Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary in Bhutan’s Neyphu Valley, has introduced a six-day all-inclusive wellness retreat with programming rooted in cultural traditions.

Guests staying at the 24-key resort will experience the property’s wellness philosophy, which derives from Traditional Bhutanese Medicine, via a variety of different experiences.

The agenda for the retreat, called Glimpse of Bhutan, starts with an intentionally quiet arrival ritual, as part of a Buddhist custom to practice being present. 

A private consultation with an in-house TBM doctor takes place, with the assessment focusing on guests’ elemental balance and lifestyle patterns. 

The Sanctuary has curated a series of activations to help guests acclimatise to Himalayan altitude at the start of their stay. These include yoga, meditation, hikes through the Neyphu Valley, herbal walks through the property’s gardens and relaxation time by the infinity pool.

Treatments are offered throughout the stay. The property’s therapies are all herbal and include massage, hot stone bathing, herbal compression, moxibustion and hot oil compression. The facilities include a sauna, steamrooms, hot tub, indoor heated infinity pool, sun deck terrace and gym.

On the first day of exploration, guests will be taken on a journey to the Chele La Pass, 3,988-metres above sea level and the highest point for motorised travel in the country. This viewpoint provides panoramic views across the Paro and Haa valleys. It’s also a place where visitors can hang prayer flags.

A trip to Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu, will include a tour that takes in the Buddha Dordenma, the Simply Bhutan Museum and the Choki Traditional Art School, which teaches traditional crafts.

One morning, guests will take a one-hour hike to visit monks and students of the 15th Century Buddhist Eutok Goenpa Monastery, where they will witness rituals and engage in conversations about the traditions. 

Upon their return to the Sanctuary, guests will be able to try their hand at traditional sports such as darts and archery, cooking classes, pottery or experience wellness treatments.

The programme also features a full day trip to the Punakha Valley, which has a fertile subtropical climate. Guests will explore the architecture of the fortress-monastery called Punakha Dzong and surrounding region, complete with suspension bridges and sacred temples.

Another day will be dedicated to a two-to-four-hour pilgrimage to the active spiritual site called Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Guests will be guided through its sacred chambers and learn the significance of this spiritual site. After this trip, a herbal hot stone bath is provided, followed by a traditional dress and an authentic Bhutanese dinner. Stargazing is also offered on clear nights.

The final day is spent exploring Paro’s cultural landmarks, such as the military fortress Paro Dzong, the National Museum, artisan paper workshops and textile galleries. The afternoon is for intentional wellbeing, including treatments, swimming or quiet contemplation.

Meals throughout the retreat will include à la carte breakfasts, four-course set lunches, six-course set dinners – all made with as many local ingredients as possible. These include food grown on the property at the Sanctuary’s greenhouse, plus its vegetable and herb garden.

The package price for six days (five nights) costs depend on the season and room type: 

• Balcony room, shoulder season: US$5,133 (€4,700, £3,930) for two people
• Balcony room, peak season: US$5,974 (€5,470, £4,580) for two people
• Terrace room, shoulder season: US$5,969 (€5,460, £4,570) for two people
• Terrace room, peak season: US$6,976 (€6,390, £5,350) for two people