Following the successful launch of three lodges in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha earlier this year, Six Senses Gangtey is the fourth gem in the Six Senses Bhutan journey to open.
The lodge is located in the Phobjikha Valley, an area characterised by rolling hills, pine forests and grassy marshlands dotted with rural villages.
Uniquely, the lodge offers a cantilevered bird-watching bridge, crafted from local stone and enclosed with expansive timber-framed windows to enable guests to get close to their feathered friends.
The lodge’s design is inspired by Bhutanese farmhouse architecture and incorporates local stone and hand-hewn timber. While maintaining uncluttered lines and natural palate, Six Senses has introduced beautifully weathered timber floors and accented walls.
There are eight suites, each with valley-facing panoramic views and a private outdoor balcony equipped with daybeds as well as binoculars for bird watching. There is also a two-bedroom villa with its own private spa treatment facilities designed to pamper and relax.
In keeping with the brand’s focus on wellness, Six Senses Gangtey boasts a dedicated spa featuring two swedana rooms designed specifically for herb-infused steam therapies. Every treatment starts with a journey of discovery and the inclusion of a sodalite crystal to set positive intentions through breathing and meditation. This is followed by Bhutanese chanting and singing bowls, promoting stillness, happiness and well-being.
When it comes to culinary offerings, the lodge’s signature restaurant Baa Zam – “bridge” in Dzongkha – features western and locally-influenced dishes, such as the Charred Pumpkin Risotto made with local short rice and Bjobchee Takthuk, a signature Bhutanese dish.
For active guests, there are numerous nature treks and mountain bike trails winding through pine groves, alongside bubbling trout-filled streams and through fields lined with prayer flags. The lodge is also located nearby to the picturesque 17th-century Gangtey Goempa, a centre for Buddhist learning and meditation and the site of the colourful Black-Necked Crane Festival which takes place each November.
The final lodge, Six Senses Bumthang is expected to open in Q1 2020.
