At a Glance
In 2004, Aman was the first international hotel brand to open in Bhutan, with five lodges across the country. The properties, which are known in their entirety as Amankora, make up an appealing circuit for visits to Bhutan that can range from one to two weeks. Architect Kerry Hill designed the lodges with tastefully monastic bedrooms and minimalist spaces in nature. In their various locations, however, each has a different style and setting. Amankora Bumthang is a contemporary mirror to the Wangdicholing Palace, right in front of the property. Indagare can help match the combination of lodges that might be right for you on a journey through Bhutan.
Indagare Loves
- The energy of local village life within view of every room.
- The Farmhouse lunch hosted by a local family
- The apple and peach orchard, the sunlit walkway, and courtyard next to the old royal palace of Bhutan’s first and second kings
- The new local airport that makes this previously far-flung location more accessible.
Review
The only lodge on the Amankora circuit that is located in a village, Amankora Bumthang has 16 suites and is immediately adjacent to a former royal palace. The palace is now a working monastery, and saffron-robed monks of all ages scurry around the palace lawn with the mountains in the distance, while international visitors watch from their cozy window seats (an ideal spot for an afternoon nap). The small town of Jakar has a karaoke bar, and the Aman staff are known to bring guests out for a night on the town, if they wish. Spacious suites are designed in Aman’s minimalist style with Bhutanese-style windows framing the sumptuous views, blonde wood-paneled walls, soaring ceilings, a freestanding deep soaking tub, and a traditional wood-burning bukhari to keep guests cozy on chilly nights.
Who Should Stay
Those with more time looking for a cultural immersion
Written by Indagare
