Discover this off-grid, eco-conscious Bhutan lodge from luxury specialist Six Senses, with its sweeping paddy field views, meditation huts and unique experiences aplenty.
Why you'll love it here
- Learn how the hotel is committed to the local environment, wildlife and communities
- Stay in one of only 19 suites and villas, ensuring privacy and personal service
- Survey the panoramic views of the valley filled with paddy fields and farmhouses
- Swim in the infinity-edge pool set in an elevated position above the rice fields
Best For
- Honeymoon,
Nick
Travel Specialist
Included in your holiday
- Lounge passes and meet & greet service in UK airports
- Transfers to and from your hotel
- All flight luggage allowances
- Personal concierge service
- 24/7 assistance when travelling
- Full ATOL protection
Full accommodation information
Hotel information
With its panoramic views and farmhouse architecture that blends seamlessly with the landscape, this unique Six Senses Bhutan property puts you in the heart of the Punakha Valley.
At a lower elevation to its sister lodges, Six Senses Punakha benefits from a warmer climate, with summer temperatures reaching up to 32°C. Known as “the Flying Farmhouse amidst the Rice Fields”, it looks out over the second largest and second oldest dzong (a complex of fortified buildings which were used as Buddhist schools) in Bhutan.
Arriving at the lodge is an experience in itself, winding through pine forests, passing streams and waterfalls, then rising to Dochu La Pass at an elevation of 10,223 feet. The road then descends for the 90-minute drive into the valley; one of the lowest lying in Bhutan and renowned for its year-round produce.
At the hotel this breathtaking scenery is showcased through floor-to-ceiling windows, and best enjoyed from the infinity-edge swimming pool and poolside restaurant.
Accommodation is across 19 suites and villas, some with private pools and all with a light, open-plan design. The restaurant offers all-day dining, with seating indoors and out, while a small library, living room and lounge offer inviting places to retreat to after a day exploring the area.
And there is plenty to explore. Unique experiences include hiking to a neighbouring monastery for breakfast and prayers; riverside bike rides and historical tours of Punakha Dzong; photographing dramatic views of the Himalayan range from the Dochula Mountain Pass; or immersing yourself in Bhutanese life and learning how to make the local alcohol, Ara.
In contrast to the wealth of activities available in the mountains, the hotel’s Six Senses Spa and Wellness Center is a place of calm. Boasting four treatment rooms, two meditation salas, a herbal garden and The Alchemy Bar, the centre offers a sanctuary to rebalance and restore.
Room Options
With all the hallmarks of Six Senses, this Bhutan lodge has 16 suites – all with outdoor space – and three villas; with one, two and three bedrooms and all with private pools.
All accommodation includes: organic bedding and linens, a traditional wood-burning bukhari stove, a private wine fridge and mini-bar, an espresso machine and hot drink-making facilities, a yoga mat, a Bose Bluetooth speaker, unlimited WiFi, and a large bathroom with separate tub and rain shower.
Lodge Suite
Sleeps: 3 Adults
With epic views of the mountain and valley through large windows, this one-bedroom suite has an over-sized deck to relax on with an espresso in the morning, or glass from your private wine fridge in the evening. The decor is neutral, with natural timber furniture and locally-sourced details, and a wood-burning stove creates cosiness on cooler days.Upper Lodge Suite
Sleeps: 3 Adults
Located on the top floor to give a prime viewing position and uninterrupted scenes of the paddy fields, this suite’s large deck and floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the verdant Punakha Valley. The large bathroom has a bathtub under the window and a separate rain shower.One-Bedroom Villa
Sleeps: 4 Adults
This large one-bedroom suite has a private pool, and views of the mountain, Choten Ningpo Temple and valley. The indoor/outdoor living area almost feels like it’s in a treehouse thanks to the villa’s elevation amid the flora. The space includes a private plunge pool, dining for up to six, a dedicated guest experience manager, a pantry area and a powder room, as well as the spacious bathroom.Two-Bedroom Villa
Sleeps: 8 Adults
With views of the mountain and valley, a dedicated guest experience maker, a private plunge pool and a double spa treatment room, this villa is a luxurious and spacious Bhutan retreat.The decor has local touches in a light, open space that features a traditional wood-burning bukhari stove. A glass from the private wine fridge can be enjoyed in the outdoor living area.
