Culture and Discovery

Follow your own path in Bhutan

For those who see health and happiness as a journey of discovery, not a destination, Six Senses Bhutan offers uplifting experiences at every turn. Your Khamsa or “Royal Stroll” is a unique adventure into Bhutan’s spirituality, culture and hospitality as you travel between five individual lodges. Life won’t look the same after you come to the Land of the Thunder Dragon, and neither will you want it to.

While it is gaining in popularity in terms of ecotourism, Bhutan remains one of Asia’s most unspoiled and majestic locations. At an altitude of 7,710 feet (2,350 meters), the capital Thimphu lies in a steep valley surrounded by rich forested mountains dotted with ancient monasteries and lhakhangs (temples). The giant Buddha Dordenma, Tashi Chho Dzong, and Folk Heritage Museum all offer a fascinating insight into Bhutanese life. 

Sharing breakfast with young novices at the Chorten Ningpo monastery, high on a Himalayan hill, around a 2-hour hike from Six Senses Punakha sparks a beautiful bridge between cultures, a reminder of the universal human desire for connection.

The winding drive to Six Senses Gangtey – passing summits adorned with prayer flags and grazing yaks unbothered by the dizzying drops – is a feast for the eyes as it opens to a valley of unmatched beauty. The arrival of the black-necked crane in winter coincides with auspicious dates of the Bhutanese calendar. To mark their departure, these “birds of heaven” circumambulate the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery three times before heading to their summer home in Tibet. Damchen Lhakhang dates back to the 14th century, and as you spin the giant prayer wheels and light a butter lamp listening to the hypnotic chants of the young novices, accompanied by blasts on the dung-chen (a long trumpet-like instrument), the moment stops you in your tracks. 

There’s no better way to bring the past alive than to hike the iconic Tiger’s Nest followed by the Stone Ruins Dinner at Six Senses Paro. This captivating spectacle blends the sizzle of the grill with the vibrant story of Bhutanese culture, set against the awe-inspiring ruins of the 15th-century Chubjakha Dzong. Prayer flags flutter in the wind, while whispers of a bygone era seem to linger in the air.

Indian cultural calendar

There’s also nowhere quite like India for fabulous food, and both Six Senses Fort Barwara and Six Senses Vana mark the country’s cultural and religious festivals with communal feasts. 

In January, Makar Sankranti and Magh Bihu are both harvest festivals that mark the end of winter and the beginning of longer days. Celebrated across India and meaning “movement”, Makar Sankranti marks the sun’s transition from Sagittarius to Capricorn in Vedic astrology. Magh Bihu marks the end of the harvesting season in Assam, and is also known as Bhogali Bihu, which means “Bihu of eating and enjoyment”.  Join us to sample the local delicacy Dal Bati Churma and other regional specialties with an emphasis on produce made from scratch, such as our own versions of cheeses, miso, kombucha, nut butters, and ghee without using any preservatives.

In March, Holi – the festival of colors – is celebrated on the last full moon in the lunar month of Phalguna. Holika Dahan, also known as Chhoti Holi, is a Hindu festival that takes place the night before Holi and symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It also marks the beginning of spring, a time of renewal and rejuvenation. Join us around the bonfire to sing and dance and perform rituals based on the story of Holika.

Happiness finds you in Fiji

No one lays on a better cultural celebration than Fiji. Fijians love to gather together to share good times. Guests at Six Senses Fiji can join together on the beach to enjoy a customary feast with fresh fish cooked in a Fijian lovo with a bowl or two of kava, a local crop that has been used in traditional Pacific Island medicine and ceremonies for hundreds of years. Expect to be royally entertained by warriors and performers who put on traditional dances and tell stories about life in Fiji while passing round the yaqona.

Chinese Taoism and tranquility

At Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain, delve into the ancient and sacred practice of Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art rooted in the culture and philosophy of Taoism. Taoism teaches that all living creatures should strive to live in harmony with the universe and the energy (Ch’i or Qi) that guides everything within it, emphasizing the need for living in spiritual and physical accord with the patterns of nature. After all, humans are nature. Dive deeper into the Birthplace of Taoism through a half-day guided hike into the mountains. On the way up, you’ll visit Jianfu Palace to explore Taoist temples before arriving at Tianshi Cave, which dates back to the Tang Dynasty. Or if you prefer a more sedate yet no less inspirational encounter with Taoism, why not try our Taoist Walking Regimen to arouse your internal energy.  

