The only lodge on the Amankora circuit that is in a village, Amankora Bumthang has sixteen suites and is immediately adjacent to a former royal palace.

Amankora Gangtey is a remote lodge perched over a valley, with direct views of Gangtey Goempa Monastery, and is a common favorite of the Amankora circuit.

Amankora Paro offers natural minimalism nestled within a pine forest outside of Bhutan’s international hub. Read our review.

Amankora Punakha is a riverside retreat centered around an old Bhutanese farmhouse is a favorite on the Aman circuit in Bhutan.

In a neighborhood on the outskirts of the capital city, Amankora Thimphu is zen-like property that makes an ideal first-stop on a Bhutan expedition.

The serene COMO Uma in Paro was the first luxury hotel in Bhutan, and it is located in a prime location on 38 acres in the Paro Valley. The style combines local Bhutanese architectural elements with the understated minimalism that COMO is known for. The main building, which houses 20 guest rooms, a cozy bar, a tree-house-like circular dining room, gift shop and the vast Shambhala spa, incorporates the design elements of the region’s dzongs. The brick and wood structure has a large central courtyard, where fires are lit in winter, and throughout there is an elegant balance of local materials and a regard for the nature outdoors. The Como Shambhala spa on the lower level offers a range of Asian-inspired treatments from superb therapists and daily yoga classes as well as a large indoor swimming pool. In addition to the rooms and suites in the main building, there are nine private villas with spa rooms and butler service spread around the grounds of the property. Narrow stone pathways lead to the buildings, which feature Bhutanese decorative elements like wall paintings and fire pits as well as cozy modern touches such as soft quilts and large bathrooms and dressing areas. The COMO villa is best for families and small groups, with over 3,000 square feet, two bedrooms and private dining and spa quarters. Hand-painted murals decorate the otherwise minimalist spaces, allowing the sweeping views of the pine forest and mountains to command the attention.

COMO’s second property in the Himalayan kingdom is the Uma Punakha, an intimate resort situated on bend of the Mo Chhu river, in the fertile valley of Punakha. Eight valley view rooms (some with private terraces) all enjoy incredible views—while two villas (a one-bedroom and the two-bedroom COMO Villa) are an even more private option for those who wish to live as a (very spoiled) local. In keeping with the Bhutanese building codes, the traditional design styles are met, with local materials and elements in keeping with local farmhouses. Interiors are contemporary and sleek, with local fabrics, rugs and earthy accents to respect the outdoors within.  Como’s signature Shambhala Spa, while small, offers a range of treatments, meditation and yoga. It is also possible to arrange overnight camping ventures into the Himalayas for the more intrepid.

Gangtey Lodge is an independently owned luxury hotel with a unique and special vibe. Founded by the owners behind Balloons Over Bagan, the highly respected hot-air balloon operator out of Myanmar, the intimate lodge is located at the northern edge overlooking the vast Phobjikha Valley, near the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery, the largest school of Buddhism in the country. A special experience is to wake up early in the morning and go to the monastery to witness the monks chanting mantras and practicing their meditation.

The farmhouse-style lodge was designed by Mary Lou Thompson, the eye behind Aman Sveti Stefan. Upon entering you are welcomed into the heart of the property, the informal dining area and lounge, where guests can sit by the fire and watch the Gangtey Valley’s most famous residents, the black-necked cranes, circle the valley below. The homey-feeling lodge has just 12 rooms, all with fireplaces, earthy accents and local fabrics, creating a space that feels comfortable and uniquely Bhutanese. Each room has a beautiful copper tub that looks out onto the landscape that surrounds the lodge and the floors are all heated. While there is no large spa, there is a separate building where hot stone baths can be drawn. For those in need of a massage or a facial after a long day out in Gangtey, the property can arrange treatments in your room.

Read Indagare's review of Six Senses Bumthang, in Bhutan. The lodge is one of our favorite hotels in Bhutan.

Indagare loves Six Senses Gangtey, in the gorgeous mountains of Bhutan.

Set among monumental scenery and rooted in deep spirituality, Six Senses Paro acts as the perfect final stop in a journey through Bhutan.

Inspired by a rustic farmhouse, the Six Senses Punakha lodge is a warm, luxurious base for exploring the beauty of the valley.

With mountain views, cozy minimalist suites and an expansive spa, the Six Senses Thimphu is an ideal place to acclimatize and explore the capital city.