Three-Bedroom Villa
Sleeps: 12 Adults
The largest of the hotel’s villas that can sleep 12 guests, feels secluded and spacious. You’ll enjoy your own private plunge pool, an outdoor terrace and an indoor/outdoor living room. As will all accommodation here the windows and al fresco spaces are positioned to make the most of the views of the valley. A guest experience maker is on hand to organise activities and spa treatments – in your own private spa room no less – and there is a yoga mat for morning sun salutations on the deck.Restaurants & Bars
The all-day dining restaurant hosts 38 guests indoors and 16 guests outdoors. That means that, alongside the in-villa and in-suite dining available, mealtimes always feel peaceful with attentive service.
Breakfast can be taken on the terrace overlooking the rice paddies; a barbecue by your private pool for lunch; then a dinner of traditional Bhutanese dishes with a Western twist at Ari.
Ari Restaurant
In the heart of the hotel the Ari Restaurant has a rustic farmhouse-themed setting incorporating traditional bamboo woven baskets suspended from the ceiling and serves a menu of Bhutanese and Indian dishes. Meals can also be enjoyed on the restaurant’s terrace beside the infinity pool.
Cuisine is seasonally-inspired, flavourful and created from organic local produce with wellness at its core.
Activities & Entertainment
Spa & Wellness
An authentic spa and wellness experience can be enjoyed at Six Senses Spa Punakha. Rest is the core principle, so many of the treatments focus on rejuvenating you after, or preparing you before, the adventures you’ll be having away from the hotel.
The signature wellness therapy here is the Sleep Well Journey, a mixture of visualisation, deep breathing and massage to alleviate sleep concerns. Other more unique spa experiences include the Shirodhara, where warm oil is poured over the third eye; Advanced Blissful Marma Massage to enhance wellbeing; and Yoga Nidra, also known as yogic sleep.
Facilities at the spa include four treatment rooms, a fitness centre, outdoor pool, two meditation salas, a herbal garden and The Alchemy Bar.
Experiences
Awesome encounters and once-in-a-lifetime adventures abound in the area surrounding Six Senses Punakha.
A bike ride along the river to Punakha Dzong is a favourite with guests. Straddling the confluence of the Mother (Mo) and Father (Pho) Chhu, this masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture is the second oldest dzong in Bhutan, referred to as “The Palace of Great Happiness” and having played host to the royal wedding.
A walk over the Khuruthang bridge across the Pho Chhu can finish with pomegranate martinis and a view of the Punakha Dzong. Afterwards you can amble across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan.
Learning how to make ara – a local alcohol that’s enjoyed at Bhutanese social events – is a fun way to spend an afternoon, and don’t miss a morning hike to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony.
Thrill seekers can take a helicopter tour through the Himalayan Kingdom, and the hotel can organize whitewater rafting and mountain biking experiences.
Sustainability Initiatives & Responsible Tourism
The Six Senses Punakha, alongside its sister properties in Bhutan, has made a commitment to the local environment, wildlife and communities.
Sustainability underpins everything at the hotel, from how it manages waste and water, to how it derives its energy and engages with its local community. As the Six Senses team says: “We're passionate about preserving the world’s only carbon-negative country.”
Bhutan travel information
When to visit Bhutan
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
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Jun
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Aug
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Nov
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Best time
Good time
Ok time
- Time zone: GMT+6
- Flight time: 16-19 hours
- Recommended airlines: Eithad, Qatar Airways, Bhutan Airlines
- Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum
- Tipping guideline: Not expected
- Health considerations: There is a risk of altitude illness when travelling to destinations of 2,500m or higher. There is a risk of dengue. There is a low risk of malaria in the southern belt districts of Bhutan along the border with India. There is no risk of malaria in the rest of Bhutan.
- Capital: Thimphu
- Population: 792382
- National languages: Dzongkha, English
- Electricity and plugs: Type C / D / F, 230V
- Mobile phone coverage: Good
- UK passport visa requirements: You need a visa for Bhutan if you have a British passport - apply online
Want to know more?
Call our Travel Specialists for a chat with our Bhutan experts. They'll share their first-hand insights so you can find your perfect holiday.
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Nick
Travel Specialist
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