Six Senses Punakha

Nestled amidst the terraced rice fields of Bhutan’s Punakha Valley, Six Senses Punakha, affectionately known as the “Flying Farmhouse", blends rustic charm with signature Six Senses refined luxury. Set high above the valley floor at an elevation of 1,400 metres, and surrounded by lush rice terraces, the lodge is a peaceful rural escape in one of Bhutan’s most scenic and temperate regions. The lodge blends effortlessly into the surrounding landscape, reflecting the rustic charm of its fertile setting. Punakha Valley, the warmest in the Kingdom, is often referred to as Bhutan’s market garden, where vegetables grow year-round and locals retreat in winter for its mild climate and sun-soaked serenity.

Accommodation

The lodge features 19 spacious suites and villas, each thoughtfully designed to reflect the region's traditional farmhouse architecture. Interiors are adorned with natural materials, warm textiles, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame panoramic views of the surrounding rice terraces and mountains. Amenities include organic bedding, wood-burning bukhari stoves, and private outdoor decks.

Food & Drink

Dining at Six Senses Punakha celebrates Bhutan's bountiful produce and culinary traditions. The lodge's "Eat With Six Senses" philosophy emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and the lodge's own organic gardens. Guests can savor dishes like the traditional nine-ingredient chili ezzay, prepared in a mortar the size of a tree stump, and enjoy house-made Limoncello crafted from wild local lemons.

Sustainability

Sustainability is integral to the lodge's operations, aligning with Bhutan's commitment to environmental preservation. Efforts include meticulous management of energy, water, waste, and chemical usage, as well as active engagement with local communities. The lodge's practices reflect Bhutan's status as the world's only carbon-negative country, ensuring that guests' stays contribute positively to the environment and society.

Experiences

Punakha is steeped in history, having served as Bhutan’s capital for 300 years until Thimphu took its place in the 1950s. A highlight of any stay is a visit to the 17th-century Punakha Dzong, one of the most architecturally significant and spiritually revered fortresses in the country. Also not to be missed is Chimi Lhakhang, the famed fertility temple dedicated to the “Divine Madman” Drukpa Kinley, whose unconventional teachings and use of ritual phalluses still captivate today.

Closer to the lodge, a peaceful morning hike leads to the striking Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, perched on a ridge above the valley. Built to dispel negative energy and promote harmony, it offers not just spiritual insight but panoramic views of the Punakha Valley. Wellness offerings such as yoga sessions in open-air pavilions and meditation in serene huts provide opportunities for relaxation and self-discovery.