Bhutan in style

The Amankora Resort in Thimphu has suites containing king size bed, reading chair and window banquette. This provides views across a landscaped courtyard, or of the stream and pine forest. The suite’s interior features wood paneling and chocolate brown walls. A stay at the Amankora Resort in Thimphu provides an authentic experience of the town. At the resort is a spa offering treatments using local herbs. Bhutan’s 9-hole golf course is located in the heart of Thimphu, tee times can be arranged by Amankora. As Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu is home to many attractions and activities, including the National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum and the bustling Changlingmethang Market. Nearby, one can visit Pangri Zampa, two 16th century buildings that now house a monastic astrologer training school. At the head of the valley, a walk across one of the bridges leads to Cheri Goemba where the kingdom’s first monk community was based.

Peeking out from a cluster of Bhutan's quintessential blue pines, Amankora overlooks a valley where endangered black-neck cranes raise their wings to the sun. One of very few lodges in its corner of Gangtey, the lodge has an intimate feel made stronger by the staff's attention to detail - from personalised gifts at turn-down, surprise picnics on hikes and hot towels waiting when you return. You don't have to miss a minute of the view as you dine on the lawn (binocs in hand) or walk past forests of bamboo or yaks grazing in lush fields.

Ensconced by the rugged (and oft snow-capped) Himalayas, life in Bhutan plays out in its collection of alpine valleys. Nestled in the aptly named Bumthang, which translates to mean 'beautiful field', the Amankora Lodge takes every advantage of its tranquil neighbourhood. With blissfully few actual neighbours, the lodge's gaze lands on lush forested hills and the ornate Wangdichholing Palace. Beginning with a greeting of warm towels laced in lemongrass, your stay at Amankora is testament to the country's policy of Gross National Happiness. Steeped in ancient tradition and folklore, a visit to Bumthang includes cliffside monasteries and the fascinating Burning Lake where legends abound.

There are some places that invoke a sense of magic as soon as you arrive and Amankora Punakha Lodge is one of them. From the moment you set foot on the suspension bridge, bedecked with prayer flags - which must be crossed to reach the lodge - you know you're somewhere special. The converted farmhouse sits within an idyllic valley, a favourite of Bhutanese royal family, and the very spot in which the majority of the country's fruit and veg are grown. Expect a peaceful Bhutanese way of life (surrounded by orange orchards and rice terraces, no less), lazy days and a spot of hiking - but without sacrificing any creature comforts, of course.

Part of the Amankora Resorts of Bhutan, the Paro Lodge’s suites feature a combined lounge and bedroom that is furnished with a king size bed and reading chair. In one corner is the traditional bukhari - a wood-burning stove. Opening from the bedroom is the spacious bathroom which is dominated by a large terrazzo bath flanked on one side by twin vanities and hanging space, and on the other by a separate shower and lavatory. Like at all other Amankora Resorts, a spa can be found at the Paro lodge offering signature treatments. Tutoring in the art of archery with traditional bamboo bows are also on offer at the Paro lodge. For more adventure, a 2-day trek through the Paro Valley to the Jili Dzong can be arranged during a stay at the Amankaro Resort in Paro.