This Bhutanese sanctuary wins in the ‘Fire’ category of the Spa Awards thanks to the invigorating energy of its peaceful yet magical location
Regally residing in the foothills of the Himalayas, the new Six Senses Bhutan has a special type of energy. It carries on the breeze: through forests of pine; ancient rock formations and silent monasteries. It seeps into one’s soul.
More accurately, it’s a circuit of five lodges: each sensitively designed and unique in form; scattered among deep valleys and prayer-flag-strewn mountains. So where better to embark on a guided journey to inner joy? For it was here, in the Kingdom of Bhutan, that the fourth King famously invented the concept of Gross National Happiness as a way of measuring the contentment of this remote Buddhist nation. His teachings continue to inspire visitors today who find themselves meandering between lodges in pursuit of inner happiness. Tiny cards, inscribed with words that make one stop and think (like, ‘Do I enjoy the things I do?’), are handed to guests as they slip off shoes and step inside the quiet spas.
Elsewhere, meditation takes place in traditional Bhutanese hot stone baths, aided by coils of steam and the scent of medicinal herbs. At another, regular visiting practitioner Vijay Laxmi dives into the psyche, taking an individual through their past lives and working with them to address self-perceived limitations. Meanwhile, back at the lodges, happiness comes in the form of roaring log fires and comforting red rice chicken thrup – not forgetting the endlessly smiling staff.
Red Savannah (redsavannah.com) offers eight nights in Bhutan from £8,965, based on two nights at Six Senses Thimphu, two nights at Six Senses Punakha, two nights at Six Senses Gangtey and two nights at Six Senses Paro, including flights and transfers.