The first three Six Senses lodges and spas have opened across the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, a country that’s famously strict on development and tourism, with the remaining two set to debut in March 2019
Spas at each of the six lodges focus on a different strand of Bhutan’s unique Gross National Happiness index
The collection of boutique lodges, with just over 80 rooms in total, is one of Asia's most anticipated openings and spa facilities at each site create a special wellbeing circuit.
Guests can travel to each location to experience a unique taste of wellness based on Bhutan's gross national happiness (GNH) index. The Buddhist country uses GNH, focusing on the wellness of its people, as a measure of development instead of gross national product.
The spas at each lodge focus on a different domain of GNH. Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, has the largest lodge with the most comprehensive spa which takes its lead from the GNH strand of physical and mental health. It offers Six Senses' Integrative Wellness Screening to measure biomarkers and pay close attention to mental health. Breathwork and visualisation is also incorporated into each treatment.
In the low-lying valley of Punakha, the spa is based on the 'time use' domain and the balance between work and rest, which is where Six Senses sleep programme comes in. Treatments include medicinal Bhutanese aromatherapy, grounding massages and vedic eye therapy.
Education is the theme behind the spa at Paro, the last location in the circuit, where intentions for the future are written on Bhutanese flag prayers.
When they open, the spas in Gangtey and Bhumtang will focus on psychological wellbeing and culture.
Overall, standout therapies such as traditional Bhutanese hot stone baths, swedana sweat treatments, meditating in a pyramid prayer pavilion and having a massage overlooking ancient stone ruins, have been woven into the offering.
"We take guests on an educational and experiential journey of happiness," Anna Bjurstam, Six Senses' VP spa and wellness, tells Spa Business. "Bhutan has a special, magical energy – the spirit of the land, the culture and people, the beautiful nature and the preservation of the country's values – which leaves no one untouched. Our aim is to not only give guests an outside-in journey with all they can explore, but also an inside-out journey working on mindfulness, happiness and brain health."
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The first three Six Senses lodges and spas have opened across the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, a country that’s famously strict on development and tourism, with the remaining two set to debut in March 2019
Spas at each of the six lodges focus on a different strand of Bhutan’s unique Gross National Happiness index
The collection of boutique lodges, with just over 80 rooms in total, is one of Asia's most anticipated openings and spa facilities at each site create a special wellbeing circuit.
Guests can travel to each location to experience a unique taste of wellness based on Bhutan's gross national happiness (GNH) index. The Buddhist country uses GNH, focusing on the wellness of its people, as a measure of development instead of gross national product.
The spas at each lodge focus on a different domain of GNH. Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, has the largest lodge with the most comprehensive spa which takes its lead from the GNH strand of physical and mental health. It offers Six Senses' Integrative Wellness Screening to measure biomarkers and pay close attention to mental health. Breathwork and visualisation is also incorporated into each treatment.
In the low-lying valley of Punakha, the spa is based on the 'time use' domain and the balance between work and rest, which is where Six Senses sleep programme comes in. Treatments include medicinal Bhutanese aromatherapy, grounding massages and vedic eye therapy.
Education is the theme behind the spa at Paro, the last location in the circuit, where intentions for the future are written on Bhutanese flag prayers.
When they open, the spas in Gangtey and Bhumtang will focus on psychological wellbeing and culture.
Overall, standout therapies such as traditional Bhutanese hot stone baths, swedana sweat treatments, meditating in a pyramid prayer pavilion and having a massage overlooking ancient stone ruins, have been woven into the offering.
"We take guests on an educational and experiential journey of happiness," Anna Bjurstam, Six Senses' VP spa and wellness, tells Spa Business. "Bhutan has a special, magical energy – the spirit of the land, the culture and people, the beautiful nature and the preservation of the country's values – which leaves no one untouched. Our aim is to not only give guests an outside-in journey with all they can explore, but also an inside-out journey working on mindfulness, happiness and brain health."
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Interview: Thomas Klein
Senior living, family resorts and urban retreats are all on the cards for Canyon Ranch says COO and president Thomas Klein. Katie Barnes finds out more
Trends: Spa Foresight™ 2018/19
Spa Business’ predictions for the future include vegan spas, blue light antidotes, home wellness and plastic-free facilities
Interview: Dietmar Mueller-Elmau
The owner of Germany’s Schloss Elmau tells Spa Business why music, culture and spa feed the mind and soul
Promotional feature: Living Earth Crafts
Living Earth Crafts has distinguished itself with furniture for the spa industry that combines high design with seamless functionality. Brian Paris gives us insight into the company’s stylish new introductions
Event report: GWS 2018 - Bella vita
An Italian inspired Global Wellness Summit featured fashion, food, fitness and spa… and cameos from Hugh Jackman and Oprah Winfrey. Spa Business gives its highlights
Research: Growing up
Spa is the fastest growing sector of the US$4.2tn global wellness economy according to the latest GWI research
Event report: WTA Conference
What do wellness travellers want? And what issues need to be addressed as the wellness tourism sector grows? Anne Dimon reports from the inaugural meeting of the Wellness Tourism Association
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Ashley Neese tells Spa Business about the possibilities of breathwork and opening up the practice to more people
Mass protests have been taking place since Monday 1 June in Albania over the development of
a luxury resort by Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner.
Global Wellness Day (GWD) marked its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
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the softness of towels and the freshness of linens. [more...]
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COMPANY PROFILES
Templespa Templespa was founded in 2000 by Liz and Mark Warom, seasoned entrepreneurs with a proven track reco [more...]
