If you’ve always wanted to visit the isolated kingdom of Bhutan, the opening of andBeyond Punakha River Lodge just might be the excuse you’ve been waiting for.
The luxury travel company’s first lodge in Asia, andBeyond Punakha River Lodge opens in September on the banks of the Mo Chu River in the Punakha Valley. The lodge will feature six tented suites, as well as a two-bedroom villa with a private pool and a one-bedroom villa, which boasts a plunge pool / hot tub, depending on the season.
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Like all &Beyond’s properties, the lodge draws inspiration from its natural surroundings and combines traditional Bhutanese style with a unique twist. Safari-style tented suites are suspended from a traditional Bhutanese timber structure, while decorative painted and gilded details appear in the woodwork, particularly in the bathrooms, which feature elegant brass-clad bathtubs. The blue poppy, the national flower of Bhutan, also makes an appearance as a recurring theme woven throughout the interior decor, which includes handwoven Bhutanese wool products. Warm and soulful, the overall feeling is a tremendous sense of peace and well-being, combined with a genuine sense of place.
Boasting uninterrupted views of the Himalayas, the lodge site offers easy and unrivalled access to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a site that is a major drawcard for visitors to Punakha. A suspension bridge leads over the river and a selection of walking trails is situated nearby. The riverside setting is ideal for al fresco lunches and beach activities, such as yoga, massages and swimming.
The site also allows us to offer a variety of activities and experiences that is unmatched in the area, including cycling, river rafting and kayaking, as well as exceptional nature hikes and birding opportunities.
The lodge’s direct access to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten Hike has allowed andBeyond to create a unique early morning experience. Other attractions in the area include the famed Punakha Dzong, as well as the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery.
As the company’s first property in Bhutan, Punakha River Lodge has been imbued with the same warm and authentic brand of hospitality the safari company is known for, with exclusive experiences including paddy field lunches, surprise drinks stop, and picnic lunches with unique views of the river. An extensive organic vegetable garden speaks to the company’s dedication to sourcing local, sustainably grown ingredients and guests will also have the opportunity to visit a community farming project nearby.
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