Luxury travellers have a new reason to rejoice as andBeyond, the renowned luxury travel business, just inaugurated its first lodge in Asia - andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, hidden in the beautiful Himalayan nation of Bhutan.
Mark Wheeler, andBeyond's Managing Director for Asia, South America, and Business Development, expressed his excitement about this milestone, saying, "The first fully andBeyond-owned and managed property to open on the continent, Punakha River Lodge ushers in a brand new era of expansion for our brand." We are capitalising on our nearly two decades of touring experience in Asia to establish a lodge footprint that will allow us to expand our conservation-led business model across three continents."
This outstanding lodge offers six elegant tented suites, as well as a two-bedroom villa with a private pool and a one-bedroom villa with either a plunge pool or a hot tub, depending on the season, on the tranquil banks of the Mo Chu River in the Punakha Valley.
True to andBeyond's signature aesthetic, the lodge draws design inspiration from its natural surroundings, effortlessly integrating traditional Bhutanese architecture with a modern twist. Safari-style tented suites are beautifully suspended from a traditional Bhutanese timber structure.
Elegant brass-clad bathtubs and beautifully painted and gilded woodwork delight the bathrooms, while the blue poppy, Bhutan's national flower, appears frequently in the interior decor.
Handwoven Bhutanese wool products offer brilliant colours and textures to the environment, providing a warm, soulful ambience that encourages a sense of calm and well-being, as well as an authentic connection to the area.
With breathtaking views of the Himalayas, the lodge's prime location provides unrivalled access to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a must-see in Punakha. A suspension bridge spans the river, offering easy access to a number of walking routes.
The riverfront environment is ideal for outdoor activities such as yoga, massages, and swimming, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.
In addition to its gorgeous surroundings, the lodge offers a range of activities and experiences. Guests can go cycling, river rafting, kayaking, on spectacular nature hikes, and birdwatching.
Guests can enjoy a one-of-a-kind early morning adventure thanks to the lodge's direct access to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten Hike. Nearby sights include the well-known Punakha Dzong and the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery.
Punakha River Lodge continues andBeyond's legacy of warm and genuine hospitality. Exclusive experiences await, such as paddy field meals, surprise drinks stops and picnic lunches with stunning river views.
The lodge also emphasises sustainability, with a huge organic vegetable garden and a commitment to obtaining locally farmed ingredients. Guests can even tour a neighbouring communal farming initiative.
"andBeyond's investment in staff training and the bespoke experiences that we pride ourselves on offering will make the lodge stand out as unique," Wheeler says.
We sought inspiration elsewhere, incorporating the unique nature of the area into our service approach, thereby creating a platform for guests to immerse themselves in this amazing environment and allowing the destination to shine."
Beyond Punakha River Lodge is now open to those looking for a magnificent and unique experience in the midst of Bhutan's natural treasures.
a. JRQ3+937, Punakha 13001, Bhutan
w. www.andbeyond.com/our-lodges/asia/bhutan/punakha/andbeyond-punakha-river-lodge
You May Also Like
Riders Resort Located within Legends Golf and Country Resort Malaysia offers Equestrian Excellence
