Amankora
The Original Journey Through Bhutan
The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is one of Earth's most fabled destinations, a place of pristine natural beauty and cultural authenticity, where happiness is valued more highly than monetary gain. Justifiably wary of the outside world and its fast-paced modernity, the sole-surviving Buddhist Kingdom was cautious in opening its doors to the rest of the world. Only a trusted few helped launch its fledgling tourism industry in the early 2000s, and Aman was the first international hotel collection to be granted permission to operate within its borders.
Beautiful valleys score the Kingdom's mountainous terrain, and Amankora's five intimate lodges (Paro, Punakha, v, Bumthang and Thimphu) facilitate a kora, or 'circular journey' of discovery throughout central and western Bhutan. Amankora guests can choose a journey entailing all or a combination of these lodges, ensuring a seamless unveiling of this remarkable Kingdom on top of the world.
Combining pared back luxury with exceptional cuisine, cosseting spa treatments, one-off cultural encounters, unique sightseeing and breath-taking
adventures in nature, Amankora continues to open up ways in which to discover and experience this unique destination. Amankora has introduced helicopter transfers between lodges, a unique helicopter breakfast experience at Twin Lakes, forest and prayer flag bathing experiences, immersive wellness retreats, four new suites and a swimming pool at Punakha Lodge.
Amankora Helicopter Journeys
With elevations in the thousands of metres, Bhutan's beautiful valleys are accessed via winding mountain passes offering breath-taking views and dramatic drop offs. The transfers between Amankora's five lodges are an integral part of the Amankora journey, yet when time is of the essence, covering the same distances by helicopter allows for more exploration on the ground. Aman has partnered with Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services to offer Amankora Helicopter Journeys from lodge to lodge revealing awe-inspiring Himalayan vistas and a new perspective of this remarkable Kingdom.
Breakfast at Twin Lakes
Experience the morning sun gilding over Bhutan's second highest peak, Mount Jomolhari, during a sumptuous breakfast in the crisp morning air. A short helicopter ride from Amankora Paro takes guests up the Paro Valley over lush forests and remote hamlets before embracing stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas along the Bhutan-tibet border. The breakfast spot rests between two turquoise lakes above the Jomolhari Base Camp at Jangothang, where views of this 7,300-metre monolith - sacred to Buddhists as the abode of Earth protector Jumo - are unparalleled. After breakfast, guests can explore other
sacred sites nearby including Jomolhari Temple, the meditation caves of Milarepa and Gyalwa Lorepa, and the spirit lake of Tsheringma. The return flight takes in stunning views of Singye Dzong, the legendary Lion Fortress.
New Suites and Swimming Pool at Punakha Lodge
Visiting Bhutan in the winter (September to February) is appealing for many reasons, days are crisp with cobalt blue skies, nights reveal a universe of twinkling stars, temperatures are a pleasant 12-20°C during the day; occasional snowfall on the mountain peaks makes for breath-taking vistas across the valleys; and the magical morning light is ideal for photography. As March melts into May and spring becomes summer, Bhutan's temperate climate sees daytime temperatures climbing to 26°C - ideal weather for relaxing in the sun and swimming.
Aman's first swimming pool in the Kingdom opens in mid-june at Amankora Punakha, the mid-point of a circular pilgrimage incorporating all five lodges. The 30 metre infinity pool is surrounded by rice paddies, fruit plantations and boasts 360° mountain views. Occupying a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse near the Mo Chhu River in one of Bhutan's most fertile valleys, the eight-suite lodge is also presenting four brand new, additional suites from summer (mid June).
Forest and Prayer Flag Bathing Experiences
Amankora's unique outdoor bathing experiences employ no bath towels, soap or water. In fact, emphasis is placed on being in the present moment, alone, with nature. Forests lend themselves innately to quiet reflection, and the Himalayan Forest Bathing experience involves slow and tranquil walking through the pristine forest wilderness. Drawing its name from the Japanese phrase shinrin yoku, meaning 'absorbing the forest atmosphere', the practice is effortless, whilst the forest itself
bestows its peaceful rewards through sight, sound, smell and touch. Prayer Flag Bathing shares this simplicity and soul-boosting outcome, but its focus is on listening to the sound of prayer flags flapping in the wind - often the only sound present. Mounted for happiness and longevity, luck and prosperity, prayer flags represent the Buddhist belief that prayers can be carried by the wind, and that any person touched by this wind will be uplifted. Bathing in the rippling sound of fluttering prayer flags is deeply calming - a spiritual immersion in the manifested well wishes of those thankful for every blessing.
Wellness Retreats
Each of Amankora's lodges offer a peaceful spa, but it is their tranquil natural settings that provide the real frame for regular immersive retreats, whether yoga, meditation, discussion, silence or therapeutic work. Amankora will host 'The Inner Light Immersion' from the 1st to 31st October. Designed to reveal the ever deeper and richer layers of our spirit selves, to discover inner wisdom through a series of spiritual healing treatments. This highly personalised immersion includes two nights at Thimphu and Punakha, and three nights at Paro, all meals, three 90 minute specialist therapies, one 60 minute Amankora holistic massage, one 60 minute traditional hot stone bath, a Buddhist blessing and ceremony, a 108-butter lamp offering at Taktsang Monastery and all transfers and sightseeing.
Devoid of crowds and the trappings of tourism, discover why Bhutan is unlike anywhere else on Earth, allow the Amankora to guide you through this unprecedented access to its breathtaking beauty that few have witnessed. www.aman.com/resorts/amankora