Need to know
Rooms
16 suites.
Check–Out
Noon. Check-in, 2pm. Early check-in and late check-out are subject to availability, but if your room isn’t ready on arrival you can steam off the jet-lag in the spa while you wait.
More details
Rates include all meals, house wines and spirits, visa processing, return transfers, excursions and activities. Amankora Bhutanese journeys of a week or more also get a one-hour spa treatment, a unique itinerary, and a private car with a driver and guide.
Also
Bhutanese milk-and-butter teas are something of an acquired taste, but sipping one in bed is traditional morning ritual in these parts, as well as a pleasant pre-hike wake-up call; ask the staff to have a cup brought to your room before breakfast.
At the hotel
Free WiFi throughout; a spa and steam room; free morning yoga; a library. In rooms: Aman bath products.
Our favourite rooms
They’re all the same, so you needn’t worry about choosing between anything other than where to while away your hours: a soak in the huge terrazzo-clad bath, perhaps?
Spa
Bumthang Lodge’s cedar-scented spa harnesses the life-affirming power of the Himalayas, infusing its treatments with local herbs and wild mountain honey. There are trekker-relieving treatments that make use of hot stones and herbal compresses – a must after a day exploring the surrounding mountains – but their facials, featuring masks whipped up from home-made yoghurt and fresh oranges, are equally essential for rescuing skin from high-altitude-induced dehydration.
Packing tips
Follow the hotel’s lead and leave electronics behind; bring, instead, a stack of the most philosophical books you can find – this is a hotel perfectly suited to pondering life’s big questions.
Also
Early risers can start the day with a monk-led morning prayer session. The hotel has board games and puzzles to keep children (or competitive couples) occupied.
Children
This secluded hotel is best suited to couples looking to logout of modern life, but children are welcome; under-12s stay free and extra beds can be added to rooms. Babysitting is available ($20 an hour), highchairs are available and dishes can be adapted.