ONELIFE #35 – American English

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TRAVEL
OPEN YOUR MIND
Bhutan, a magical kingdom of mountains and imposing
valleys nestling to the east of the Himalayas between Tibet,
Assam, West Bengal and Sikkim, is a relative newcomer to
global travel only welcoming its first tourists as recently as 1974.
Translated literally, Bhutan means ‘the end of Tibet’ but is known
more popularly as Druk Yul or the ‘Land of the Thunder
Dragons’. Rich in monasteries, clinging tenaciously to almost
sheer mountain faces, this remote nation clearly has a unique
sense of humor measuring itself in terms of Gross National
Happiness instead of the more usual GDP.
Globalization has not thus far left its footprint in this fairy tale
location. That said, the renaissance in bespoke travel in the style
of the great journeys of the past has finally discovered Bhutan.
From 2018, five new satellite resorts in various locations across
the kingdom, each dedicated to one of the five senses, can be
booked as one package. The first in the capital Thimphu focuses
on the rich cultural design heritage, with clean modern interiors
featuring rich wood paneling and natural stone. The second
location in Punakha is a traditional farmhouse amid fertile
terraces, with traditional Bhutan décor. The third resort in
Gangtey features more weathered timbers and warm leather
furniture and a unique birdwatching bridge. Bumthang in the
middle of a forest, features enormous windows and is a
celebration of outdoor life. The final resort in Paro is adjacent
to an old stone dwelling and has been designed to encourage
travelers to talk about what they have seen and experienced.
Much more than just an unusual holiday destination, a trip to
Bhutan is perhaps best described as a journey within a journey.
Could this be the happiest place on Earth?
Gnarled wood panels
abound in Gangtey.
Below: mystic mountains
and fertile terraces
are the perfect canvas
FIND OUT MORE
To discover the magic of Bhutan see: www.sixsenses.com/about-us/new-openings
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