&Beyond Punakha River Lodge

Combining Bhutanese tradition with &Beyond's signature flair, and bold, mismatched furnishings with artistic decor, the hotel is a feast for the eyes. But then so is the view, which can be gazed at from a fireside seat on the deck, or from the riverside infinity pool. When you get hungry, the open-plan kitchen serves fabulous regional dishes prepared with ingredients from the organic garden, and when it's time to relax, head straight for the spa. In a lush, fragrant glade, it offers treatments, open-air yoga, and soaks in a traditional hot stone bath.

Staying true to &Beyond's safari roots, the lodge has six tented suites, each finely decorated with plush, patterned rugs, and boasting an outdoor shower and huge bathtub. Alternatively, both the double-storey River House or two-bedroom Family Suite enjoy a few extra amenities including a private hot tub and swimming pool (multiple for the latter), and spacious lounge and dining areas. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in a view of the forested mountains, river, and, for the Family Suite, the famous Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a memorial dedicated to peace ad tranquility.

While you could quite happily spend the day lounging on your private deck, there is plenty to do in Punakha Valley. The hotel will be able to point you in the direction of myriad hiking routes, from the challenging Dochu La Pass to the Punakha Dzong, and you can also enjoy local pastimes with an archery lesson or cooking class in the hotel's outdoor kitchen. Otherwise, get into the spirit of the mountain kingdom and spend a contemplative moment lighting a butter lamp at one of the nearby monasteries.