"After 11 magical nights across all of Amankora's 5 lodges in Bhutan, I can say without hesitation that this was the most memorable trip of my life. Several moments stand out as truly unforgettable. The banya experience at Amankora Paro was jaw-dropping, and the massage in the newly built world-class bathhouse facility was exceptional. The hike to Tiger's Nest, followed by a recovery lunch at the log cabin, was a highlight among highlights. In Gangtey, the hot stone bath during golden hour (outdoors, in a valley, accompanied by the distant sound of mooing cows) is something I still dream about. The rhododendron hike there, with the flowers in full bloom, was a total immersion in nature unlike anything I've experienced. The dining options across all properties were plentiful, varied and of a consistently high standard, and the rooms were wonderfully comfortable and homely, a true joy to return to each afternoon and evening. Spa facilities were on a smaller scale than some other Aman properties, but they did the job and I had the best massages and facials of my entire life at the Amankora lodges. No review of this trip would be complete without a significant mention of our guide, Aum Sonam Deki. Aum Deki is a rare talent, gentle, elegant, and extraordinarily knowledgeable about her homeland. She gave us expert insight into Bhutan's culture, history, Buddhism and temple protocols, and taught us things we will genuinely carry with us forever. On a challenging high-altitude hike, she showed constant care for my wellbeing, and even checked in on my sister who had remained at the lodge to rest. Her passion for her country was evident in every word she spoke. She was also wonderfully intuitive, knowing precisely when to recommend spa treatments, taking it upon herself to book several sessions for us, and even helping us choose clothing when we went shopping! As two women travelling together, it was a pleasant and meaningful surprise to be paired with a female guide (we hadn't requested it). It genuinely felt like travelling with a wonderful friend, and someone who anticipated our pace, eased our nerves when we encountered wildlife (grey langurs in the distance, yaks, and some very close-up mice!), and made every moment feel personal and considered. Navigating Bhutan's winding, cliff-edge roads requires skill and composure. Our driver Ap Tshering had both in abundance. He was calm, cautious, and clearly sensitive to our comfort throughout. Despite the language barrier, his warmth and quiet sense of humour were a constant presence, and I felt entirely safe in his hands. The team across every lodge made us feel genuinely at home with their generosity, warmth, and they were welcoming in the truest sense. Amankora didn't just provide accommodation; it provided a base from which to fall in love with one of the most beautiful countries on earth. I cannot wait to return."

"We are already planning our next trip back to Bhutan, after a short trip this week to the Amankora Paro lodge (and a wonderful lunch at the Thimpu lodge). We felt at home and the staff were incredibly warm and hospitable. I read some reviews that the rooms need a refresh. I think this is true but the service from the F&B + housekeeping team was so good, that it more than compensated. The quality and variety of food was amazing and we loved the Bhutanese dishes on the menu. A special thanks to our guide Ganga, who made our trip so special. We hope to be back soon to explore the other Aman lodges in Bhutan."

"We have traveled extensively, and Bhutan marked our 100th new country—a milestone that could not have been more special. We chose the “14-night Amankora Journey” staying at all five lodges, and it was simply spectacular. I highly recommend this itinerary, as it provides a perfect balance of time to explore each location while still allowing for plenty of relaxation. The people, lodges, food, temples, and breathtaking mountain scenery create a peaceful, almost meditative atmosphere unlike anywhere else. We began in Thimphu, and it was the perfect introduction. The lodge is set in a quiet pine forest near the King’s Palace, offering immediate calm and privacy. We spent two nights here (and three at each of the remaining lodges). After flying into Paro, we were met by our wonderful guide, Chencho, and driver, Karma, who were with us for the entire two weeks. The drive to Thimphu (about 1.5 hours) was a relaxing and scenic start to the trip. Rooms across all five lodges are similarly designed, making it easy to settle in quickly. They are spacious and beautifully finished, with high ceilings, tall windows, warm wood interiors, large soaking tubs, and excellent rain showers. Dining was consistently excellent throughout the journey, with menus offering both Western favorites and Asian dishes, along with Bhutanese specialties unique to each location. At Thimphu, we especially enjoyed the “Forest and Stream” dining experience. The dining room here was one of our favorites—an intimate setting with individual tables and soft lighting, rather than the communal style found at some of the other lodges. There is also an outdoor deck, though it was a bit cold to enjoy during our visit. Service at all five lodges was impeccable. Every time we left the room—even briefly—it was refreshed. Staff at all restaurants quickly learned our preferences, making everything feel effortless and personal. Across all lodges, we also enjoyed morning yoga or “sound bath” sessions (singing bowls and chimes), as well as occasional evening performances by local dancers and musicians. Nearby highlights included visiting the Buddha Dordenma and stopping at the 108 chortens at Dochula Pass on the way to Punakha. A truly serene and memorable beginning to an extraordinary journey."

"Bhutan is an exceptional country with loads of history. Visiting it in ten days going to the five Aman lodges is a privilege. We also tried Six Senses which is excellent but still miss the unique Aman touch"

"Amankora offers a unique opportunity to travel across and experience Bhutan. We decided to plan a trip across all 5 lodges starting in Thimpu. Pre-travel/ reservations: Unlike many other Aman resorts where you have to work with a centralised bookings call center Amankora has its own team that are knowledgeable. They handle visas, flight bookings into Bhutan and domestic flights along with helping you plan an itinerary. My bookings experience was positive but it is important to be persistent yourself to get all your questions answered. I evaluated using a travel agent but found that booking direct was more effective to access some special packages. I booked the Quest for Happiness package that gives you 7 nights for the price of 5 and then extended to 10 nights in order to have sufficient time for our itinerary: 1 night in Thimpu 2 nights in Punakha 2 nights in Gangtey 3 nights in Bumthang 2 nights in Paro Getting there: We flew Druk Air in business class from Bangkok. There are daily flights from Bangkok and several cities in India. Aman handled the reservations. The flight option we took left Bangkok at 5am which is a little painful but they do the that to avoid encountering potential bad weather and flight delays. The luggage allowance is one case of up to 40kg per person in business class. We had one extra bag they didn’t charge us for. Landing in Paro we were met by our guide and driver from Amankora in a nice Landrover Defender. It was a 90 minute drive to Thimpu. Thimpu Lodge All of Amankora’s properties have similar designs. The rooms are spacious and luxurious with free standing tubs. The properties reflect Bhutanese design with modern architectural influences. Activities: With Amankora you have a guide and driver with you at all times to take you places. We loved our guide Sangay and our driver. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about Buddhism and Bhutanese history and culture. In Thimpu we visited the Buddha Dordenma, the largest Budha in the world and spent time shopping for Bhutanese clothing and jewellery. You really get to define what you would like to do. In the evening they had a cultural show of dancing which was great. We decided to meet with an astrologer which was a really positive experience. Service: Per other Aman’s the service level is impeccable. They learn your preferences and adapt to you. They pay attention to the small details. One service we really value is the limitless and rapid laundry service. Food and drink: Food and non premium alcoholic drinks are all included. The menu is diverse and has common elements with small differences between lodges. They are always very willing to adapt. I am a vegetarian and they were always willing to modify dishes to accommodate me. Some menu items are done really well. In Thimpu we loved the mushroom soup. We tried the Bhutanese breakfasts and Bombay toast and enjoyed them. At dinner you have a set dining or a la carte options. My wife enjoyed her sea bass and I tried a Bhutanese curry with eggplant and tofu."