Escape to Bhutan With The Ultimate Winter Guide to Wellness, Adventure, and Cultural Immersion
Our ultimate winter guide to Bhutan combines cultural immersion with an all-inclusive approach to wellness and adventures that offer bespoke and soul-stirring journeys to the last Himalayan Kingdom waiting to be explored.
Steeped in history, tradition, and charm, Bhutan is the last self-reliant Himalayan kingdom, where tranquillity reigns and everything is off the beaten path. Listed as one of the world’s few carbon-negative countries, this country measures success not by the per-capita income but by the happiness of its people. Settled between the high mountain valleys between China to the north and India to the south, Bhutan’s verdant valleys, forested hills, perched-up monastic fortresses, and off-road mountain trails are playgrounds for outdoorsy travellers.
Bhutan’s commitment to wellness goes beyond mainstream spas, embracing ancient therapies that promote graceful ageing and holistic health. Here spirituality is deemed a cleansing ceremony, a shield from all ailments. Consider this enchanting destination, if you are searching for authentic experiences through the pleasures of slow travel. DP’s list of the top five luxury mountain lodges serves as a guide to some of the best tailor-made journeys through Bhutan’s spectacular landscape.
1. At andBeyond Punakha You Journey Beyond the Ordinary, By a Private Stream
Deep in the lush green valley of Punakha and on the banks of the Mo Chu River, andBeyond Punakha is the luxury brand’s first-ever lodge in Asia. Designed by Fox Browne Creative, its six intimate luxury tents are expansive spaces where authentic Bhutanese design and craftsmanship seamlessly merge, offering guests exclusive access to the riverside. Its one-bedroom suite (the River House), and a two-bedroom suite (the Family Suite) are a cocoon of solitude, amidst awe-inspiring vistas. andBeyond’s philosophy of unrivalled luxury with minimal footprint is embedded throughout the resort’s design experience.
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The safari-style tented suites are delicately suspended from a traditional Bhutanese timber structure, interiors are layered with Bhutanese heritage crafts and high-quality accents. (Image Credit: andbeyond)
For those seeking relaxation and pampering, the beautiful spa lodge offers a variety of soothing treatments and traditional wellness experiences, all set against the stunning backdrop of the surrounding orchard and picturesque foothills. You can balance your chakras with a personalised yoga session or enjoy a soothing soak in a traditional Bhutanese wooden hot stone bath.
Each day’s journeys are crafted for perfect moments—mornings kick off with an exclusive hike trail to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a 45-minute nature therapy along the river stream. The amazing Punakha Dzong and the beautiful Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery are worth adding to your itinerary. Besides active adventures, the lodge’s sparkling rim-flow swimming pool is incredibly inviting on a warm day. Alfresco dining takes a new meaning in this landscape. There are classics along with modern inventive plates in Bhutanese cuisine. Enjoy a picnic lunch, a sundowner or a gala dinner from the spacious lodge deck, or by the private river stream.
# DP recommends a serene yoga session, before the hot stone massage, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the streaming river.
2. Amankora Gangtey Offers Unrivalled Exclusivity In Rural Bhutan
Amankora Gangtey gets a slice of the Black Mountains National Park wildlife reserve, home each winter to a flock of 300 endangered black-neck cranes— as a part of its exclusive location experience. ( Image Credit: Aman)
Tucked away in the lesser-visited Phobjikha Valley, close to the village of Gangtey, the Amankora Gangtey Lodge features eight cosy suites. It’s set on a forested knoll, extending amazing valley views. Kerry Hill’s designed interiors evoke serene minimalism using warm golden wood panelling, timber floors, and stylish terrazzo bathrooms. All the furniture, light fixtures, fireplaces, and textiles draw inspiration from traditional Bhutanese styles and colours. Apart from experiencing the trademark Aman hospitality, its culture immersive tours are too good to be true. Whether hitting the trails in Gangtey Valley or checking out the Black Mountains National Park, there is a long list of places to see with exclusive private journeys.
