A low-lying, contemporary wood, dry-stone and earth-plastered structure that sits unobtrusively between farms and pine forests at the head of Gangtey valley. As well as offering dramatic views of the valley and monastery, it overlooks grasslands on which endangered black-necked cranes roost in winter.

Small, warm and cosy, this eight-suite lodge is intimate and homely, with two communal dining tables in the living-dining area, and a few tables outside on the front lawns when it’s dry. Like the other four Amankora hotels in Bhutan, its style is restrained and materials natural; all surfaces are made of wood or stone, lit at night with paraffin lamps and candles, and decorated in muted colours and natural fabrics, with clean-lined wooden furnishings.

Hidden among pine trees in Balakha village, Amankora Paro has been built in the style of a modern dzong with a mix of clay colored earth-packed walls and handsome dry-stone wall. The mountain streams running through the property and views of the Jhomolhari, the second highest mountain in Bhutan, give this 24-suite lodge unparalleled settings.

Like the other four Amankoras in Bhutan, the cleanliness, unclutuered living spaces with blazing fire have window-side banquettes on which to read from a fine library of books, an outdoor patio for sunny lunches and a firepit around which to enjoy evening drinks.

Amankora Paro is ideally located for Part most reknown visits: the picture perfect Paro Dzong, the hike to Tiger’s Nest monastery, shopping for crafts, or the beautiful old Kyichu Lhakhang temple.

Situated on a pine-forested hill on the outskirts of the capital, Thimphu, in the desirable Motithang district, neighbouring Bhutanese royalty, the fortress inspired hotel is situated in a forest, with views over a burbling stream and sweet smelling pines.

Designed by acclaimed Australian architect, Kerry Hill, to resemble a Bhutanese dzong, or fortress, this is the most imposing of Aman’s five Bhutanese hotels. The walls are thick, high and built of dry-stone and earth-plaster, and rooms set out like monks’ quarters in double-storey wings. The feel is simple, pared down and authentic, with lots of stone, wood, glass, and clean, contemporary wooden furnishing in muted shades.

Built by a former chief abbot as a rural summer palace, this old farmhouse, with two modern packed-earth extensions, has pretty views over orchards, rice paddies and the Mo Chhu (or Mother River) and offers visitors a chance to live in a traditional farmhouse, then retire to modern bedrooms. Located just 10 minutes’ drive from the 17th-century Punakha Dzong, the hotel is reached on foot, via a suspension bridge festooned with prayer flags offering the guest a dramatic entrance.

Possibly the most characterful and intimate of Bhutan’s five Amankora hotels, converted from an old royal farmhouse that is decorated with vegetable-dye wallpaintings and furnished like a home – albeit with clean-lined contemporary pieces. A pretty courtyard, shaded by a Chinese cherry tree in the day, is set up at night with a fire and lamps for outdoor dining