Amankora Punakha

Amankora Punakha is one of Bhutan’s most enchanting retreats — a serene riverside sanctuary wrapped in emerald rice fields and mountain calm. The moment you cross the suspension bridge to reach the lodge, it feels like stepping into another world. The suites are warm, minimalist, and deeply peaceful, blending Aman’s signature design with Bhutanese craftsmanship. Service is exceptional: attentive, personal, and offered with genuine Bhutanese warmth. Whether you’re dining farm-to-table meals overlooking the valley or soaking in the quiet beauty of the Punakha landscape, every moment feels purposeful and restorative. Amankora Punakha isn’t just a hotel — it’s an experience of stillness, culture, and rare luxury.

After a leisurely morning drive from Thimphu through the scenic valley and stops at 2 monasteries, we arrived and a non-descript car park and our guide told us we had arrived - keeping a hidden smile as he said this. As we get out of the vehicle, we then saw the suspension bridge and he grinned and said that we had to cross it to get to the Punakha lodge! A little nerve wrecking if you are scared of heights and fast flowing water beneath you but safe and easy. We were picked up by a buggy on the other side and driven to the lodge where the lodge manager Choni was all smiles and welcoming. This lodge was a former farmhouse that is connected to the Bhutanese royal family - and it was simply magical. The setting, views across the Punakha valley and the swimming pool (the only Amankora lodge that has one) are simply glorious. The rooms are in separate buildings scattered around the compound and although slightly different from Thimpu, everything is still familiar and one feels as if it is the same as there is continuity in all the decor and little touches. Love the kettle in the room which is simply operated by pressing down on the handle - perfect for making that quick cuppa (although the staff keep telling you to let them know if you ever want anything). The food is absolutely delicious - you can basically have anything you want (within reason and provided the chef can make it) so you don’t have to stick to the menu.There is a wonderful royal dining room on the top floor of the farmhouse (where we had dinner one evening). Beautifully set up, one felt so special and spoilt as the chef and entire kitchen crew came up to serve us and explain the Bhutanese feast we had. We spend 3 nights and could have easily stayed a week or more! Our daily activities exploring the area were well planned by our guide Tashi who ensured we arrived back at the lodge with enough time to enjoy the pool (really so relaxing) and viewing the sunset from the pool deck was just out of this world. Everything takes a step down from the frantic world and one even feels that time slows down to appreciate the simpler things - it slowly dawns on us why happiness is used as a factor in Bhutan’s GDP! The lodge host Prasad suggested we get truly local by dressing up in the local Bhutanese national costume “Gho” - wearing it required some help from the housekeeping team who came to our room to “dress us up”. One did feel regal and very special wearing them! Each evening on our bed was a little gift left by housekeeping and throughout our 2 weeks stay, we had a collection of mementoes of Bhutan (all different)! We were absolutely spoilt staying here and felt a little sad upon leaving after 3 nights. As intrepid travellers, we felt this was as close to the perfect stay one could ever have. Amankora Punakha will always remain special in our hearts! Kudos to Choni, Prasad and the entire team!

After a week spread between Thimphu and Gangtey, it was nice to drop down in altitude to the warm climes of Punakha--the lodge of suspension bridges, rivers, an incredible pool! Our favorite location so far, with a hike thru the rice paddies, up the monastery, transitioning seamlessly to snacks by the river, followed by an easy rafting trip down the river to the Zhong. Then whisked back by car to the lodge for full lunch, a refreshing steam, and some leisurely laps in the heated pool. There's lots of history onsite also, as our last dinner was on the third floor, which was the 3rd King's dining room when he lived there. That said, weather was so mild, and the scenery so incredible, we had most of our meals outside overlooking the valley and surrounding mountains, serenaded by birds and cicadas. Kudos to Karma, Sangay, Sangay, Chokhee, Yeshi, Choki, Nima, Ngawan, Rizin, and many others for making our stay so positively indulgent. Amankora team really nailed it with this brilliant way to see/taste many different parts of Bhutan. Can't recommend enough!

Amazing hotel, outstanding service.. life experience!!!