Amankora

Our final pit stop in Bhutan, great hotel, minimalist architecture, great spa, amazing setting, and delicious food much needed after a week of rice + chicken! a bit too expensive for what it is, but worth it...

This is the finale of four AK during our 10 days travel (2 AK Thimpu/3 AK Gangtey/2 AK Punakha / 3 AK Paro) - a great place to unwind and get ready to go back to the hustle and bustle of the world. We hiked Taktshang (glad we did it on the last AK, as previous hikes helped prepared us for this) - it is not extremely difficult (for us semi-fit city dweller), just need an adjustment to the altitude. The next day we attended the first day of paro Tshechu. AK has really perfected the art of welcoming us into our home away from home, kudo to Jigme, Paro resident manager. We got a chance to do little shopping (really, not much that we can buy, unless one is interested in religious artifact or fabric), the country is still not molded for tourist, which is the charm. Thank you Aman, we are really enjoying our trip. Yes it is luxurious and ultra expensive, but with intention, prior research and guide assistance, we are also able to reach out and make a relation with Bhutanese people.

Amankora Paro is the last stop of our Amankora journey. This is also the pit stop to the Tiger's Nest, which lifted up our spirits in anticipating an exciting encounter with this magical monastery. This resort is the largest amongst the other four Amankoras in Bhutan. During our check-in, we were greeted with fragrant hand towels and warm smiles. It was a long walk through the maze-like walkways, and stairways, to arrive at our room. A very memorable experience is to walk though the pine tree forest leading to the resort. The forest floor is covered with a pristine "carpet" of pine needles. Needless to say, it is manicured to perfection. The feeling of just passing through this space is so serene and peaceful, you just want to walk in tortoise speed and loiter around more. We also enjoyed the archery and target shooting activities, also, do try to be dressed up in local costume. You will not be disappointed.

My short but memorable trip to Bhutan was augmented by the Aman experience. I managed to stay at 3 of Amankora’s lodges, namely Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. All were fantastic, with similar interiors for a sense of familiarity and yet had distinguishing touches at the respective properties. But above all, Aman’s guide (Pema) who was attached with us for the entire trip was incredible. His insights into culture/politics/environment issues etc. and his attentiveness to our preferences are a real highlight to this vacation. Truly unforgettable.

The location is excellent and I loved the food and small touches like the hot water bottle at night. The yak burger was one of the best burgers ever. But when minimalist architecture overcomes practicality there is a problem. The room was badly ventilated and when the shutters were drawn it was like a coffin devoid of any colour or character. Aman should try to think of their guests not how it looks.