Bhutan may very well be the happiest place on Earth (besides Disneyland, of course). The small nation, which roughly measures the size of Switzerland, found that 91 percent of its citizens were happy, when surveyed by its Gross National Happiness Index last year.
The socioeconomic index, introduced by the government in the late ’90s, doesn’t quite measure what the UN World Happiness Report does — Bhutan was ranked in 97th spot last year due to factors like unemployment and income gap — but still, there’s no place quite like the Himalayan kingdom, which only opened itself up to outside visitors in 1974.
All that said, the self-proclaimed “happiest country on Earth” has done a pretty good job at being its own hype man, and one of the most buzz-worthy hotel openings of 2018, Six Senses Bhutan, is benefiting from all the nice press. It’s a collection of five boutique lodges covering the western and central valleys, each with its own design theme, that’s being launched later this autumn.
In the national capital, apparently the only one in the world where you won’t see traffic lights, you’ll find Six Senses Thimphu, the collection’s largest with majestic architectural elements of a dzong (fortress) and clouds, nicknamed Palace in the Sky.
Then there’s Six Senses Punakha, situated in the low-lying valley of the same name, inspired in design by its surrounding farms and vegetable terraces to create a “flying farmhouse” amidst the rice fields.
At Six Senses Paro, guests will be elevated to overlook the magnificent views of Paro Valley — and since it’s located next to the ancient stone ruins of a dzong, it’s referred to as Stone Ruins.
These three are set to open in October this year, and reservations are currently available for holidays starting on November 3. The final two will open in early 2019 — Six Senses Gangtey and Six Senses Bumthang. The former sits in the glacial valley of Phobjika, which is known as the home for black-necked cranes during the winter, while the latter is built in the spiritual center of the country, nestled in a pine forest, and naturally, referred to as a Forest in a Forest.
Each lodge will feature its own spa and wellness center, where guests can luxuriate in therapies like hot stone baths at Thimphu and Bumthang, sit in a pyramid meditation room at Gangtey, take a dip in the heated outdoor pool at Punakha, or get a massage with a view of the ruins in Paro.
Guest Experience Makers (GEMs) are also on hand at every accommodation to guide visitors to authentic Bhutanese encounters such as hiking up to Chorten Ningpo in Punakha, participating in local farm activities in Gangtey, dining in a treehouse at Bumthang, and enjoying a private dinner amongst the ancient ruins at Paro.
To get to Bhutan, you’ll have to book a flight on Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines, and domestic flights are available between Paro and Bumthang. Suite rates start from US$1,500 per night at the first three Six Senses that are opening their doors in November.
