Luxury travel company andBeyond is set to launch its first lodge in Asia, with andBeyond Punakha River Lodge scheduled to open in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan in September 2023.
Situated on the banks of the Mo Chu River in the Punakha Valley, the lodge will feature six tented suites, as well as a two-bedroom villa with a private pool and a one-bedroom villa, which boasts a plunge pool/hot tub, depending on the season.
I've written about andBeyond before on several occasions. I like the way they've managed consistently to combine environmental awareness and action with a luxury product. Established in 1991, andBeyond designs personalised high-end tours in 13 countries in Africa, five in Asia and four in South America, offering discerning travellers "a rare and exclusive experience of the world as it should be."
In addition to the new lodge in Bhutan, the company owns and operates 29 lodges and camps in safari, scenic and island destinations in Africa and South America. It claims to positively impact more than nine million acres of wildlife land and 1,800 miles of coastline.
First lodge in Asia
"The first fully andBeyond-owned and managed property to open on the continent, Punakha River Lodge kicks off a brand new era of expansion for our brand," said Mark Wheeler, andBeyond Managing Director Asia, South America & Business Development. "Our intention is to build onto our almost two decades of touring expertise in Asia to create a lodge footprint that will help us to continue to grow our conservation-led business model on three continents."
Like all andBeyond's properties, the lodge draws inspiration from its natural surroundings and combines traditional Bhutanese style with a unique twist. Safari-style tented suites are suspended from a traditional Bhutanese timber structure. Decorative painted and gilded details appear in the woodwork, particularly in the bathrooms, which feature elegant brass-cladded bathtubs.
The blue poppy, the national flower of Bhutan, also makes an appearance as a recurring theme woven throughout the interior design. Handwoven Bhutanese wool products are used as upholstery, linen detailing and blankets.
Prices start at US$890 per night for the tented suites.
Extensive access to sites
Boasting uninterrupted views of the Himalayas, the lodge site offers easy and unrivalled access to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a site that is a major drawcard for visitors to Punakha. A suspension bridge leads over the river and a selection of walking trails is situated nearby. The riverside setting is ideal for al fresco lunches and beach activities.
The site also allows the company to offer a variety of activities and experiences unmatched in the area including cycling, river rafting and kayaking, as well as exceptional nature hikes and birding opportunities.
An extensive organic vegetable garden confirms the company's dedication to sourcing local, sustainably grown ingredients. Guests will also have the opportunity to visit a community farming project nearby.
Cost of entry to Bhutan
Now, something that has nothing to do with andBeyond but would be a serious omission if I didn't mention it, and that's the Bhutan Government's Sustainable Development Fee. Before the pandemic, travellers to Bhutan were required to join an organised tour and pay a minimum daily package rate of US$200-US$250, depending on the time of year. The rate included the costs of hotel, food, transportation and tour guides, as well as a mandatory US$65 Sustainable Development Fee.
But last year Bhutan passed a Tourism Levy Bill that scrapped the minimum daily package rate and instead raised the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) from US$65 to US$200 per person per day. Travel costs for hotels, food and tours that were originally included are no longer covered by the fee as independent travel is now permitted.
There are discounts for children and for now tourists from India pay only about US$15 per day, but everyone else pays the full SDF plus daily travel costs.
The Tourism Council of Bhutan says that visitors to Bhutan will make an active contribution to Bhutan's economic, social and cultural development. "The Sustainable Development Fee enables investment in transformative programs that preserve our traditions, protect our heritage and environment, upgrade infrastructure, create opportunities for our young people and build resilience," it says. Fair enough, but it is a huge impost that many travellers – even those with a genuine commitment to sustainable tourism – will simply not be able to afford. You can learn more about the SDF here.
Bhutan is the last Vajrayana Buddhist country in the world and it contains many revered religious sites – from roadside stupas to temples, monasteries and nunneries. Bhutan also has one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world.
Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied.
Photos: andBeyond