Guest reviews Amankora, Gangtey

by ftravel20

Paradise!

This is my fave Amankora. The location is beautiful and mystical. It feels magical. Amankora is just perfect. Everything is perfect: the gorgeous, secluded locations; great food; impeccable design; attention to detail; commitment to sustainability; and most of all the unparalleled service. The design is fabulous, everything is so well thought-out. It feels like you're staying at the well-staffed home of a very gracious host with impeccable taste, who's never at home, so you can do exactly as you please. Examples of the service: -after the first day, they observed my shoe size is on the small side, and placed bedroom slippers in exactly my size (along with a humidifier, which I requested on the first night) on my side of the bed every night, even in the different Aman locations across Bhutan. -The turn-down gifts were unique every night of the trip. Some friends who've been there many times for extended stays have still always gotten unique gifts. -You never actually see them clean your room, but the room is always pristine. -Laundry service is wonderful, everything is returned super fast and neatly hung up. -On treks, they somehow get to the mid-point before you, and surprise you with amazing snacks and tea -Every meal is customized to your preference

by MemoriesHoarder New York City, New York

Hospitality and attention to detail unmatched

The smallest of the 5 Amankoras but that means it's the most intimate, secluded of them all. When we stayed in November there were no more than 5 other guests at a time. Even at full capacity they do not have that many rooms so it will retain a quiet, personalized-service feel to it. The view of the valley was so enchanting we had ALL our daytime meals there even if we had to sit in our down puffer coats. We sat a good amount of time just staring out into that absurdly picturesque valley with the monastery perched above it in the hills. The extravagance of their service is mind blowing, I actually started to feel guilty. I think as much as 3 times a day, they brought each of us freshly brewed tea that we almost never finished. Laundry is included so that's a big help if you are doing a long trip. Food was very tasty. They have a good assortment of traditional Bhutanese and Western style food. Normally we immerse ourselves into the local food but this was toward the end of a 10 day trip and we had been eating ulcer-burning hot Bhutanese food for over a week, so we were so happy to have real, flaky croissants with breakfast. The rooms are done in that unmistakable, muted, tasteful Aman style. There is a fire stove that they provide wood with pine cones to start the fire. How charmingly rustic! (Our previous hotel gave us a jar of ghee to spoon into the stove and ignite). Be warned, the room is an open design -- no wall to separate the bath area from the living and sleeping area. (Toilet is closed off of course). Aesthetically I think this looks great but I can imagine some people depending on who you travel with may not like this This site's amenities include dinner in a shed away from the main lodge and a hot stone bath away from the main lodge. The latter activity must be booked hours in advance as it takes time to heat up the stones. It also has archery which we LOVED, mostly because the servers who you would think only serve food, actually were the teachers! They took time out from their busy tasks to teach us how to hold the bows and arrows and gave us a little history lesson on the sport. This level of personalized service, (impromptu, performed with joy and genuine interest) is the sort of experience that makes the hefty price tag of Aman so worth it!

by ro1655 San Francisco, California

Heavenly!!!

I can’t decide whether this is my favorite Aman in Bhutan or the Aman in Punakha. I love both resorts simply due to its service, food, but above all, its beautiful remote location. The view of the valley is a piece of heaven on earth. I have to give a well-deserve praises to our private tour guide and driver, Ugyen and Pema who made sure we arrived safely. The driving from Thimphu to Gangtey is a 6hr drive in a very winding and treacherous road. One small mistake could cause everyone’s lives. Both men are just simply amazing. They took good care of us from day 1 to day 8. They spoiled us with their kindness, generosity and genuine care. We were so blessed to be under their care. Thank you, Ugyen and Pema!!! Love you guys! And to Aman’s training to all of its staff!! Gangtey is very special and with Aman’s hospitality, it makes it even more distinctively special. It offers some unique activities such as hot stone bath which is not to be missed as well as the potato shed dinner. Oh my, if one misses both, a piece of heaven was totally missed. Everyone here was genuinely wonderful! All the staff made sure we were well taken care of. An Aman signature which the staff portrayed so genuinely and effectively. If you want to have an experience of a lifetime, go through Aman Resorts in Bhutan.

by mo0912 London, United Kingdom

Stunning

Amankora Gangtey is special in that the black necked cranes come to visit annually and the locals regard this as auspicious. The lodge overlooks the valley where the cranes come to feed. So the views overlooking the valley are amazing. Binoculars are provided. There is lots to do here and we participated in a hot stone bath with was relaxing and very hot! The local Gangtey monastery is independent and not funded by the government so we took the opportunity to donate a meal to the monks. This was a most exhilarating experience which we truly enjoyed. The food was great as were the ginger honey drinks that helped us feel good due to the altitude.

by filmg New England

Fabulous in All Respects

Where to begin? Fabulous service. No task is too small. No request unfulfilled. They’re upset if you carry anything. When you return to the hotel, hot towels await you. Leave your room, and it is instantly cleaned. The setting overlooking the valley and up to the monastery is perfect. Food is outstanding, and special requests are, well, a specialty. Lovely spa. Be sure to try some archery — the national sport. And the hot stone bath is truly worth the effort. Excellent WiFi. We just sank into the bliss that is Amankora.