortable and well-equipped.

Amantaka menus feature Bhutanese, Indian and Continental cuisine prepared with homegrown produce. Access to television and the Internet is limited, and at the lodge in Gangtey there are no telephones. At all five lodges, the principal amenity is a small health spa.

Punakha • Uma Punakha

The newest property in Punakha is one of the country's most impressive, with spectacular views over the valley below.

The newest COMO property is secluded in the verdant, wide open space of the Punakha valley, the locale of the fine resort's comfortable cluster of plush villas. Comprising of just 11 rooms and located on a sloping hillside for the best sunrise and sunset views, this Uma by COMO property is the sister companion to the beloved flagship Uma by COMO, Paro, a leisurely five-hour drive away from the new lodgings.

The Uma Punakha villas were designed by Bali-based architect Cheong Yew Kuan with an aesthetic aimed to soothe, featuring interiors suffused with natural light, earthy color palette runs through the decor, echoing the vivid nature surrounding the property.

The Punakha's Uma's open-plan restaurant and lounge bar are chic and take in full views of the surrounding area. The Uma's Shambhala Retreat spa features a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath as well as a plethora of massage and body therapy plans to indulge in.

BHUTAN • Six Senses in Paro, Thimpu, Punakha, Bumthang, & Gangtey

The much anticipated Six Senses collection of five Bhutan mountain resorts feature a bold architectural blend of traditional and modern elements marked by Six Senses' signature focus on eco-friendly design, health and wellness.

Only 82 suites are offered between the five lodges offering a high degree of intimacy and privacy.

All Six Senses lodges have been situated to provide stunning views of adjacent landscapes, such as their Gangtey lodge which looks out over the breadth of the Phobjika Valley and in Punakha, which is positioned to looking out over the Mo Chu River. The Six Senses lodge on the outskirts of the capital city, Thimpu, is located near the city's main attraction, the regal Trashi Chhoe Dzong day, while the Six Senses Bumthang will be within short hikes to the majestic Namkhe Nyingpo monastery and to the massive Jakar Dzong with picturesque location overlooking the Chokhor valley. Six Senses has become well known both for its spa treatments and for its cuisine and these two assets make their new retreat a welcome addition to Bhutan’s cultural and political hub.

THIMPU • Taj Tashi Thimpu

From the prestigious Indian property group Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces comes their latest jewel in Thimpu, the Taj Tashi. Spacious, luxuriously appointed rooms capture the essence of Bhutanese art and architecture in a contemporary setting. The rooms offer exquisite views of the mountains and the township.

The Tashi offers full amenities, with restaurants serving Bhutanese and Continental fare, lounges, bars, spa, heated indoor swimming pool and fitness center, and Bhutan’s first golf course only a short stroll away.