For this TOPHOTELDESIGN exclusive, we explore the five lodges that make up Six Senses Bhutan, spread across the west and central valleys of this stunning Himalayan country.

Showcasing some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, Six Senses’ presence in Bhutan is truly extraordinary.

Taking inspiration from the land and culture

Six Senses Bhutan first made its debut in early 2019 with the completion of the first three lodges in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro. These were joined later that year by the fourth lodge, Six Senses Gangtey, and in early 2020 by the fifth and final lodge in the collection, Six Senses Bumthang.

These lodges provide the basis for guests to discover the west and central valleys of this unspoilt Himalayan kingdom. Together, they highlight the Six Senses brand’s commitment to sustainability, wellness and unique experiences, while also celebrating the country’s culture, hospitality and spirituality.

Designed according to their location

Each of these five lodges varies in style according to the character of its surroundings, pairing contemporary Bhutanese-inspired architecture utilising natural materials with local touches like wood-burning stoves.

Six Senses Gangtey, for example, is inspired by Bhutanese farmhouse architecture, incorporating local stone and hand-hewn timber, with the use of traditional building techniques ensuring the development blends in with its location. This eight-suite lodge, with additional two-bedroom villa, is called the ‘Traditional Bird Watching Bridge’ owing to its cantilevered bridge-like building with floor-to-ceiling windows and a vantage point offering views of cranes’ nesting grounds.

By contrast, Six Senses Bumthang, known as the ‘Forest within a Forest’, is designed to immerse guests in the surrounding forested environment, with all accommodations built around the trees. The eight suites here feature spacious balconies with forest and valley views, and a pine sapling has been planted in the open-air vestibule at the centre of each one.

The interiors in all of these lodges incorporate a natural palette of earthy tones, complemented by handwoven fabrics and attractive timber floors.

Habita Architects and Six Senses collaborated on the architecture and interiors of each nature-inspired lodge, with landscape design overseen by Plandscape and bathroom supplies courtesy of Kohler.

For more info about this scheme, and to view an extensive gallery of hi-res images, check out Six Senses Bhutan’s project page on the TOPHOTELDESIGN website.

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