My husband and I just returned from 9 days in Bhutan. It was very difficult to leave and we started planning our return trip before we even left the country! After nine days with our wonderful driver and excellent guide, we felt like we were leaving good friends behind.

We spent the first and last two nights of our trip in the Amankora hotel outside of Paro town. The hotel is located in a lovely valley off one side of the Paro valley in a stand of blue pines. Each day when we arrived back at the hotel, staff members greeted us with hot towels and welcome drinks. We were guided into the library where one or more of the managers would sit with us for a while and inque glorious views of Johlo, Bhutan's tallest mountain, the old dzong, aire about our day. As we shared our experiences, we were treated to thnd the sun playing on the Himalayas. The managers were friendly and really seemed to care about hearing of our adventures. The rest of the staff anticipated our needs and promptly supplied anything they had not anticipated. Drinks, cookies, extra snacks, bottled water, laundry, the car, driver and the guide are all included. The laundry service is so good that one couple we met remarked that you could come with hand luggage alone. Nobody we noticed dressed for dinner, which made us very happy.

The food was wonderful! Each night we had a choice between western or Bhutanese food. You could even mix and match taking some things from one side and some things from the other side of the menu. The soups were tremendous. How they make bread that great at high altitude is something I never figured out.

One of the first questions we were asked upon arrival was whether we had any special dietary needs. Fellow travelers who were on much the same schedule as we were had emailed ahead that they were vegetarians. They simply asked the chief to prepare them something wonderful. And each night their wishes came true. Special dishes would emerge from the kitchen -- just for them. The chief even maked homemade ice cream in varying flavors which we all enjoyed!

The rooms at each of the Aman resorts we stayed at in Bhutan were essentially the same. As did other travelers, we found the sameness very comforting. The rooms were spacious with great linens and comfortable seatting. Several of us decided that when you travel from lodge to lodge, the rooms' consistency is soothing because after one night you know where everything is, which handle turns on the hot water, which light switch turns off which light. You never had to even touch your luggage. The only time we saw any bill at all was the last day when we were leaving Bhutan. Their I saw the charge for my Thimpu purchase, And, we never ran out of hot water.

The care that the staff gives the guests was underscored when we decided to attend the last day of the Paro festival in traditional Bhutanese clothing. Our driver and guide were very pleased and helped us obtain all the proper clothing. They also arranged for staffers to help us into our gho (men’s' traditional dress) and kera (women's long wrapped skirt) so as not to offend. My husband's white shawl had to be draped in the proper manner and his gho synched properly. I had purchased a lovely old kera but didn't know a thing about how to wear it. At 4:40 am, one of the staff draped my kera, arranged the folds properly and sent me on my way so that we might see the sacred thonka which is display before dawn at the Paro festival, but never allowed to be touched by the sun's rays. She must have dressed me correctly because as we sat with the locals throughout the day people would stop and admire the kera's fabric and bring their friends to admire it. Our guide translated the many comments which seemed to center on the fact that kera's like mine are rare and beautiful and no longer made.

I cannot stress enough the care, attention to details, and concern we felt from every Aman employee with whom we had contact. At one lunch, my husband ordered something that came with homemade chips. He loved them. After that, without a word, the chips showed up daily along with the day's snacks. These folks really care that you have the most wonderful trip possible! I cannot recommend Amanparo highly enough!

Amankora has proved to be another worthy addition to the aman group. As one might expect the service is perfect. The staff will go running for what ever you request. The food, unexpectedly, turned out delicious. The Thai Chef has chosen an agreeable menu. The views are ofcourse great.
The rooms are large, comfortable and sleek but not pretentious. I definitely recommend this hotel.

The moment you step onto the pine-needled path through a little wood leading up to the entrance of the Amankora you realise this is going to be a place like no other. The Amankora 'family' greet you at this small lodge as if you're a long-lost friend. It's a tranquil spot with a beautiful view of Jumolhari in the distance (which you can only see on a clear day). The architecture of the lodge is bold and unique, yet in keeping with the Dzong architecture of the Bhutanese culture and community. Don't expect 5-star extravagance - the Amankora sets out a much more simple and subtler concept of experiencing a great country - it's more about exploring what's goes on outside the hotel walls than entertaining yourself within. We found the service especially attentive, personal and yet unobtrusive; food was of an internationally high standard; all the rooms have superb views and very comfortable. With regards to the food, my only negative comment would be that the descriptions of the menu aren't always in line with what you'd usually get at home - so make sure you ask how the dish is prepared before you order (especially the Gnocchi). There is a spa where you can have massage treatments, hot-stone baths and various pamering (although it's not the full-works so don't expect a manicure / pedicure!).

My husband and I were fortunate enough to travel to Bhutan on our honeymoon; it was certainly a memorable experience and a wonderful way to start our marriage.

The flight into Bhutan is an experience in itself. If you are a nervous flyer don’t sit next to a window, the trees can get really close!

After clearing customs and gathering our luggage our driver and guide who would remain with us for the duration of our stay greeted us promptly.

Our guides who were employed by The Aman Resort, spoke English very well and were knowledgeable both about the history of Bhutan as well as Buddhism.

We started our travels in Paro and then headed to Punakha, which ended up being our favorite place. On our first night there the staff at the hotel arranged the most romantic dinner for my husband and I. We dined privately (most dinning at the Aman Resort is done communal) in a converted room in the barn of the hotel. The room was decorated with wild flowers and candles; it was truly one of the most memorable moments in my life.

From Punakha we headed to the capital where we were able to search out a funny little pizza place and bar were we listened to Jack Johnson while chatting with our bartender.

We ended our trip back in Paro where we hiked up to Tigers Nest, which was one of the highlights of our trip. The hike was long (about 4-5 hours) but well worth it.

We have many wonderful memories from our time in Bhutan.

Here are some things to consider:

1. Be prepared to walk a lot. Most of the best things to see are located well away from any road and are only accessible by walking/hiking.
2. Dogs, dogs and more dogs, they are everywhere! We slept with earplugs while in the capital as the dogs get lonely at night and bark a lot. It did take me a few days to get over seeing so many dogs sleeping on the streets but they are for the most part well feed and taken care of.
3. Carry tissues with you as there are no public bathrooms
4. Water is fine at the Aman resort, but we still stuck with bottled water and no ice while we were there.
5. Food was actually much better than we expected, most nights you had a choice of Eastern or Western options. The eggs in the morning were the freshest I have ever had.
6. The kids are very curious about you and love to see their pictures from a digital camera.
7. Get a spa treatment! We had a traditional hot stone bath while in Paro. The tub is outside and filled with fresh herbs and really really hot water. Bathing outside while looking up at the majestic mountains, it does not get much better than this!
8. We way over packed for our trip as we did not know what to expect. Most days I wore hiking pants and hiking shoes and at night a simple dress or trousers. Most people are pretty casual at the resort.

Happy and safe travels!