Luxury travel company andBeyond has celebrated the launch of its first lodge in Asia, andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, situated in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.
“The first fully andBeyond-owned and managed property to open on the continent, Punakha River Lodge kicks off a brand new era of expansion for our brand,” says Mark Wheeler, andBeyond Managing Director Asia, South America and Business Development.
Situated on the banks of the Mo Chu River in the Punakha Valley, the 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 / 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. 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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