Colorful Caribbean

On the Spice Island of Grenada, August marks some of the biggest festivals including Spicemas, known for its J’ouvert carnival and Traditional Mas. Enjoy a compelling expression of Caribbean culture and street theatre through calypso music, dance, entertainment, and cuisine. All year round, our Hidden Haven: Explore Seven Sisters experience at Six Senses La Sagesse starts with a short wake-up yoga session before an invigorating 30-minute hike through verdant landscapes to the cascades, where your guide will share a little about the history of these impressive falls.

For Grenadians, food is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of nature’s bounty and where better to start than its cocoa groves, which produce abundant harvests? As part of our Reggae Fields Journey, you’ll connect with local farmers to unearth the essence of the island’s fascinating chocolate heritage and the secrets of Grenadian cocoa traditions and craft your very own Caribbean-style cocoa tea balls. The renowned Rivers Antoine Estate is the oldest functioning artistry of rum production in the Caribbean. Discover the intricate process that transforms sugarcane into liquid gold and bottle your own rum while tasting traditional oil down, Grenada’s national dish.

Crafty in Kyoto

Join us at Six Senses Kyoto for a Japanese Sashiko (“little stabs”) sewing workshop to learn this traditional form of decorative stitching used to reinforce and embellish fabric. Create your own Sashiko coaster, a beautiful and functional piece to take home as a memento. Master the art of traditional Japanese wrapping with Furoshiki, a traditional Japanese cloth used for wrapping, which dates back more than 1,200 years. It was first used for preserving the valuables of the emperors. Today, it is seeing a revival as a sustainable and beautiful way to wrap gifts for your loved ones. Don’t leave without inhaling a moment of Zen at our incense pouch workshop, where you’ll get hands on with high-quality natural ingredients and gain a deeper insight into the meticulous process of blending and crafting incense, as well as the cultural significance behind it.

Bygone in Bodrum

Embark on a timeless adventure to witness the magic of past eras with a knowledgeable private guide to bring each story to life at Six Senses Kaplankaya. The harbor resort town of Bodrum sits on the foundations of ancient, mighty Halikarnassos. In the morning, discover the historical highlights of the town, with whitewashed houses, clear blue water, and a welcoming breeze. Bodrum’s Castle of St. Peter is a must-see, as is the special Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

You’re also close to Ephesus, one of the best preserved archeological sites from the classical Roman era, when it reached its peak with a population of over 250,000 inhabitants. The nearby attractions include The House of the Virgin Mary, The Basilica of St John, The Temple of Artemis, and the Ephesus Museum of Archaeology. As the world was shaken by Mayan Apocalypse Predictions on 21 December 2012, the picture-perfect village or Şirince, which prospered in the 15th century when Ephesus was abandoned, became a popular destination once again as people flocked there as a safe haven from their doomed future! The narrow, charming alleyways with cobblestones connecting the cottages take you back in time before automobiles and modern industry to buy homemade products from local artisans.

Sensory adventures in an otherworldly setting

From Six Senses Zighy Bay, it is hard to know whether it’s best to explore the breathtaking Musandam peninsula via land or sea. Take to the seas for a truly epic voyage aboard our recently refurbished 90-foot hand-crafted Dhahab – meaning gold in Arabic – which now offers one- or two-night voyages for up to six guests for the ultimate sea-hotel adventure. Set sail along the coastline and experience the infinite horizon as you pass Haffa, Sanna't, Lima, Charia, and Hamra. 

On land, the best way to explore the rugged beauty of the surrounding plateau is by trekking through the timeless village of Sabatyn with wonderful views to Wadi Al Bih. You’ll pass a wealth of petroglyphs (rock carvings), stone towers and ancient houses from a vantage point of almost 4,000 feet above sea level. 

Our Sense of Oman experience and work with the Dibba Women’s Association, which provides an income-generating marketplace and education for children, was a finalist in the Regenerative Travel Experience of the Year award in 2023. From the tactile materials to the taste of the dates, the smell of the spices, the sound of the music, and the sight of a glorious hubbub of women, the experience ignites all the senses.