Pristine surroundings, fireplaces in every room, and a tranquil pavilion floating above water – Six Senses Thimphu offers a tranquil haven high in the Himalayas.

Thirty minutes is all it takes to escape into another world. That’s the car ride from Paro International Airport to Six Senses Thimphu, perched some 8,695 feet above sea level. Here, the brand’s well-earned reputation as a wellness advocate is strongly woven into every aspect of the stay.  

Opened in 2019, this relative newcomer to Bhutan’s luxury hospitality scene is the work of Habita Architects. It’s as close to paradise as you’ll find – sweeping views of unspoiled terrain, crisp mountain air, healthy-yet-delicious food (even the water is crystal-purified), impeccable interiors, and indulgent fit-outs all combine to deliver something most treasure to me: a perfect night’s sleep.  

Background

Bhutan, long celebrated for its Gross National Happiness (GNH) index introduced by King Jigme Singye Wangchuck in the 1970s, has drawn visitors seeking wellness and balance ever since. Six Senses embraced this ethos, creating a collection of five lodges across the kingdom – Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Gangtey, and Bumthang – totalling 82 units, all designed by Habita Architects.  

Modern architecture in Bhutan must comply with strict policies to preserve its unique heritage and natural surroundings. Habita meets these standards by incorporating traditional Bhutanese materials such as rammed earth, stone, and timber. The result is a collection of stylish yet authentic houses that blend into the pristine environment while radiating Bhutanese character inside and out.  

Arrival

The Six Senses experience begins long before you step inside. Arriving by tour van – the only mode of transport available to tourists – we wound our way through a series of uphill roads until the resort’s understated whitewashed buildings came into view.  

As we stepped out, our luggage was whisked away, and we were greeted by staff dressed in traditional Bhutanese attire – gho for men and kira for women – carrying burning incense. They guided us through a towering entrance that was both strikingly humble and deeply solemn.  

The doors opened to reveal the timber-clad lobby, where a floor-to-ceiling window framed a telescope pointing straight at the Buddha Dordenma statue, the tallest in the Himalayan kingdom. Beyond it stretched an infinity pool with sunken seating and a serene floating pavilion, perfectly aligned with the surrounding landscape.  

The lobby design is an elegant fusion of traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship and modern luxury. The textured ceilings, interlocked with timber beams, are a nod to traditional Bhutanese building techniques, which avoid metal joinery, while the space itself feels soulful and warm.  

Villas and Suites

The hotel features 25 villas and suites, ranging from 721-square-foot Lodge Suites to 3,358-square-foot Three-Bedroom Villas. The exteriors echo the forms of traditional Bhutanese houses, the interiors those of modern Japanese serenity.

My Lodge Suite was thoughtfully designed with a wood-burning bukhari stove, a lounge area, and a generous bed facing a 108-square-foot balcony overlooking the Thimphu Valley. The television was cleverly hidden – a subtle reminder to unwind without digital distractions. Other luxurious touches included a yoga mat, a bathtub positioned near Bhutanese-style windows, and rammed earth walls that kept the room temperate no matter the season.  

I visited in February, on the cusp of spring, when daytime temperatures hovered around 17°C but plummeted below freezing at night. Yet you don’t feel it in the room, courtesy to the rammed earth walls that keeps the interior cool in summer and warm in winter.

What I love most about Six Senses is that they take sleep comfort seriously. A troubled sleeper, I was very much appreciative when I found a hot water bottle tucked beneath the duvet, waiting. For those who need extra help sleeping, Six Senses offers sleep trackers, speciality pillows, and even a jet lag-fighting app – though I found the crisp mountain air and absolute silence more than enough to lull me to sleep.  

Activities

However tempted to stay cocooned in my suite, there’s plenty to experience here. Six Senses Thimphu offers a range of activities, from Bhutan’s national sport, archery, to forest hikes, butter lamp lighting ceremonies with monks, and mushroom foraging with local chefs.  

At a nearby cottage, you can try your hand at making suja (traditional butter tea) and khur-le (buckwheat pancakes) on a traditional stove. A personal highlight was crafting tsa-tsa – small, cylindrical votive sculptures containing sutra scrolls – which we later placed at the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery.  

Other amenities include a library, a spa and wellness centre, a gym, yoga facilities, two meditation huts, and both indoor and outdoor pools. For those seeking serenity, the meditation huts offer a perfect retreat.  

Wine and Dine

Namkha, the resort’s main restaurant, serves food inspired by Bhutanese flavours as well as international cuisine, all made with fresh ingredients sourced from the lodge’s organic gardens. Highlights include smoked trout, Thimphu Lungpa Zhego (dried beef), and Tshe Tshe fresh salad with spicy ezay sauce. However, my personal favourite was the earthy mushroom consommé, crafted with locally harvested matsutake mushrooms. These rare fungi, which grow only under pine trees, are so prized they even have their own festival in Bhutan.   

The crispy zucchini fritters, paired with toasted pistachio and lime zest, offered a delightful contrast of textures. For the main course, the whole local trout served with Hobjikha potatoes, spring onions, and Bumthang butter was a standout. Dessert lovers shouldn’t miss the pear crumble, served with vanilla ice cream and preserved strawberry coulis – an indulgent finish to a perfect meal.

What greets and leaves an impact at a hotel is not the rooms, the food, or even the staff’s smile, but the brand image they all portray.

At Six Senses Thimphu, this image is not just a promise – it’s an experience lived through every detail. From the tranquil landscapes to the intentional design and the seamless blend of luxury with Bhutanese culture, Six Senses ensures that every guest takes a moment to pause, reconnect with themselves, and leave with a profound sense of renewal. So should you.