Reached by a two hour drive from Paro, Amankora Thimpu in Bhutan is a quiet retreat nestled in a blue pine forest in the Motithang area of Thimpu, at an altitude of 2,350 metres. The fortress like architecture of the resort is inspired by the country’s Dzong, with an enclosed arrival courtyard and whitewashed stone buildings.
Stairs from the courtyard lead up to the wood panelled walls and soaring ceilings of the Living & Dining room with an outdoor dining deck providing the perfect location on which to eat delicious meals while enjoying the views of the stream and forest. Perfect for lounging around and reading, The Library has a collection of books on Bhutan and the surrounding region, while The Boutique is there to tempt guests with the fine collection of jewellery, Himalayan art and Bhutanese textiles.
The capital city of Thimpu should be experienced on any journey around Bhutan. The Kingdom’s main commercial centre, it also houses the office of His Majesty the King and is the seat of government. In the centre the quaint Clock Tower is surrounded by lanes of shops and markets with the main street giving the opportunity to shop for Bhutanese textiles and Himalayan jewellery, other places of interest include the Folk Heritage Museum and the National Textile Museum. One of the country’s oldest cantilevered bridges at the head of the valley leads to Cheri Goemba, where the Kingdom’s first monk community was based. At Pangri Zampa, there is even a monastic astrologer training school, housed in two 16th century buildings.
After a day of exploration guests can return to Amankora Thimpu to the Spa with its Royal Bhutanese treatments using local herbs. The focus here is to provide a peaceful haven where guests are left feeling pampered beautiful and regal.
Each of the 16 suites has a combined bedroom and lounge, featuring wood panelling and chocolate brown walls. They are beautifully furnished and include a window banquette which provides views over the pine forest, stream or a landscaped courtyard. The spacious bathroom of each suite is separated from the bedroom by a traditional bukhari, or Bhutanese fireplace and each is individually heated during the cold winter months.
