Six Senses Bhutan
Perched at a whopping 8,695 feet, Six Senses Thimphu (a lodge that’s a part of the larger Six Senses Bhutan resort) reigns gracefully over the sleepy capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Known as “the Palace in the Sky,” the mountainside property sprawls across 15 acres. An aerial view of Thimphu Valley allows you to watch over one of the world’s tallest sitting Buddhas, eye level with towering Himalayan peaks.
Lean into the wellness that permeates the Land of the Thunder Dragon through an onsite spa and prayer pavilion alongside yoga and meditation sessions. Designed in the style of a traditional palace on the outside and imbued with cloud patterns and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows on the inside, the property rises above the hustle and bustle. Offering 20 suites, three one-bedroom villas, one two-bedroom villa and one three-bedroom villa, this Six Senses can accommodate large groups, honeymoon couples and solo travelers alike.
A stone’s throw away from the center of Thimphu but removed enough to escape from it all, the property offers a range of activities and excursions that truly immerse guests in Bhutanese experiences.
- One of the largest indoor, glass-paned heated pools in Thimphu provides a swim with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and plenty of natural light.
- A reflecting pool just outside the main building is indented with a sunken fire pit and sitting room, creating the sensation of being seated amongst the clouds.
- The wellness building comes equipped with a full gym, yoga room with daily classes, steam and sauna, and treatment rooms for everything from traditional Bhutanese hot stone baths to full-body herbal scrubs.
- Expansive one-, two- and three-bedroom villas offer a home away from home, embossed with a full dining room (with a wine fridge), living room (adorned with a wood-burningbukhari stove) and spacious bathrooms accented with smooth cloud designs, perfect for family trips or large groups.
- The daily schedule of activities for guests to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Kingdom include lunch with monks at a local monastery, Bhutanese whisky tasting and participating in a playful game of archery, Bhutan's national sport.
- The onsite Namkha curates a distinct menu shaped by season and availability of local ingredients. Vegetables and herbs are sourced from the organic gardens on the grounds and carefully incorporated into each meal.
- The menu features a variety of Asian and international specialties, with Bhutanese standouts like momo and fresh, spicy ezay sauce, locally caught trout and Thimphu lungpa zhego (dried beef) to round out your palate.
- Request to dine outside on the large terrace to see the sun descend behind jagged Himalayan peaks. You could also watch the stars emerge without the blocker of light pollution during a meal in your private indoor dining room.
- Cozy up at the elegant, wood-polished bar to sample a smattering of local and international wine and beer, specialty cocktails and the strong local alcohol, ara.
- Arrange to hike a short distance uphill from the lodge for a catered picnic lunch under pines in fresh mountain air.
