Punakha, Bhutan
Punakha River Lodge
Set in the forested hills of the Punakha Valley, the tastefully designed and intricate Punakha River Lodge is a haven of peace and tranquillity, perfect for those who relish the idea of a wellness retreat enveloped in a remarkably picturesque natural landscape. This is somewhere you can escape the everyday, fully relax and unwind. With intrepid activities in the forest available too, there’s plenty of room for your adventurous side if you want to indulge it.
Set in the forested hills of the Punakha Valley, the tastefully designed and intricate Punakha River Lodge is a haven of peace and tranquillity, perfect for those who relish the idea of a wellness retreat enveloped in a remarkably picturesque natural landscape. This is somewhere you can escape the everyday, fully relax and unwind. With intrepid activities in the forest available too, there’s plenty of room for your adventurous side if you want to indulge it.
Set in the forested hills of the Punakha Valley, the tastefully designed and intricate Punakha River Lodge is a haven of peace and tranquillity, perfect for those who relish the idea of a wellness retreat enveloped in a remarkably picturesque natural landscape. This is somewhere you can escape the everyday, fully relax and unwind. With intrepid activities in the forest available too, there’s plenty of room for your adventurous side if you want to indulge it.
Set in the forested hills of the Punakha Valley, the tastefully designed and intricate Punakha River Lodge is a haven of peace and tranquillity, perfect for those who relish the idea of a wellness retreat enveloped in a remarkably picturesque natural landscape. This is somewhere you can escape the everyday, fully relax and unwind. With intrepid activities in the forest available too, there’s plenty of room for your adventurous side if you want to indulge it.
Location
Punakha River Lodge is set on the banks of the Mo Chu River, deep in the Punakha Valley, cocooned by forested hills and vast expanses of paddy fields.
The area is well-known for its magnificent mountain views, as well as rice and chilli farms, and the Punakha Dzong, one of the country’s oldest structures. This is a destination of exceptional natural beauty and is where the royal family of Bhutan choose to spend their winters.
The area is well-known for its magnificent mountain views, as well as rice and chilli farms, and the Punakha Dzong, one of the country’s oldest structures. This is a destination of exceptional natural beauty and is where the royal family of Bhutan choose to spend their winters.
Accommodation
Accommodation here is breath-takingly detailed. There are six luxury tents and two further suites for those looking for a little more space or travelling in a larger group. Each is immaculate and beautifully decorated featuring crisp linens and lots of natural materials. You’ll have large windows, giving you superb views over the lush, green hills of the valley. Start the day by throwing open the doors to your deck when you wake, breathing in Punakha’s fresh clean air, listening to the soft babbling sounds of the nearby stream, and admiring the breathtaking valley laid out before you.
You’ll dine on traditional Bhutanese cooking, influenced by Chinese, Indian and Tibetan foods. Everything is locally-inspired and seasonal, with many ingredients grown in the lodge’s own extensive organic vegetable garden. In such an idyllic setting, it’d be a pity not to dine outdoors. You’ll enjoy al fresco meals in a variety of locations: your private deck, a carefully chosen spot overlooking the river or the paddy fields, or even simply by the pool.
You’ll dine on traditional Bhutanese cooking, influenced by Chinese, Indian and Tibetan foods. Everything is locally-inspired and seasonal, with many ingredients grown in the lodge’s own extensive organic vegetable garden. In such an idyllic setting, it’d be a pity not to dine outdoors. You’ll enjoy al fresco meals in a variety of locations: your private deck, a carefully chosen spot overlooking the river or the paddy fields, or even simply by the pool.
With a huge emphasis on wellness at the property, the spa is unsurprisingly exceptional. A wide range of treatments and therapies are available, including a highly recommended traditional Bhutanese wooden hot stone bath. The spa has been carefully positioned in the midst of an orange orchard and has views of the foothills, the ultimate relaxing setting. Should you wish to try yoga, tailored classes can be arranged in the studio.
Experiences
- Immerse yourself in the world of wellness with yoga and mediation, spa treatments and a traditional hot stone bath using fresh river water mixed with Artemisia leaves.
- Connect with the local people and culture by visiting nearby villages and farmhouses, and taking part in a traditional Tshewang (blessing) ceremony in a nunnery or temple.
- Visit Bhutan’s royal Punakha Dzong, a 17th century monastery where all of Bhutan’s kings are crowned. This remarkable building is one of the oldest and largest in the country.
- Intersperse your relaxation with some more intrepid activities including rafting, kayaking and mountain biking. The hills of the valley are waiting to be explored and you can do so on a variety of hiking routes.
- Try your hand at Bhutan’s national sport, archery - a particularly fun and engaging activity for groups or families.
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