Made up of five lodges spread over the west and central valleys of the remote Himalayan kingdom, Six Senses Bhutan offers guests an out-of-the-world cultural experience complete with its signature hospitality in the magical kingdom. The lodges have been thoughtfully designed to fully immerse travelers in the Kingdom of Bhutan’s natural beauty and culture, offering a contemporary take on traditional Bhutanese architecture and form. The lodges, which vary in style from valley to valley, showcase the diversity and special character of each location while embracing the Six Senses guiding principles which include spa, wellness, healthy eating, comfort in sleep in addition to a journey of self-discovery.
Six Senses at a glance
Accommodation
Six Senses Bhutan ranges in size and facilities, with 82 spacious villas and suites, starting from 60 square meters (645 square feet) for the suites and up to 342 square meters (3,681 square feet) for the three-bedroom villas. The spacious interiors are framed by subtle references of Bhutanese architecture, seen in the simple lines of natural timber furniture and the presence of locally-inspired touches, such as bukharis (traditional wood-burning stoves) and vegetable-dyed, antique washedHimalayan rugs.
Relaxation and Fitness
As they do with their food, Six Senses integrates local community knowledge into their spa treatments. This brings you a variety of locally-inspired therapies (shhh, often best kept secrets) which draw upon age-old local traditions, the healing benefits of the surrounding environment, and the indigenous plants and herbs, which are grown on-site and used in home-made organic products. All designed to stimulate, re-energize and restore, perfect after a day of visiting high-perched dzong and hiking Himalayan mountains.
Dining
With wellness at its core, Six Senses excels in delicious, healthy cuisine made with organic ingredients. They celebrate local cuisines, offering guests seasonal and sustainable menus bursting with flavor. In their restaurants, you will find a selections of traditional Bhutanese dishes, fresh fish and momos (dumpling) with fiery ezay (chili) sauce as well as, a selection of international dishes and superfood packed bowl for when you need more comforting food.
Activities & Excursions
During their time in Bhutan, Six Senses invites each guest to find their own unique path to happiness while offering curated experiences and practices to stimulate the curiosity and sharpen the awareness. From sunrise meditations and private astrology readings to butter lamp lighting ceremonies and incredible hikes and treks through pristine forests, guest leave enriched and reconnected. All the lodges are well located to explore our Buddhist Kingdom’s natural and historical marvels.
Six Senses Thimphu
With its design and outdoor ponds reflecting the sky, it is easy to see why this lodge is called the “Palace in the Sky”. Situated within apple orchards and pine forests, the largest of the Six Senses lodges is perched on hill overlooking the glittering lights of Thimphu valley, offering magnificent views of Buddha Point on a clear sunny day (even from your chalet) and the rolling mountains. This location provides a comfortable escape from the bustling capital of the Kingdom, while yet close enough to easily access the many attractions.
Six Senses Punakha
Taking inspiration from the terraced farms of Punakha’s valley, Six Senses Punakha is a boutique experience bringing a rustic high-end twist to its stunning setting amidst rice fields and vegetable gardens. All the suites, villas and spa walls are built in the “rammed-earth” style of a traditional Bhutanese house. Nestled on the valley floor with an elevation of 1,400 meter with relatively warmer climate, it is an excellent base for hiking activities and visiting cultural Dzongs in the surrounding areas.
Six Senses Paro
Designed to maximize what is surely one of the most scenic settings within the Six Senses Bhutan journey, this lodge is known as Stone Ruins. The lodge stands next door to the ancient stone ruins of a dzong. Designed to make the most of its high elevation, the lodge offers striking views of Paro valley. And as an ode to the ancient stone ruins, a few of the walls are constructed with hand-chiseled, local stones.
Six Senses Gantey
Six Senses Gangtey is located in the Phobjikha Valley, which is a quaint and charming area in central Bhutan, home to the fascinating black-necked cranes. With uniqueness to the fore, the lodge takes on a very special design and is referred to as the Traditional Birdwatching Bridge. All in all, there are eight suites and a two-bedrooms villa, each with a valley-facing, panoramic and private outdoor balcony equipped with daybeds as well as binoculars for bird watching.
Six Senses Bumthang
Located close to the river and within dense blue pine forests, Six Senses Bumthang sits in the spiritual heart of Bhutan. Set to open in spring 2020, the lodge is said to deliver a sense of peace and warm thanks to an uncluttered interior and timber walls. It is apparently designed as a forest within a forest which we can’t wait to inspect. This will be an auspicious base from which you can immerse fully into hallowed monuments, monasteries and winter festivals.