Cricketer Virat Kohli recently celebrated his 31st birthday with wife Anushka Sharma at a lodge nestled amidst mountains, the cost of which is a whopping Rs 1 lakh per night! The 'The Six Senses' boutique lodge is located in Thimphu, the capital of beautiful Bhutan.
The photographs of Kohli and Anushka chilling amidst the snow-clad mountains of Bhutan have already become viral on social media. The couple explored Bhutan by trekking and Six Senses played host to them.
At Six Senses, a collection of five boutique lodges, the keyword is sustainability.
The other four lodges are located at Punakha, Paro, Gangtey, and Bumtangh, apart from Thimphu. Even though the rates vary according to season, the average rent per night can come up to Rs 1 lakh. The largest lodge at Thimphu is known as 'Palace in the Sky' as it incorporates the elements of the grandiose of a fortress and clouds.
The lodge located in the low-lying valley of Punakha is given the name, 'Flying Farmhouse Amidst the Rice Fields,' as it is located among the terraced farmlands of Bhutan where vegetables are cultivated. It is also inspired by the traditional cantilevered bridges of Bhutan. And the lodge at Paro is named as 'Stone Ruins.' It is located overlooking the Paro valley, near the ancient stone ruins of a dzong (traditional fortress), from which derives the name.
The Six Sense, Gangtey is fondly called 'Traditional Bird watching Bridge' as its main building overlooks a large valley where black-necked cranes, considered as sacred birds in Bhutan, are found in abundance. The lodge is located near the valley of Phobjikha, well known as the winter residence of these migratory birds. The Six Sense in Bumtangh is located further east, in an evergreen pine forest. It is aptly called 'Forest in a Forest.'
All the lodges have large decks and huge floor-to-ceiling windows that ensure stunning views of the beautiful landscapes around without any hindrance. The Six Senses lodges have their own spas and wellness centres. The hot stone bath of Thimphu and Bumtagh, the pyramid meditation room and 'swedana' (sweating) treatment at Gangtey and the spa overlooking the ruins at Paro can provide unforgettable experiences for the guests who choose to immerse themselves in this lap of luxury.
The guests can also choose to divide their stay between the five lodges. This will provide an opportunity to know the mountain kingdom of Bhutan from different perspectives and landscapes. They can hike up to Chorten Ningpo in Punakha, participate in the local farm activities of Gangtey and enjoy treehouse dining at Bumthang. The guests will get a chance to learn about the lives of the local people of Bhutan as well.
According to the season of their visit, the guests can take part in various activities like making of the traditional liquor known as 'Ara,' traditional farming, weaving of the Bhutanese Yathra cloth and practice archery. Those who are interested in exploring the spiritual aspects of life, can visit nearby temples or other religious sites in the vicinity. Or they can participate in the sessions of meditation guided by the resident priests at Six Senses, or take part in the Butter Lamp ceremony.
The best season for trekking and travelling in Bhutan is from March to September. This season will have the most pleasant weather. From June to August, the whole of Bhutan will be covered in flowers. And the winter views of mountains seen during the clear days from December to February are also captivating.
