Aman Unveils Major Wellness Upgrades at Two Bhutan Lodges
Luxury hotel group Aman will reopen its Paro and Punakha lodges in Bhutan this September following an extensive renovation centred on wellness, guest comfort and cultural preservation.
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Luxury hospitality brand Aman is preparing to unveil a new chapter for its Bhutan circuit, with two of its signature lodges set to reopen following a significant wellness-focused refurbishment.
The renovations at Amankora Paro and Amankora Punakha mark one of the most substantial upgrades to the collection in recent years, reinforcing Bhutan’s growing appeal as a destination for travellers seeking immersive wellness experiences alongside cultural discovery.
Aman first entered Bhutan more than two decades ago as the country’s first international luxury hospitality brand, establishing a network of lodges across five valleys that has become one of the kingdom’s most exclusive travel experiences.
Among the most notable additions is a new Aman Signature Spa House at Amankora Paro, designed by Kerry Hill Architects and set within the property’s pine forest.
The standalone wellness retreat features a private hammam steam room, treatment rooms, relaxation areas, hot and cold bathing facilities and an outdoor pool designed to create a secluded spa experience for individuals and couples.
The Paro lodge has also introduced a riverside banya sauna inspired by Eastern European and Scandinavian traditions. Surrounded by forest and overlooking the river, the experience combines heat therapy, cold-water immersion and traditional venik massage rituals.
Further wellness enhancements include upgraded treatment rooms, refreshed spa facilities and a new yoga pavilion overlooking the valley landscape.
Guest accommodation has also been comprehensively updated.
All 24 suites at Amankora Paro have undergone refurbishment, including new timber finishes, upgraded climate-control systems, enhanced lighting, and elevated in-room amenities. Communal spaces, including the lounge, dining room and library, have also been redesigned.
In Punakha Valley, Amankora’s lodge, centred around a restored 300-year-old farmhouse, has similarly received extensive upgrades. The property’s 12 suites have been refreshed with new interiors and technology while preserving the building’s historic character.
The spa has been expanded to include hydrotherapy facilities such as a steam room, Jacuzzi, cold plunge, bucket shower and relaxation lounge, alongside upgraded treatment rooms and yoga spaces.
Additional changes include a new private dining room within the historic farmhouse and redesigned communal areas intended to offer greater privacy and a stronger connection to the property’s heritage. The farmhouse’s original altar room remains intact, with a resident monk continuing to perform traditional Buddhist ceremonies and blessings.
The renewed lodges are scheduled to reopen on 15 September 2026, further strengthening Bhutan’s reputation as one of the world’s most sought-after luxury wellness destinations.
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All three vehicles will form part of a broader charitable initiative benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the American Red Cross and Starlight Children’s Foundation
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Avani will make its New Zealand debut in September with a lakefront hotel in Queenstown, adding a contemporary lifestyle option to one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most competitive luxury resort markets.
Avani Queenstown is being positioned as the brand’s New Zealand flagship. Its Lake Wakatipu setting gives guests direct access to the scenery that drives the destination while keeping the restaurants, bars and adventure operators of central Queenstown close at hand.
The timing is significant for Australian travellers. A September opening arrives as the ski season gives way to spring hiking, cycling and wine touring, allowing the hotel to establish itself before the peak summer period.
Queenstown’s appeal has broadened beyond adrenaline tourism. Private aviation, high-end lodges, destination dining, golf and Central Otago pinot noir now attract travellers who want both wilderness and polished service. A lifestyle hotel must bridge those worlds without becoming interchangeable with an urban property.
The Avani brand generally emphasises informal public spaces, contemporary design, social dining and wellness rather than traditional grand-hotel ceremony. In Queenstown, the key test will be whether those elements remain connected to the lake, mountains and local makers.
Travellers considering an early stay should ask which restaurants and facilities will be operating from opening day, whether construction or commissioning work remains, and how lake-view room categories differ. Opening dates can move, so flexible flights and cancellation terms are sensible.
Season also changes the experience dramatically. Winter brings ski traffic, cold-weather logistics and premium weekend rates; spring and autumn offer quieter trails and wineries; summer brings long daylight hours but also Queenstown’s busiest visitor period.
For Avani, the property establishes a base in a globally recognised destination within easy reach of Australia. For Queenstown, it adds another internationally branded hotel at a time when discerning visitors increasingly expect a strong sense of place rather than luxury by checklist.
Fact box
– Hotel: Avani Queenstown
– Location: Lake Wakatipu waterfront, Queenstown, New Zealand
– Opening: Scheduled for September 2026
– Operator: Minor Hotels
– Significance: Avani’s Queenstown debut and New Zealand flagship
– Best for: Short luxury breaks, skiing, hiking, wine touring and lake experiences
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