Six Senses in Bhutan
Cosy, intimate, snug. Yet grand, luxurious and impressive. Five lodges, each one nestled in a unique part of this Himalayan Kingdom – Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Bumthang and Gangtey, each designed slightly different than the next.
Six Senses’ lodges are uniquely designed to seamlessly incorporate and reflect the history of the site that they sit within. Throughout the properties, natural warm hues emphasise the sense of bringing the outside in, complemented by floor to ceiling windows, and minimalist interiors to draw your focus towards the beautiful views beyond. Each lodge comes equipped with a state-of-the-art spa and wellness centre, complete with meditation huts and yoga facilities to welcome you after a rewarding day of exploring this colourful Kingdom.
Open now:
PARO
Perched directly above The National Museum of Bhutan within 12th century ruins, Six Senses Paro enjoys views of the valley that will be forever etched in your memory. The lodge has been uniquely designed to maximize its surrounding history and incredible valley views. Known as Stone Ruins, the Paro lodge has some wonderful destination dining experiences.
Paro valley has many monasteries and monuments but none so dramatic as Taktsang, or Tiger’s Nest. A highly revered monastery built on a sheer cliff face at a height of 9,678 feet (2,950 meters), widely visible from the floor of Paro Valley. Wake early for a sunrise hike to this mesmerising cliffside monastery, reflect on your journey as you light butter lamps at Samtenling Monastery just next door to the lodge, or step back in time and dine under the stars, amongst the stone ruins of a 15th Century dzong whilst dressed in traditional Bhutanese finery.
THIMPHU
Nestled within apple orchards to the north, and lush green forest to the south, you’ll be greeted at Six Senses Thimphu with spectacular views across the valley and on to the giant Buddha statue. The lodge is perfectly perched above Bhutan’s quirky capital, close enough to visit its many attractions, but suitably distant to escape the bustling activity.
Boasting its grand design and lobby reflecting ponds, the lodge has been aptly named Palace in the Sky and offers a range of unique experiences. Try a guided meditation session in the 180-degree view pavilion, have afternoon tea in the apple shed before an archery match, or hike through beautiful landscapes to Talakha Monastery and leave your mark on Bhutan by planting a tree or flowers.
PUNAKHA
Inspired by the terraced rice fields and vegetable gardens of Punakha Valley, this spectacular lodge takes on a more rustic, rural feel, adorned with the warmer climate of its surroundings.
Situated just 15-minutes’ drive north of the grand Punakha Dzong along the Mo Chhu River and nestled at an elevation of 4,593 feet (1,400 meters) in one of the lowest lying valleys in Bhutan, the lodge, known as the Flying Farmhouse amidst the rice fields, is the perfect base from which to explore the valley floor. Take a leisurely bike ride along the river, stopping for a picnic and tour around the historic Dzong, rise early and hike through streams, thick forests and rice fields before reaching the beautiful Choten Nyuingpo, or simply relax and enjoy one of the many nature inspired spa treatments on offer. You’ll wake up each morning to stunning views of farms and vegetable terraces across the cultivated valley and leave feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
Scheduled to open Autumn 2019:
BUMTHANG
Located in amongst a pine grove, Six Senses Bumthang has been carefully designed and built in between the trees, taking on the name of Forest within a Forest.
Horse ride to the 16th Century Tamzhing Lhundrup Lhakhang, the most important ancient temple in the Kingdom, which today houses over 95 Buddhist monks and is tentatively listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, explore Chhume Valley, the home of Bhutan’s famous Yathra weaving – brightly coloured woollen textiles, or cross the river to enjoy a freshly prepared picnic.
GANGTEY
Strategically positioned to maximise the views from the slopes of the Black Mountains, Six Senses Gangtey showcases a 180-degree view of the valley and all its beauty. With uniqueness to the fore, the lodge takes on a very individual design and is referred to as the Traditional Bird Watching Bridge.
The glacial valley is a designated conservation area and winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes. Within walking distance is the Black-necked Crane Centre, a conservation centre dedicated to protecting these vulnerable birds, and a wonderful venue from which to observe them. The quaint village is dominated by the 16th Century Gangtey Goemba, which includes a school and quarters for monks and meditation facilities, and is home to the mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa, one of the region’s historically important Buddhist treasure discoverers.
Get in touch with us to discuss which lodges we can build into a journey through this beautiful kingdom for you. See an example itinerary for inspiration…
