Six Senses Bumthang

Situated in Balakha Village, the Amankora Paro contrasts rustic elements with contemporary design. Its pleasing features include natural rammed-earth walls, gently sloping roofs, wood-panelled interiors and spectacular views of blue pine forests, the 17th-century Drukyel Dzong and Mount Jhomolhari. This impressive lodge features 24 suites, each with a combined lounge and bedroom and traditional wood-burning stove. Centred by a large flagstone courtyard, a lime-washed stone pavilion houses the living and dining room facilities with floor-to-ceiling windows, a library and an outdoor terrace overlooking a small stream. A spa set on two levels features a yoga studio with glass walls and treatment rooms with outdoor baths.

The Punakha Six Senses, affectionately known as the Flying Farmhouse sits high on the hillside, the raised building overlooking the valley, pine forests, streams and fluttering prayer flags below. This is a truly beautiful lodge that harnesses a rustic charm, echoing its rural surroundings. The main building of the hotel is built of sandstone, flagstone floors, grey tiled pitched roofs and wooden beams. Inside the contemporary design is simple yet welcoming. Large picture windows bring the outside, inside and the warm tones of the wood panelled walls and wooden furniture give a welcoming feeling.  Architecturally there are some outstanding features within the lodge, including the elevated restaurant and curved heated swimming pool below, making the lodge standout as somewhere very special. Log burners are situated throughout the property, so although this valley is known for its warm climate, the chill of the night is kept at bay with the roaring of the fires.  The lodge has 16 suites and 3 large villas, perfect for groups or families. All the rooms have outside terrace areas and the villas come with their own private pool and living spaces. The communal areas of the lodge include the living room and lounge and the exceptional Ari restaurant that serves up inspired cuisine, influenced by both international and Bhutanese flavours. The restaurant is situated indoors but there’s also an outside dining area where fires burn late into the night so that guests can spend the evenings under the stars. The Six Senses spa and wellness centre is a haven of rejuvenation and relaxation. There are three treatment rooms, a gym, two meditation huts and yoga facilities. The outside heated pool, curved and raised is a wonderful place to relax or enjoy some exercise with stunning views.

Nestled in a pine forest in Thimphu Valley, this dzong-inspired retreat peacefully looks down to the city from the upper reaches of the Motithang area. Whitewashed stone buildings house slick suites, lounges and spa, while the Amankora service is of course exemplary, with a mood of effortless pampering prevailing throughout. Sink into your king-sized bed and look out to views of the courtyard, stream or forest from your suite’s window banquette. Then head to the outdoor dining deck for further scenic views and delicious western and Thai cuisine. Plenty of activity is also available from fishing to archery, Bhutan’s national sport, to trekking and white water rafting. Though the Amankora Thimphu enjoys a quiet location, its proximity to the city promises you are still close to the capital’s sights and shopping, with Paro airport just two hours away.

You’ll find this exclusive lodge set upon a forested knoll near the village of Gangtey in the picturesque Phobjikha Valley. It benefits from the privacy, seclusion and attention that comes from having just eight suites, as well as sweeping views of the broad valley and the 16th-century Gangtey Monastery. Each suite features an open-plan living and bedroom area with a traditional bukhari – fire burning stove – positioned between the bedroom and the bathroom. Cosy chairs, sofas and family-style dining tables appoint the lounge which features floor-to-ceiling windows for breath taking views over the valley and surrounding mountains. Spa facilities with private treatment rooms can be found on the lodge’s ground floor.