AMANKORA’S PARO AND PUNAKHA LODGES HAVE BEEN RENEWED AFTER A WELLNESS-FOCUSED RENOVATION | News
The first international hospitality brand to open in Bhutan, Aman has been offering transformative journeys through the country’s pristine landscapes for more than 20 years with lodges spread across five valleys. In September, Amankora’s Paro and Punakha lodges will once again welcome guests after a period of quiet renovation. They have been revamped to welcome a host of new wellness facilities, ranging from the introduction of Aman’s Signature Spa Houses and Banya experience at Amankora Paro to the addition of a steam room, jacuzzi, cold plunge, bucket shower and relaxation lounge at Amankora Punakha, in addition to completely redesigned guest suites at both destinations.
AMANKORA PARO
Located at an altitude of 2,250 meters in Bhutan’s serene Paro Valley, Amankora Paro is nestled in blue pine forests and provides a gateway to the kingdom’s monasteries, hiking trails and cultural attractions. Following its temporary closure, the lodge is now unveiling details of its extensive renovation, including the addition of a new signature wellness experience, further strengthening the connection to both nature and self.
Amankora Paro’s spa upgrades bring a distinctive new expression of Aman Wellness to Bhutan and are perhaps among the most notable changes. Amankora Paro, designed by Kerry Hill Architects, introduces a self-contained Aman Spa House, offering a completely exclusive retreat, immersed in the resort’s pine forest. It features a private hammam, a double treatment room, a relaxation area, a hot bath, a cold plunge pool and an outdoor pool. Inspired by age-old hammam traditions, a choice of 60- or 90-minute experiences combines exfoliating scrubs, cleansing rituals and therapeutic massage treatments in a serene private setting for individuals or couples to reconnect with each other in the spectacular nature that surrounds them.
Located just a few steps from the Spa House, along the river, the new banya sauna also finds its home in Amankora Paro. It is made from natural Canadian Hemlock wood and guided by Eastern European and Scandinavian traditions. Surrounded by towering pine trees, it overlooks the river and distant monasteries. The experience combines intense heat therapy, cold dip immersion in both a special pool and in the river, and traditional venik massage rituals using oak and birch branches to stimulate circulation and promote deep recovery in this otherworldly forest environment.
The existing spa facilities, including the yoga studio, five treatment rooms, sauna and steam room, have all received upgraded interiors and wooden finishes. Maintaining the intimate connection with nature, both indoors and outdoors, each treatment room opens onto a private terrace with its own traditional hot stone bath.
A yoga pavilion has also been added between the pine trees. The deck, which overlooks the river and historic fortress, is already home to Amankora’s signature Forest & Fortress Barbecue dining experience and the spectacular setting now also offers private yoga and wellness sessions in the natural landscape.
To ensure the guest experience remains paramount, all 24 of the lodge’s suites have been renovated with new wooden floors, ceilings and wall coverings, inspired by the surrounding landscape. Further upgrades include enhanced climate control systems, Lutron ambient lighting, heated TOTO toilets, additional shower handsets, curated minibars and new in-room dining tables, ensuring each suite matches Aman’s contemporary design aesthetic.
Elsewhere, the main lodge has refreshed the communal areas, including the upstairs guest lounge and bar, which are now seamlessly clad in wood. A new bar adds a central focal point, while the retail area is more organically integrated into the spatial flow of the lodge. The dining room has also been completely redesigned, with lighting and seating reconfigured to provide an intimate, discreet dining experience for up to 36 guests. This space is supported by a newly expanded kitchen, further increasing the culinary offering. Meanwhile, the library has also been subtly upgraded to now serve as both a tranquil retreat and an intimate private dining room.
AMANKORA PUNAKHA
Further north, in Bhutan’s subtropical Punakha Valley, Amankora’s lodge centers around a meticulously restored 300-year-old farmhouse once owned by a former Je Khenpo, Bhutan’s chief abbot. Surrounded by rice fields and Jacaranda trees, Amankora Punakha awakens with a host of additions designed to deepen the connection with the heritage of its exceptional environment.
In an effort to preserve and uphold the guest experience that Aman is known for, all twelve guest suites have been completely renovated with new wooden floors, ceilings and wall cladding, and enhanced climate control systems, enhanced lighting technology and thoughtful in-room comforts including heated TOTO toilets, additional shower handsets and minibar refreshment stations – creating a residential-style experience while retaining the original character for years to come.
Enhancing the lodge’s communal facilities, the first floor of the original farmhouse now houses a new, intimate dining room that can accommodate up to 18 guests, in addition to a dedicated Aman retail space. The new eatery is designed to exude the comfort of home, both in style and atmosphere. It embraces the charm of the historic farmhouse while offering more privacy and discretion for guests. Continuing conservation efforts, the second floor still houses the farm’s original altar room, where a monk performs traditional Buddhist ceremonies, prayers and blessings. Meanwhile, additional spaces on this level have been reconfigured to integrate an intimate library, media room, workspace and lounge, designed for moments of silence and reflection.
The wellness offering has also been significantly expanded, with the spa’s top floor now boasting three treatment rooms and a yoga studio, and brand new hydrotherapy facilities have been introduced on the ground floor, including a steam room, jacuzzi, cold plunge pool, bucket shower and relaxation area, in addition to improved changing and locker facilities.
Through these sensitive upgrades, Amankora ensures its commitment as a guardian of Bhutan’s heritage, spirituality, tradition and ritual for years to come, in addition to an even more restorative guest experience. Amankora’s Paro and Punakha lodges will reopen on September 15 and bookings are now available.
