Amankora Punakha

Centred on a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse in a peaceful, verdant valley, Amankora Punakha sits amid fruit orchards and peers over rice paddies. Just a short drive north of the impressive 17th-century Punakha Dzong and Puntsho Pelri Palace, the hotel is accessed via a suspension bridge adorned with prayer flags leading over the Mo Chu River, this hotel blends rural charm with modern luxuries. Once over the bridge a short walk or drive will take you to a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, traditionally built as a residence to oversee the surrounding rice paddies and fruit orchards.

Eight of the suites are identical in design to those of Amankora Paro, with views across an orange orchard and rice terraces. The four Mo Chhu Suites are situated in a new building, and two feature separate living areas (the suites can be combined to offer two 2-bedroom units). All accommodations offer king-size beds, traditional wood-burning stones and banquette window-seats, while bathrooms feature terrazzo-clad bathtubs, twin vanities and a separate shower and toilet.

Meals are served in the dining room or on the terrace, and are a blend of Bhutanese dishes and Western cuisine. An infinity pool provides views over rice terraces. There’s also a tea pavilion, altar room, yoga and meditation studio, and spa offering hot stone baths and traditional treatments.

This property is part of a chain of five Amankora lodges providing a circular route through Bhutan’s valleys. This lodge is close to Punakha Dzong, Puntsho Pelri Palace and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.

The intimacy and the traditional farmhouse atmosphere is perhaps the reason for this being such a consistent favourite of guests.