Amankora, Paro, Bhutan

Located near Balakha Village, thirty minutes from Paro town and the airport, this luxury hotel sits approximately 2,250m above sea level. The views take in 17th-century Drukyel Dzong and stretch to 7,300m high, snow-capped Jhomolhari and beyond. There are six blocks with four suites each, two on the ground floor and two on the upper floor.

The facilities

There are myriad communal areas in this luxury hotel. Steps rise to a large stone terrace that leads to the living room, furnished with banquettes and lounging chairs. Adjacent is the library and a small boutique, and beneath is the dining room, which opens on an external terrace. A track leads to a stone and timber terrace that contains a central fireplace that is surrounded by two lounging areas.

Split over two levels, the spa contains an arrival area, changing rooms, sauna and steam rooms and a glass-walled yoga suite. Steps lead to the lower level which includes one double treatment room and four single rooms, each fitted with a shower and unique outdoor stone bath.

The rooms

The twenty-four suites of this luxury hotel are located in three rammed-earth buildings, are situated in an orange orchard with views across the rice fields and back up the Punakha Valley. The suites feature wood panelled interiors, a traditional bukhari, king-size beds, terrazzo-clad baths, shower and vanities, and day bed. Suites are individually heated during the cooler winter months and air-conditioned in the summer months.