Six Senses Paro, Bhutan – A review

While Bhutan, in the Eastern Himalayas, is known for its valleys, Paro is one of the most accessible; it’s not too far from Paro International Airport, around an hours’ drive away. The drive passes through forested mountains to Six Senses Paro, set at an elevation of 9,500 feet (2.7 kilometers) in the Paro Valley, amid peaceful, lush surroundings with sweeping views over the mountainscape. Personally, I deeply love nature and enjoyed my end-to-end experience at Six Senses Paro.

Six Senses Paro is perched on top of a hill, built on stone ruins and known as Stone Ruins. The lobby is expansive, and the welcome ritual involves picking a tea and having it fresh.

Bhutan as a destination is a place where you leave expectations behind. Bhutan is the happy country where Gross National Happiness takes centre stage. It’s not about people but connection; not simply food but health and mental wellbeing is prioritised. Every conversation and moment in this country feels slower, simpler and peaceful.

And that is how it is at Six Senses Paro.

Who for

Couples and honeymooners would love the serenity and the beauty, and families with children and extended families can relax. It is suitable for everyone looking for peace of mind, wellness rituals and Bhutanese food. However, the property is mostly frequented by wellness connoisseurs who prefer to sleep on time and wake up to some wellness rituals.

Accommodation

There are 82 spacious villas and suites, most with long windows and spectacular views over the Thimphu Valley. The decor of the rooms carries the essence of the hills with rustic tones of brown and white. The massive king-sized bed is inviting, and best of all, you wake up to the view of the hills of the Paro Valley. The room also has a ledge on the side to sit on, perhaps inviting you to read a book. All the rooms have a luxury bathtub with complimentary natural bath salts.

Food and Drink

Meals at Jangkho restaurant adjoining the lobby. The design is inspired by the stone dzongs (or fortresses) seen all over Bhutan, with brick walls, wooden floors and ceilings, and show-stealing views out over the Paro Valley.  Jangkho is an all-day restaurant serving bespoke meals with many ingredients grown in their own gardens. Ema Datshi and Shamu Datshi are cheese-heavy local Bhutanese dishes which tourists eat pretty much every day. Among other niche experiences, Six Senses Paro highlights a tea ceremony with unique blends of tea.

Facilities

The hotel has a beautiful indoor pool in the wellness centre and can be used anytime. There is also an alternating hot and cold plunge along with a steam room as well as a wide range of treatments to heal and rejuvenate provided in pavilions  below the main lobby.

The garden is a space where you can pick flowers and play archery, the national sport of Bhutan. Each evening there is a bonfire is perched right outside the lobby where guests gather after darkto chat and share stories.

Several curated experiences available, including the opportunity to connect with a local monk. The monk visits the property and has a detailed conversation about life and Bhutanese astrology. The conversations promote reflection and life changes.

There are also meditation sessions that take place at the Lodge’s Prayer Pavilion, with 180-degree views of the valley, nearby monasteries and direct views to the huge Buddha Dordenma across the valley.

What’s nearby

Not too far from Six Senses Paro lies the Tiger’s Nest monastery which is challenging to climb but totally worth it. The experience is touching and humbling. Most people go to the top of the monastery to get stunning views of nature and feel connected to themselves. The Kyichu Lhakhang is a stunning monastery close to the sanctuary and is definitely worth a visit. Beyond that, Bhutan is not about doing too much at a time; it’s about taking things easy and slow, enjoying nature and connecting with yourself. It’s not a place where you go to rush. It’s a place which makes you slow down and see within. Once you see what lies in your deepest self, you are able to make changes in your life and know what you love about yourself.

Verdict

The wellness rituals, connection and nature-centric rooms and homely food make the property worth a visit. It’s like going to God’s space for a few days and coming back to yourself.

How much

Lodges start at £1,813.56 per night including breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Check availability Six Senses Paro

Six Senses Thimphu​
Chunimeding, Babesa, Chang Gewog​
Thimphu, 11001
Bhutan​

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