Bhutan's Amankora Lodges: Stratospheric luxury in understated style

Staying at an Amankora Lodge is like being hosted by that incredibly gracious friend who welcomes you warmly and thinks of your every need even before you can.

Among the most superbly outfitted (and expensive!) lodges in the kingdom, each property is built around a traditional Bhutanese building style featuring natural materials, such as wood and stone, seamlessly integrated into its natural surroundings. Often, they mirror locally dominant and ancient architectural structures in each valley or region where they have a presence. Consider the Amankora Thimphu Lodge in the western capital city of Bhutan, or the Amankora Bumthang Lodge, in the central heartland, with their massive, whitewashed walls and the inner stone courtyards that exude a traditional Dzong-inspired atmosphere. Or the dense, organic rammed-earth styles of the Amankora Paro Lodge, or the Amankora Gangtey Lodge, which borrow their aesthetic from the timeless tones of the surrounding traditional adobe-walled village homes.

Each lodge's interiors blend contemporary design and Bhutanese cultural elements, creating a luxurious yet authentic atmosphere. On arrival at each lodge, you're at once greeted warmly by the local staff—who speak to each other with the affection of family members or at least appear to, rather than the forced politeness of hotel co-workers—with an elegant offering of warm towels that offer the revivifying aromatic blast of fresh-cut lemongrass. Inside, the lodges feature spacious and comfortable rooms with a unique view of the surrounding landscape. Each room is designed with natural materials and elegant furnishings reflecting local culture, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

The lodges also offer a range of amenities, including spa facilities, meditation rooms, and yoga studios. The dining options offered at each meal are a fusion of fresh Bhutanese ingredients, often grown in-house in a private garden on the property. The presentations highlight local culinary traditions filtered through the lens of a highly sophisticated, understated cooking style. Options abound for visiting local temples nearby, hiking on a serene trail, or taking a cultural tour through next-door villages

Ultimately the reason you stay at an Amankora Lodge is a) because you can afford it; and b) because staying at one or more of these superlative lodges can be a truly unforgettable experience that provides a wonderful glimpse into Bhutanese culture and the kingdom's natural beauty, all the while savoring the highest levels of luxury, privacy, and comfort.