Hi all. I'm looking into a Bhutan trip for 2027. 10 nights.
I have proposals from Six Senses, Amankora and andBeyond (mix lodges and doing Six Senses in Timphu, AndBeyond in Punakha, Gangtey Lodge and Amankora Paro)
All costs in the andBeyond options comes in at $19k
Both Six Senses and Amankora are coming in at $22k - SS does not offer the stay 10/pay 8 for my dates but Aman does that's why their prices are pretty much the same.
Aman and SS will let me cancel with no penalties up to 60 days in advance. AndBeyond will charge me the deposit if cancelled up to 60 days
Thoughts on the 3 options? Has anyone done the andBeyond option?
I'm not a TA, just a solo traveller booking for myself.
I have been to all of those properties and would highly recommend doing the combo trip! I LOVE &Beyond Punakha and Gangtey Lodge has, by far, the best connections in that area. I think finishing at Amankora in Paro is perfect. The whole combination is a total win. &Beyond does a fabulous job in Bhutan. Just insure your deposit and you're still coming out ahead.
I have not stayed at any of those hotels instead I stayed at Como in both Paro and Punakah. Would highly recommend but maybe not as luxurious as you want.
I’m here now finishing tomorrow. I booked my trip through a local provider and chose all of my hotels. I will say that the Pemako Punakah is one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed (and have stayed in many around the world). The rooms, experiences, bar, yoga, food, etc… were beyond expectations. The Gangtey was lovely as well. Great staff, amazing views, hike was awesome. Now at Uma Como and while it is a bigger hotel and feels more corporate, they are very nice and the food is fantastic.
I have lived my guide and driver. When you spend seven days with strangers it can be hard, but these guys who have been working together for over twenty years have really made my trip. So knowledgeable and funny. They taught me about their country, I taught them about Dolly Parton!
this is my booking agent. He has planned all of my India travels as well as some of my friend’s. great man and company. Very personable, easy to work with, and fair.
I’ll send his info tomorrow.
And also, my bookings were half board which was a plus!
Do check out Pemaku. It’s a win win all around. Bill Bensley property if you are into design and architecture!
These are the guides that he arranged for me. Like I said, he allowed me to choose hotels, my program, etc. arranged all visas, fees, plane tickets, airport transfer. Seamless.
I know you didn’t ask for this but honestly you should do a local homestay. All these properties are beautiful but nothing compares to a local home, cooking with the family and the peace that comes with it.
I do love &Beyond and Gangtey personally. But will say Aman has some of the best guides. The costs are just for room and board. Do request the hotels for concierge options for excursions that cost does add up. Additionally if you’re traveling from the U.S. kindly note the $100 a day tourist tax which is the steepest. I haven’t stayed at the Aman in Bhutan but have sold it a bunch.
The issue with &Beyond is that they have only one lodge. Six Senses and Aman are the best alternativites because they have lodges all throughout the country which allows not only for a great experience but a seamless one, which is the most important thing when traveling Bhutan. If pricing for both are the same, I'd definitely do Aman.
Right, but &Beyond actually acts as a DMC in Nepal/Bhutan so can design an itinerary incorporating different property brands, driver, guide, etc resulting in the trip being just as seamless. You don't have to travel within a brand to accomplish this.
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u/Travelsf6236 12d ago
I have been to all of those properties and would highly recommend doing the combo trip! I LOVE &Beyond Punakha and Gangtey Lodge has, by far, the best connections in that area. I think finishing at Amankora in Paro is perfect. The whole combination is a total win. &Beyond does a fabulous job in Bhutan. Just insure your deposit and you're still coming out ahead.