Luxury Travel News / Inside andBeyond Punakha Lodge, Bhutan / By Belinda Craigie / luxurytravelmag.com.au/ Jennifer Bar,Tony Bar, Sedat Karagoz / Istanbul,New York Travel,Tourism News Office / Janbolat Khanat / Almaty Travel,Tourism News Office

Set on the banks of the Mo Chu River in the Punaka Valley region of Bhutan, andBeyond’s first fully owned and operated lodge in Asia has opened its doors.

The boutique property, surrounded by lush paddy fields and forested hills, features just six tented suites, as well as two villas, both with private pools.

Design inspiration has been drawn from the lush natural surroundings and infused with traditional Bhutanese styles. Upholstery is made from handwoven Bhutanese wool products, while other linens feature the Blue Poppy, the national flower of Bhutan.

Paddy field lunches and picnic lunches with views over the river are some of the guest experiences that are designed to showcase the property’s striking natural setting. An organic vegetable garden produces ingredients used in guest dining experiences, such as traditional cooking lessons.

Other outdoor activities include hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking, and archery; or excursions to nearby cultural monuments such as Punakha Dzong and the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery.

At the spa, which is set in a serene natural setting surrounded by an orchard and the hillside, a range of treatments and wellness therapies are available including yoga and a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath.

Room rates start from US$890 per night.

andbeyond.com