Also read: 4 Luxurious Bhutanese Mountain Retreats In The Lap Of Nature
The day starts with a relaxing morning ritual to cleanse your spirit where one burns special herbs up at Amankora Gangtey’s hilltop fumigation stupa with a local monk guiding the way. Just a short walk from the Aman Gangtey lodge will take you to a charming wooden hut atop a hill, the perfect setting for an authentic Bhutanese hot stone bath to experience the rejuvenating waters infused with rich minerals and sprigs of Kempa followed by the Tibetan Ku Nye massage —it’s a must-try for anyone seeking relaxation and wellness.
One can spend a day with the monks at the Gangtey Goempa and soak in the calming vibe of their chants. Guided interactions with the monks allow for a peek into age-old Buddhist rituals. Other nature excursions include forest bathing which involves tranquil walks through the pristine wilderness while you absorb the forest’s healing ambience. This season you can spot about 300 endangered black-necked cranes hanging out in the reserve. Aman’s dining deserves a special mention reflecting the cultural richness of the place—a ‘suja butter tea’ served as a Bhutanese morning ritual that can fuel day-long hikes that follow. A delightful mix of Bhutanese, Western and Indian dishes are served across meals. Come evening, a celebratory meal awaits under a rustic potato shed, right by the traditional bhukari wood-burning stove.
# DP recommends the Bhutanese meal inside a candlelit potato hut warmed by the Bukhari stove while enjoying folk music and songs.
3. Six Senses Paro Where Wellness Sustainability In Stunning Seclusion
Six Senses Paro, nicknamed ‘stone ruins,’ is perched on a hill and is a great launchpad for tackling the climb up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Designed by Habitat Architects, its five cosy lodges are designed to be spacious, with big windows that offer amazing views of the valley. Interiors embrace neutral colours that go well with the simple, natural wooden furniture. Bukharis or traditional wood-burning stoves and beautiful, vegetable-dyed Himalayan rugs that evoke a vintage feel bring elements of the local craft into the space. Six Senses brings wellness into everything they do, from the eco-friendly materials they build to the food they serve in their restaurants. Plus, they offer top-notch health screenings highlighting Bhutan‘s ancient wellness wisdom and therapy experience.
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The indoor swimming has been uniquely designed with timber-clad conclave ceilings and hand-chiselled stone walls to maximize its surrounding history. (Image credit: Six Senses Bhutan)
Here, mornings begin with a meditation session led by a Lama (Tibetan title for a spiritual teacher), followed by a sunrise hike to Tiger’s Nest. Evenings are spent learning the significance of lighting the butter lamp at Samtenling Monastery. Hikers can choose to plan for an adventure to Mount Jomolhari, located at the border of Tibet and Bhutan, or join the Six Senses mushroom foraging tour. Dining here combines international favourites with the ancient flavours of Bhutan — it all kicks off beautiful traditional Bhutanese songs to set the mood.
# DP recommends the candlelit Chubjakha “Ruins Regale” —an unforgettable medieval dining adventure, with expertly crafted cocktails and a Bhutanese dinner cooked over an open fire.
4. Pemako Punakha Promises Luxe Glamping In Bhutan’s Unspoiled Heart
This new glamping retreat is nestled in the beautiful Punakha valley, famous for its lovely weather all year round, vibrant Buddhist festivals, and the stunning Punakha Dzong. It features 21 luxury tented villas; each with an outdoor space, a heated pool, and amazing valley views. Architect Bill Bensley conceptualised it to be an ‘alternate universe’ in Bhutan with interiors reflecting the essence of the place, featuring boldly painted design elements in the orange, yellow, white, and black colours of Bhutan’s national flag.
