Amankora Bumthang

With its white-washed brick facade, ornate woodwork, and serene, Zen-like interiors, staying at Amankora Bumthang feels like checking in at one of Bumthang Valley’s beautiful monasteries but with a luxurious, modern twist.

Sitting side-by-side with one of Bhutan’s oldest palaces, this tree-clasped enclave occupies prime real estate along the forested floor of the Choekhor Valley. Surrounded by centuries-old temples and regal abodes, Amankora’s16 contemporary suites are a refreshing visual change of pace. Organic tones and natural materials like wood-paneled walls and textured rugs combine with the clean lines and intentional order of Japanese minimalism to create subtly luxurious, immaculate spaces. Banquette seating looks out on the courtyard from the bedroom area, with a traditional woodburning stove warming the suite on chilly nights.

While Wi-Fi is available, the lack of televisions encourages guests to disconnect and reflect. Take the hint and eschew screens for reading books in the library or listening to the wind in the trees out in the courtyard. Indulge in sensory delights such as fine feasts in the stylish restaurant, signature Zen massages in the spa, or luxuriate in your suite’s terrazzo-wrapped soaking tub.

While staying in Bhutan’s spiritual heartland, participating in traditional rituals is a must-do, not limited to dispelling darkness with the 108-butter lamp offering at Jambay Lhakhang or attending lama-led name-blessing ceremony. You might also visit a local farmhouse for meals prepared by a family that once cooked for the royal family or head to the country’s only craft brewery for a refreshing draught after hiking up sacred mountainsides to hermit hideaways.

Amankora Bumthang has sister lodges in Gangtey, Punakha, Thimphu, and Paro.