Aman is set to reopen its Amankora Paro and Amankora Punakha lodges in Bhutan on September 15, following comprehensive refurbishments across both properties. The renovations focus on enhancing guest wellness facilities and updating suite interiors to align with contemporary design standards while maintaining the traditional Bhutanese character of the sites, according to official statements from the brand.
What changes are coming to Amankora Paro?
Amankora Paro, situated in the Paro Valley at an elevation of 2,250 meters, has introduced a standalone Aman Spa House designed by Kerry Hill Architects. According to the company, this facility features a private hammam, a double treatment room, and an outdoor pool. Additionally, the property has installed a banya sauna constructed from Canadian Hemlock wood, which utilizes Eastern European and Scandinavian heat therapy techniques. All 24 guest suites have been updated with new timber flooring, climate control systems, and Lutron mood lighting.
How is Amankora Punakha preserving its heritage?
The Punakha lodge centers on a 300-year-old farmhouse formerly owned by a Je Khenpo, the chief abbot of Bhutan. To balance modernization with historical preservation, the restoration includes a new 18-guest dining room on the farmhouse’s first floor. According to Aman, the second floor retains the original altar room where resident monks continue to perform traditional Buddhist ceremonies. The property has also expanded its wellness offerings by adding hydrotherapy facilities, including a Jacuzzi and a cold plunge pool on the ground floor.
Why the shift toward holistic wellness in luxury travel?
The integration of dedicated “Spa Houses” and banya saunas at these properties reflects a broader trend in high-end hospitality: the move from passive spa services to immersive wellness architecture. While traditional hotels often tuck spas into basements, Aman’s design strategy involves placing wellness facilities directly into the natural landscape, such as the Paro lodge’s new yoga pavilion overlooking the river and fortress. This mirrors a shift seen across the luxury sector, where travelers prioritize “restorative environments” over standardized hotel amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can guests book stays at the refurbished lodges?
Reservations are currently open for both the Paro and Punakha lodges, with official operations resuming on September 15.
What specific technology upgrades were added to the suites?
Both properties have installed enhanced climate control systems, Lutron mood lighting, and heated TOTO toilets to modernize the residential experience.
Are the historical features of the Punakha farmhouse still intact?
Yes. The second floor of the Punakha farmhouse remains dedicated to its original purpose, housing an altar room for Buddhist prayers and ceremonies.
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