TASTE
From Gangtey back over stormy passes I arrived at the fourth and last lodge, Six Senses Paro which is built like a fortress at an elevation of 2,900 m, next to a 15th century ruined fortress. A stonewall patio opens to an outdoor terrace with sweeping vistas to icy valleys, mountains and the snowcapped Himalayas in the far distance. Committed to the Six Senses’ philosophy of responsible and mindful luxury both dining and living room have large floor-to-ceiling windows and offer a minimalistic eco-chic interior entirely made out of local materials and decorated with typical bhutanese antiques, rare collectibles found on site and vegetable-dyed, antique-washed Himalayan rugs. My mountain top chalet suite with its soothing pastel colors is elegant, warm and intimate with many elements which make a property truly exceptional. Six Senses Paro has also a gigantic organic garden with over 400 different vegetables and 1000 fruits trees currently growing under frosty pine needles, still a bit sleepy. Yes it works! Farm to table is the key work here and my tasting senses are triggered. Sustainability is reflected through active management of waste, energy and water. The four pillars of Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) philosophy are: Sustainable Development, Environmental Protection, Cultural Preservation, and Good Governance, all of which are carefully woven into the operation of the five lodges. Six Senses Bhutan, one of my favorite stays on earth thanks to its strict eco-principles and leaving me feeling filled up and energetically refreshed for the next life sprint.