Cultura y descubrimiento

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.