In Pemako Punakha the Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath is a unique ritual where soothing waters infused with distinct herbs – each with its own distinct, healing qualities – Safflower, Polygonatum (Soloman’s seal), White Rhododendron, Amla and Terminalia) (Image Credit: Pemako Punakha)
Spent a few quality hours at the ‘Lotus Realm Spa’ that decisively restores balance and harmony to your mind and body, firmly rooted in the principles of Sowa Rigpa, the traditional medicine of Bhutan. Additionally, they offer traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Baths in elegantly polished wooden tubs, making it a must-try experience.
Vernacular cornice elements such as ‘horzhu’ and ‘chose’ in dark lacquered wood complete the vibrancy used in furniture designs and lamps. ( Image Credit: Pemako Punaha)
While people visit to check out the beautiful valleys of Punakha and enjoy some adventures, the untouched nature gives everyone a chance to take a breather. Several trails open out and connect visitors to the different areas of the property — from the river to the meditation room, the spa, and the restaurants, each a design narrative. Pemako Punakha’s Alchemy House offers dining and lounging options in a restored heritage centre within the hotel. Each dish served is a true celebration of Bhutan‘s rich culinary heritage. ‘Sura’ creates an elegant ambience with its sophisticated grey and black decor, perfect for an intimate dining experience. ‘Ati’ offers a seamless blend of alfresco and indoor dining, making it the ultimate spot to enjoy each other’s company, share stories, and build lasting memories. To conclude your evening, head to ‘The Five Nectar Bar,’ where the outdoor deck and stunning river views provide the ideal setting for a round of drinks.
# DP recommends personalised excursions designed for each guest —from historic religious sites to the bespoke spiritual journeys led by Pemaku hosts.
Inspired by traditional dzong architecture, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary is designed on the country’s mountain fortresses employing vernacular design language. ( Image Credit: Bhutan Spiirt Sanctuary)
5. Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary Is A Gorgeous Mountain Retreat For Transformative Wellness
Just 20 minutes from Paro airport, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary takes the form of a fortress transformed into a luxury wellness retreat, elevating both wellness and spiritual experiences to new heights. All 24 rooms are impressively spacious, flooded with natural lights and offering stunning views of the valley and Eutok Samdrupcholing Monastery. The minimalist design by Pure Design Studio is purposeful and effective, featuring neutral tones accented by local tapestries that add character and authenticity. One can choose between the ‘Balcony Rooms,’ overlooking the scenic Neyphu Valley, an ideal spot for star gazing at night or the ‘Terrace Room’ which walks you through the gardens and views of the rice fields in the Neyphu Valley, and the snow-topped mountains as a backdrop.
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One can enrol in wellness programs based on traditional Bhutanese medicine, guided by the in-house medicine doctor. Mornings start with yoga and other wellness-induced activities like sound healing followed by signature treatments like herbal compression, hot oil compression, moxibustion, herbal hot stone baths, and Ku Nye massages.
Secluded, with sweeping views of the valley below, yet each day is packed with activities of your choice. A concierge team can arrange day tours to the Tiger’s Nest, Thimphu (the capital of Bhutan), the Haa and Punakha Valley, and all the beautiful places in between. On prior request, a special meeting with a ‘Rinpoche’ or the chef monk can be arranged to engage with the spiritual side. A dedicated culinary team offers a diverse range of Western, Asian, and Bhutanese dishes, allowing each meal to be tailored to individual dietary preferences and food allergies. The tea bar is a treat, offering 20 different Bhutanese herbal teas, each packed with its health perks. Plus, you can join a live cooking session with the chef, where you’ll get to roll up your sleeves and try making tasty Bhutanese dim sums called momos, which come in all sorts of varieties.
Bhutan is a fascinating blend of ancient culture and tradition. Modern travellers are increasingly interested in how luxury hospitality teams create personalised itineraries that bring alive ancient customs, quirks of local folklore, and much-loved cultural traditions.
#DP recommends cultural immersion jaunts into your itinerary, such as Bhutanese cooking classes, traditional clothing photo shoots, pottery classes, or lessons in darts and archery.
