Thimphu, Bhutan
Amankora
Serene Stunner
What it is
Five lodges with 76 total suites dot the forested landscape here, each with jaw-dropping exploits on the daily to-do list.
What it isn't
Relying on its (admittedly great) looks. Meals here are as memorable as they come, from the yak carpaccio to the suja butter tea.
What we think
Celebrities and billionaires of every sort choose Aman again and again and again for its hush-hush, exemplary service and gobsmackingly beautiful lodges. Amankora has lived up to the hype for nearly two decades—and no wonder, thanks to its doting staff and bucket list-worthy activities list, which includes cycling alongside rice paddies and strolling cliff-hugging Tiger’s Nest temple, built caveside in 1692. Of course, we won’t entirely blame you if you opt to spend all your time in your room. Accommodations here are worth the journey alone; depending on the lodge, you’ll likely have an en-suite wood burning stove, terrazzo soaking tub, and a window seat overlooking some of the most eye-popping scenery on the planet. We particularly love Amankora Bumthang Lodge, with just 16 suites and a surprising neighbor: Wangduechhoeling Palace, built in 1857 for the first king of Bhutan.
You're here because
Bill and Melinda Gates are fans of Aman. Zuckerberg too. And you love that the spa menu treatments here pull from local traditions, like steeping in a candlelit hot stone mineral spring bath while drinking apple cider.
The Moment
‘Aman’ means peace in Sanskrit, and that’s exactly what you feel in this moment: meditating with monks from surrounding monasteries under dancing prayer flags.
Restaurants & Bars
Each of the 5 Amankora Lodges has its own lounge and dining room for guests. All meals offer a-la-carte dinning with both Western and Traditional Bhutanese menus daily.
Location
Five different locales in the Himalayan mountains; Bumthang has no less than 29 different monasteries and temples that await your exploration.