The Endearing Spirit of Bhutanese Hospitality: Ama Om’s Homestay

Nestled in the folds of the serene hills above Punakha Dzong, surrounded by fields, orchards, and the musical sounds of a mountain stream, lies Ama Om’s Homestay. The homestay, run by Ama Chimi Om, sister of the renowned Bhutanese contemporary artist Asha Kama Wangdi, serves as a living example of traditional Bhutanese hospitality.

Ama Om’s rooms are decorated with historical photographs of family elders, their vibrant old furniture and artifacts hold on to memories of their ancestors. Adding to this rich historical milieu are paintings by Asha Kama and his circle of friends and students. It was here that Asha Kama’s imagination was kindled and shaped by the cultural heritage and the natural beauty of his surroundings.

The culinary offerings at Ama Om’s are a delightful journey into traditional Bhutanese cuisine, prepared with ingredients grown on the property. Ama Om and her team, including Doema, Tshering, Risel, and daughter-in-law Rada, cook meals using ancient recipes, providing guests with an authentic taste of Bhutan. The heady rice wine, brewed in giant vats and served to guests, links the present with the past, continuing the traditions that have been passed down through the generations.

One of the highlights of staying at Ama Om’s is the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath. This unique experience involves soaking in wooden tubs filled with water heated by red-hot rocks. The process is not just about relaxation but is also a ritual that offers solace and rejuvenation. Guests are led to the baths by the sounds of the rushing stream, past terraces of buckwheat and rice, to where the water is heated in a dramatic display of steam and sizzling stones. This experience connects the guests with the ancient healing practices of Bhutan, believed to soothe and heal both body and mind.

Ama Om’s Homestay epitomizes the essence of rural Bhutanese life, where the true spirit of the country is felt. Far from the urban centers, it is in places like this that the heart of Bhutanese culture beats the strongest. Here, the values of honesty, integrity, and graciousness are not just ideals but a way of life. The simplicity of the homestay, combined with the purity of its surroundings, offers a stark contrast to the material comforts of modern life, highlighting a community living in harmony with its environment.

Every guest at Ama Om receives the warmest of Bhutanese welcomes. The family’s dogs, Kongtu and Ruby, are often the first to show up, followed by warm greetings from Ama Om and her daughter Risel. The hospitality extends throughout the stay, from the moment guests sip the traditional salted butter tea to their last dip in the hot stone baths under a moonlit sky.

Ama Om’s Homestay is more than just a place to stay; it's a profound experience that immerses you in the depth of Bhutanese culture, art, and hospitality, providing a window into the essence of Bhutan—a place where every visitor can find peace and quiet, and a warm welcome.