Six Senses Bhutan is now accepting reservations. Unlike other properties by the brand, Six Senses Bhutan is a collection of five boutique lodges (set in the western and central valleys of Bhutan), each with its own character, environment and experiences.
Beginning with the capital and the largest of the lodges, Six Senses Thimphu incorporates the architectural elements of a dzong (fortress) and placed them in the clouds, giving it the name “Palace in the Sky.” The second is Six Senses Punakha, which is located in the relatively low-lying valley of Punakha and takes inspiration from the farms and vegetable terraces across the valley. Six Senses Punakha was designed to mimic the traditional cantilever bridges to create a “Flying Farmhouse” amidst rice fields.
Six Senses Punakha
Moving further towards central Bhutan is the glacial valley of Phobjikha, the winter residence of black-necked cranes. This valley is home to Six Senses Gangtey, which is called the “Traditional Birdwatching Bridge” due to its main bridge-like building with a large glass area overlooking the valley where the sacred birds roam freely.
Traveling further east, but still in the central area of Bhutan, is the Kingdom’s spiritual center. Six Senses Bumthang is located in a pine forest and has a garden interior design theme, giving it the name, “Forest in a Forest.” The fifth lodge in the collection is Six Senses Paro. Overlooking the Paro Valley and next to ancient dzong stone ruins, this lodge is called “Stone Ruins.”
Six Senses Gangtey
The Thimphu, Paro and Punakha lodges will open in October 2018 with reservations now being accepted for stays starting on November 3, 2018. The Gangtey and Bumthang resorts open in early 2019.
Activities have been designed to showcase the best of Bhutan, according to General Manager Mark Swinton. Guest Experience Makers (GEMs) as guides and assist guests in any manner to help create an authentic Bhutanese experience. Top options include meditating at the prayer pavilion in the reflecting ponds overlooking the giant Buddha statue across the valley at Thimphu, hiking up to Chorten Ningpo in Punakha, participating in local farm activities in Gangtey, treehouse dining at Bumthang and a private dinner in the 15th-century stone ruins at Paro.
Six Senses Bumthang
Wellness will remain a focus of each lodge. Each location will have its own Spa & Wellness Center with extensive facilities and treatments reflecting its destination. Therapies range from hot stone baths in Thimphu and Bumthang, to a pyramid meditation room and swedana treatment at Gangtey, to a dip in the heated outdoor pool at Punakha or treatment in a spa room overlooking the ruins in Paro. Six Senses Integrated Wellness, Sleep With Six Senses and Eat With Six Senses will also be available for guests.
Rates start at $1,500 for double occupancy, and as a special opening offer until February 28, 2019, Six Senses Bhutan will offer an inclusive breakfast, lunch and dinner (restaurant dining or picnic). For stays between November 3, 2018 and February 28, 2019 for five consecutive nights at one or more of the resorts, Six Senses Bhutan will offer guests a car and driver plus a guide during their stay.
Six Senses Paro
Getting There: Bhutan is served by Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. International destinations on scheduled flights are Bangkok, New Delhi, Kolkata, Singapore, Kathmandu, Dhaka, Bagdogra, Guwahati and Gaya. Domestic flights are available between Paro and Bumthang. Helicopter charters are available from Paro airport and private jet assistance is offered by Bhutan Air Services.
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