GONE GLAMPING

Luxury experiential travel company and Beyond opens its first Asian lodge in Bhutan to showcase the country's natural beauty in its full glory

- Karen Tee

Bhutan's concept of Gross National Happiness is more than a simplistic measurement of the feeling of being happy. It is actually a framework that recognises that well-being is influenced by a wide range of factors, including a flourishing natural environment.

Indeed, the breathtaking Himalayan kingdom has been abundantly blessed with natural wonders, from spectacular mountain ranges and gushing rivers to lush valleys and thriving forests. All it takes is that first invigorating inhale of fresh mountain air after the iconic plane descent in between towering mountains to land on a narrow airstrip in Paro for our steps to lighten.

For an even more meaningful retreat, luxury safari and travel company and Beyond has launched its first lodge in Asia in a picturesque corner of Bhutan. Cradled by Himalayan mountains in Punakha Valley, the and Beyond Punakha River Lodge on the banks of the Mo Chu River enjoys moderate temperatures all year round due to its slightly lower elevation.

True to the South African company's ethos of melding luxury with natural beauty, just about every element of the Punakha River Lodge's thoughtful design has been conceived to create a retreat that envelops guests in nature. Like other and Beyond lodges and camps in Africa and South America, the Bhutan lodge draws inspiration from its locality. The property features six tented suites as well as a two-bedroom villa with a private pool and a one-bedroom villa that has a plunge pool or hot tub, depending on the season. The villas are undoubtedly plush and luxurious, but for a unique stay rooted in a sense of place, pick the tents, which are a standout in a country known for an abundance of ultra-luxe accommodation-no other destination currently offers glamping in such high style.