Andbeyond is the latest company to open a luxury retreat in Bhutan with the arrival of andBeyond Punakha River Lodge.
The luxury travel company, best known for its luxurious African safari camps, marks the opening of its first property outside Africa and South America.
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Situated on the banks of the Mo Chu River in the Punakha Valley, the new lodge features six tented suites, as well as a two-bedroom villa with a private pool and a one-bedroom villa, which boasts a plunge pool or hot tub, depending on the season.
Like all andBeyond’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. Decorative painted and gilded details appear in the woodwork, particularly in the bathrooms, which feature elegant brass-cladded bathtubs.
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The blue poppy, the national flower of Bhutan, also makes an appearance as a recurring theme woven throughout the interior design. Handwoven Bhutanese wool products are used as upholstery, linen detailing and blankets, bringing a touch of bold and bright colour and texture to the simple and unpretentious design. Warm and soulful, the overall feeling is a tremendous sense of peace and wellbeing, 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.
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The site also allows andBeyond 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.
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AndBeyond’s first property in Bhutan, Punakha River Lodge will also offer a range of exclusive experiences, including paddy field lunches, and surprise drinks stops 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, while guests will also have the opportunity to visit a community farming project nearby.
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