Amankora
Kingdom of Bhutan
Amankora
Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang
Kingdom of Bhutan
www.aman.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Amanresorts
Shareholders
Privately owned
Date of Creation
1st Lodge opened 2004
Hotel General Manager
Jonathan Lithgow
Hotel Positioning
5 Stars deluxe
Development strategy
Continue to develop high luxury products and experiences across the Kingdom and region.
AMANKORA
History & Story
In the western and central valleys of Bhutan lies Amankora, which derives its name from aman meaning ‘peace’ in Sanskrit and kora or ‘circular pilgrimage’ in Dzongkha, the Bhutanese language. Amankora is a series of lodges scattered throughout Bhutan’s valleys, each with its own character and setting. To best experience all that Bhutan has to offer, Amanresorts can plan a tailor-made journey including one or more of the Amankora lodges located in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey or Bumthang. Most journeys start at Amankora Paro or Amankora Thimphu. The lodge in Paro is nestled among glistening conifers in a pine forest retreat. Amankora Thimphu, in a blue-pine forest of the Motithang area, sits close to the capital’s intriguing sights and traditional shops. Amankora Punakha is set in lush verdancy east of the Dochu La Pass, just north of the resplendent Punakha Dzong. Amankora Gangtey, in the remote wilderness of the Phobjikha valley, proffers magical views across the valley floor and to the spiritually uplifting Gangtey Goemba, a 16th century monastery. Amankora Bumthang rests adjacent to the first and second King’s palace, Wangdichholing, within the town of Jakar in the Choekhor valley, sprinkled with an eclectic mix of sloping pine forests, apple orchards, and peaceful farms. The first lodge to open was Amankora Paro in 2004.
Date added extensions
• Amankora Punakha opened August, 2005
• Amankora Gangtey November, 2005
• Amankora Thimphu December, 2005
• Amankora Bumthang October 2007
Main Strengths, Special Touch
We act not only as high end lodge operators, but also as exclusive tour handlers for our guests, creating unique unparalleled experiences across the valleys where we operate.
Key sites/activities in the area
Cultural sightseeing, interaction with locals, hiking, trekking, mountain biking, white water rafting, Kayaking, spiritual immersion – blessing, meditation, interaction with monk body, visits to ancient temples and monasteries, bird watching, flora exploration.
Fun Facts
Amanresorts was the first foreign entity in any capacity to be allowed to set up a joint venture in the Kingdom of Bhutan.
Children’s Corner
We offer wonderful hikes, mountain biking, rafting, kite flying, cooking classes and archery for children.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
• AMANKORA PARO
Thirty minutes from Paro’s international airport, the lodge contrasts rustic with contemporary design, featuring natural rammed-earth walls and a gentle sloping roof. A lime-washed stone pavilion houses the Living and Dining Rooms,Library, Boutique and Outdoor Terrace. Behind the main cluster of buildings is the Spa which includes a sauna, steam room, fivetreatment rooms with hot stone baths, changing rooms and a glass-walled yoga suite. There are six dwellings with four suites each,two on the ground floor and two on the upper floor. The 24 suites are similar in design with a king-size bed, a traditional bukhari(wood-burning stove) and a large terrazzo-clad bath.
• AMANKORA THI MPHU
The lodge incorporates tall, white-washed stone buildings accessed through an enclosed entrance court. The Living and Dining Room features soaring ceilings and an outdoor dining deck with views of the nearby stream and surrounding forest. The spacious Library with its seating, writing and lounging areas, houses a collection of books on Bhutan and thesurrounding Himalayan regions. The library can also be converted into a private Meeting and Conference Room, featuring the latest audio visual amenities. The Boutique specializes in a fine collection of Bhutanese textiles, Himalayan art and jewellery. The Spa includes three treatment rooms, a steam room and changing areas. Two dwellings house a total of 16 suites featuring a combined living and bedroom that includes a king-size bed, two reading chairs and a window banquette providing views across a landscaped courtyard or directly onto the nearby stream and pine forest. Room interiors feature wood panel and chocolate brown walls. The traditional bukhari is positioned between the bedroom and the bathroom with a shower, toilet and twin vanities. The suites are individually heated during cold winter months.
• AMANKORA PUNAKHA
Accessed by crossing a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu, the lodge is centred by a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse built by a former Je Kempo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). This quaint, three-storey structure with its preserved vegetable dye wall paintings is now a reception area with a Dining Room, traditional Altar Room, a courtyard for alfresco dining and a tea pavilion. Just beyond is the Spa with two treatment rooms, a steam room, changing areas and a yoga/meditation room. Eight suites, located in three rammed-earth dwellings, are situated in an orange orchard with views across the rice fields and up the Punakha Valley. Eight of the suites are identical in design to those of Amankora Paro, with views across an orange orchard and rice terraces. The four Mo Chhu Suites are situated in a new building, and two feature separate 40m2 living areas. The suites can be combined to offer two 2-bedroom units. Suites are individually heated during the cooler winter months and air-conditioned in the summer months.
• AMANKORA GANGTEY
Floor-to-ceiling windows in the combined Living and Dining Room offer beautiful views over the expansive Phobjikha Valley. Spa facilities include two treatment rooms and changing areas. The eight suites are identical to thoseof Amankora Thimphu, offering an open plan bedroom and bathing area. The design combines wood paneling and chocolate brown walls, traditional bukhari, terrazzo-clad bath, shower, vanity and daybed offering views across the valley.
• AMANKORA BUMTHANG
Overlooking established orchards and nestled near the grounds of one of Bhutan’s royal palaces, the lodge offers a Library, comfortable Living Room, regal Dining Room and cosy Spa with three treatment rooms, a steam room and changing areas. Accessed through an impressive stone-clad hallway, 16 guest suites are situated in four separate dwellings, each containing two suites on the ground floor and two on the upper floor. Suites feature wood-panelled interiors, a traditional bukhari, king-size bed, terrazzo-clad bath, shower, twin vanities and daybed overlooking the courtyard, nearby Wangdichholing Palace and monastery.
Restaurants & Bars
Each Lodge has its own full service restaurant with cuisines ranging from hearty European and bistro to light Asia fare as well as Bhutanese and Indian offerings. Each lodge does have a full bar set up in their living areas.
Wellness
All lodges have cozy, intimate spas with full range of relaxing, therapuetic a treatments on offer. Some of the lodge spas to have steam rooms and saunas to compliment the guest treatments.
Corporate & Celebration Events
N/A
Awards
2019: Hotel & Lodges Awards : Best Lodge.
Extra Notable Features
Cooking classes are available in all lodges. A golf course is available in the capital of Thimphu.
Hotel & Restaurants Awards
N/A
Number of employees
384