Fodor's Expert Review Amankora Paro

Beloved for its distinctive mix of luxury and local flavor, the Aman brand offers visitors a full-service experience in the Kingdom, with lodges dotted around the central and western valleys, in everything from converted farmhouses to lime-washed stone houses. Five lodges make up Amankora, a combination of the Sanskrit word for "peace" and the Bhutanese word for "circular pilgrimage." The main property—and the largest at 24 suites—is Amankora Paro, located in Balakha village, about 30-minutes from the international airport. The decor is contemporary-rustic with earthen walls, wood-paneling, and flagstone courtyards. The main house contains a cozy living room with windows overlooking the blue pines; a library stocked with tomes on local history and culture; and a dining room with communal tables and a menu of local, Indian, and Western dishes. In a separate building, the duplex spa features a yoga studio, sauna and steam room, and five treatment rooms with outdoor baths. Guest suites are simply furnished with King beds, window seats, a traditional wood-burning stove, and oversized tubs. Note that rates are per person, per night, and include all meals and house beverages, roundtrip airport transfers, laundry, and visa processing. Guest staying seven or more nights on the circuit receive extra perks like a private driver and guide, while solo travelers incur a large single supplement fee. As with all accommodations in Bhutan, several additional charges and taxes are levied on top of rates.