Paro, Bhutan
Perched within 12th-century stone ruins and designed to maximize what is one of the most scenic settings within your journey, this lodge is a convenient base for an early start for the dramatic climb to Taktsang Lhakhang, or Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The lodge has been uniquely designed to maximize its surrounding history and offers wonderful destination dining experiences, including traveling back to medieval times during our candlelit Chubjakha “Ruins Regale” to enjoy specially crafted cocktails paired with a Bhutanese menu cooked over an open fire, and mystical tshechu performances with masked dancers.
Six Senses Spa Paro upholds the happiness practice of Education, where values give our life direction and purpose, and valuing life and all living things is the foundation for harmony and happiness.
Perched directly above Paro National Museum within 12th-century stone ruins, the lodge enjoys a truly scenic setting within the Paro Valley. This is the starting point for many of Bhutan’s treks that cater to all ability levels, from short hour-long walks alongside the Paro Chhu that runs through the valley floor to more strenuous full-day hikes over mountain trails.
The Paro lodge is easily accessed from Paro airport with a road transfer of around 30 minutes. After arriving at Paro International Airport, your journey begins with a half-hour drive alongside the pretty Pachu River.
The Gross National Happiness index of Education reflects the values, legends, and folk stories about giving back. It also offers an opportunity to learn about respecting and honoring life in the Land of the Thunder Dragon. At Six Senses Spa Paro, which may be your final lodge during your khamsa, we focus on setting intentions for going back to life at home and for the future.
Bring the body back into balance with this cleansing treatment. Blend your own traditional Bhutanese herbs with essential oils and Himalayan salts, which are used in the treatment afterwards.
A reviving back, neck, and shoulder massage using acupressure techniques to relieve muscle tension and restore mobility and alignment of the back and spine.
This detoxifying facial uses wild turmeric to purify the skin and exotic Kashmir lavender to soothe and restore. Ideal for tired, congested and stressed skin, toxins will be eliminated through a double cleanse, exfoliation with saffron and frankincense, and a purifying mud mask.
There's a whole range of places to visit in Paro.
A sunrise hike to Tiger's Nest or sundown lamp lighting at Samtenling Monestry are a great way to start or end your day. And there's a whole day in between with time to visit Jele Dzong, join our mushroom foraging, or head to the spa for a locally inspired treatment.
It's a 2-to-3-hour hike to the famous Tiger's Nest and it is worth getting up and going early for a peaceful experience and enjoying the trail (and best photo opportunities) all to yourself. Your guide shares the history and significance of this mesmerizing cliff-side monastery. Hydrate and energize with homemade energy bars along the way then relax and enjoy your achievement. For those not interested in hiking the whole way, a horseback ride to a viewing point halfway up the trail to the Taktsang Goemba is a wonderful alternative.
A stone’s throw from our lodge, Samtenling is a tiny 14th-century monastery. Inside the main courtyard, the single-story temple was built in the traditional Bhutanese style using stone and timber, and features statues as well as beautiful wall paintings of the Buddhist saints. Reflect on your journey as you light 108 auspicious butter lamps and receive a Tshewang blessing ritual for health and long life. The glow of the lamps represents the wisdom of the awakened mind, ability to dispel darkness.
After a hearty breakfast, it's a 2-to-3-hour hike to Jele Dzong through pristine forests and valleys traversed by yak herders. Strategically located on a ridge, Jele Dzong is a small fortress built several hundred years ago to cater to travelers between Paro and Thimphu. Take a moment to hang your own prayer flags. Upon returning, relax in the spa to relieve sore muscles.
There’s no better way to bring the past alive than the Stone Ruins Dinner, set against the awe-inspiring ruins of the 15th-century Chubjakha Dzong. Prayer flags flutter in the wind while whispers of a bygone era seem to linger in the air.
Swathed in the elegant folds of a Gho (for men) or a Kira (for women) – Bhutan's national dress – you'll instantly feel a deeper connection to the land and its people. As skilled chefs work wonders with fresh ingredients and fragrant herbs, a symphony of sights and sounds adds another layer to the sensory adventure. The Joenpa Legso, a traditional Bhutanese song played at the start of any grand event, carries auspicious tones, its melody acting as a warm welcome, setting the stage for a feast designed for sharing; a celebration of flavors meant to be enjoyed together. It's a culinary journey that fuses international favorites with the soul-satisfying flavors of Bhutan.
Join a mushroom foraging expedition in the forest as you hunt for different varieties. Inhale the fragrance of the forest and the smell of the earth. Foraging is hungry work so select how you want your prize 'shrooms prepared or make them the highlight of the menu in a cookery class arranged just for you.
Just as you leave a part of yourself in Bhutan, you carry a piece of it with you. A morning meditation session with a lama at our lodge enables you to discover the healing benefits and deep insights that result from a practice of breathwork and setting positive intentions before you depart for home.
The tasty and wholesome dishes on your plate are created from local and seasonal organic produce, much of which comes from our own extensive gardens. Our all-day Jangkho restaurant takes its design inspiration from 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. Don your kira and gho and head next door where you'll travel back to medieval times with our candlelit Chubjakha “Ruins Regale” to enjoy specially crafted cocktails paired with a Bhutanese menu cooked over an open fire, or visit a local farmhouse for a truly authentic Bhutanese dining experience.
The Living room is the perfect setting to reflect on a spiritual day up in the clouds, with a smoky old fashioned or pea daiquiri making things even more fantastical. Snacks are served here during opening hours.
Enjoy the romance of your own villa or other awe-inspiring setting in our grounds, with a Champagne breakfast, picnic, or an evening barbecue prepared by your own chef and with a dedicated waiter. Your GEM will arrange everything.
This one-of-a-kind exclusive candle-lit feast is held under the stars within the stone ruins of the 15th-century Chubjakha Dzongamong next door. It is an awe-inspiring setting for an exclusive dinner that fuses international favorites with the soul-satisfying flavors of Bhutan, accompanied by mystical tshechu performances with masked dancers.
Ideal for adventure seekers and history enthusiasts who want to combine active exploration with premium comfort.