Deriving its name from two words, 'Aman' meaning 'peace' in Sanskrit and 'kora' meaing 'circular pilgrimage' in Dzongkha, the Bhutanese language, Amankora Bhutan (Aman Resorts) is a series of lodges sited throughout Bhutan's principal western and central valleys. Each valley and lodge has its own character, setting and experience.

AMANKORA PARO
Near Balakha Village, 30 minutes from Paro town and the airport, Amankora Paro is located approximately 2,250m above sea level. The views take in 17th century Drukyel Dzong and stretch to 7,300m high, snow-capped Jhomolhari and beyond. There are six blocks with four suites each, two on the ground floor and two on the upper floor. The 24 suites are similar in design featuring natural rammed-earth walls, gently sloping roofs and wood-panelled interiors with a king-size bed, a traditional bukhari (wood-burning stove) and a large terrazzo-clad bath.

Steps rise to a large stone terrace that leads to the lodge's Living Room that is furnished with banquettes and lounging chairs. Adjacent is the Library and a small Boutique and beneath is the Dining Room which opens on an external terrace overlooking a small stream. A track leads to a stone and timber terrace that contains a central fireplace that is surrounded by two lounging areas. On two levels, the Spa contains an arrival area, changing rooms, sauna and steam rooms and a glass-walled yoga suite. Steps lead to the lower level which includes one double treatment room and four single rooms, each fitted with a shower and unique outdoor stone bath.


AMANKORA THIMPHU
Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city is a two-hour drive from Amankora Paro or one and a half hours directly from Paro's international airport. At an altitude of 2,350m, Thimphu lies in a steep valley surrounded by richly forested mountains dotted with ancient monasteries and lhakhangs (temples). The town is built up from the Thimphu Chhu and is centred on the quaint Clock Tower and its surrounding lanes of shops, vegetable and meat markets, and assorted local restaurants. Up the valley lies the impressive Trashichhoe Dzong and the Kingdom's only official golf course, a rolling nine holes set against the back drop of chortens (Buddhist receptacles for offerings), colorfully painted government agencies and the surrounding mountains


Sited in a pine forest in the upper reaches of the Motithang area of the Thimphu Valley, Amankora Thimphu is a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Kingdom's booming capital. Dzong-like architecture incorporates high stone, white-washed buildings accessed through an enclosed arrival court. Stairs lead from this entry point to a dramatic combined Living and Dining room with soaring ceilings and wood panelled walls. Adjacent is a flagstone outdoor dining deck with views over the nearby stream and blue pine forest. Stairs lead down to the Spa that is appointed with three treatment rooms, steam and sauna rooms and changing areas.

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. The traditional bukhari is positioned between the bedroom and the bathroom. The spacious bathroom opens from the bedroom and provides a terrazzo-clad bath that enjoys a view through a vertical slot window. A shower, toilet and twin vanities and hanging space complete the bathroom. The suites are individually heated during the cold Winter months.

AMANKORA PUNAKHA
Situated a short drive north of the grand Punakha Dzong and Phuentsho Pelri Palace (summer residence of His Majesty The King), Amankora Punakha is accessed via a suspension bridge over the river Mo Chhu.

A short drive or walk takes guests to the lodge compound which is centred on a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse built as a residence by Her Majesty the Queen Mother to oversee the surrounding rice fields and fruit plantations. This grand structure, with its vegetable dye wall paintings, is now the combined common guest areas of the lodge with the Dining Room situated on the ground floor and the upper floors offering intimate relaxation areas and a traditional altar room for prayers or meditation. The courtyard of the farmhouse is arranged for outdoor dining and relaxing in Punakha's temperate climate. Adjacent to the courtyard is the Tea Pavilion which was once the kitchen of the summer palace. Beyond this is a newly built two-storey Spa building housing a yoga/meditation room which provides open views of the surrounding paddy fields and on its lower level encompasses two private treatment rooms, a steam room and changing area.

Eight suites, located in three rammed-earth buildings, are situated in an orange orchard with views across the rice fields and back up the Punakha Valley. The suites are identical to the design of the suites at Amankora, Paro, featuring wood panelled interiors, a traditional bukhari, king-size bed, terrazzo-clad bath, shower and vanities, and day bed. Suites are individually heated during the cooler winter months and air-conditioned in the summer
months.

AMANKORA GANGTEY
Traveling easterly from Punakha, the road passes through the village of Wangdue Phodrang and climbs past deep ravines with dizzying drops to the little visited, picturesque valley of Phobjikha, home to the quaint rural settlement of Gangtey. At an elevation of 3,000 meters on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, Phobjikha is one of Bhutan's few glacial valleys. A designated conservation area, it is winter home of the endangered black-necked crane. The quaint village is dominated by the 16th century Gangtey Goemba, which includes a school, meditation facilities and quarters for monks, and is home to the mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa, one of the region's historically important Buddhist treasure discoverers.

Positioned on a forested knoll close to the valley floor is Amankora Gangtey. A winding track leads guests through the forest and descends to the lodge that enjoys sweeping views of the stunning valley landscape and fields of dwarf bamboo and potato crops. The lodge accommodations and guest areas are encompassed in one rammed-earth building. The combined Living and Dining Room is appointed with cozy chairs and sofas and family style dining tables, providing views through floor to ceiling windows of the valley and surrounding mountains. Two massage treatment rooms and changing areas, and an intimate yoga/meditation room is provided on the lodge's ground floor.

The eight suites are identical to those of Amankora Thimphu, offering an open plan bedroom and bathing area. The aesthetics combine wood panelling and chocolate brown walls, the traditional bukhari, terrazzo-clad bath, shower and vanity, and day bed offering views across the valley. Suites are individually heated during the cold winter months.

Have a Nice Stay…

Tashi Delak!

(All the contents and pictures are © of Aman Kora)