Bhutan’s premier wellness retreat refuses to be called a 'resort'
The luxury travel market is shifting and one property is positioning itself to capture the latent demand for something far beyond the traditional five-star resort. Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, the first and only five-star wellness-inclusive luxury retreat in Bhutan, operates on a radical philosophy articulated by its founder and visionary, Luke Lennaerts. "This is not a hotel, this is not a resort, this is a sanctuary… a place of protection and special care," he says in a meeting with TTN Middle East.
This distinct approach addresses the new generation of travellers who desire individuality, authenticity and experiences that resonate deeply, rather than standardised luxury. Lennaerts believes the sanctuary model is a future trend because it addresses what guests "can’t even describe until they see it."
Located in Paro’s Neyphu Valley, known as the healing valley with its therapeutic waters and medicinal herbs, the sanctuary is a 15-minute drive from the international airport (PBH), making it highly accessible for multi-destination tours including the capital, Thimphu (one hour drive).
Across the valley, the Eutok Monastery (Eutok Samdup Choeling Goenpa), established in the 15th century, holds spiritual significance, standing as a revitalised centre for learning and cultural preservation.
Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is where history and legend coalesce into physical monuments that defy the imagination.
The majestic Punakha Dzong, also known as ‘The Palace of Great Bliss,’ stands at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Father) and Mo Chhu (Mother) rivers, a site strategically chosen and constructed in 1637. According to local lore, the entire architectural plan was inspired by a visionary dream of the chief carpenter, Zowe Palep. This magnificent structure — which houses sacred relics and served as the nation's capital until the 1950s — is deeply interwoven with Bhutan's royal history, having hosted the coronation of the first King and the royal wedding of the fifth King.
For the traveller, no journey is complete without the pilgrimage to Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang), Bhutan's most iconic site, which clings precariously to a granite cliff 900 metres above the Paro Valley. Legend holds that Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Buddhism in Bhutan, meditated here after arriving on the back of a flying tigress in the 8th century. The hike to the monastery, while challenging due to the steep, sustained uphill climb and an elevation gain of around 520 metres, is generally manageable for visitors with average fitness and offers a profound blend of natural beauty, spiritual reflection and a deep connection to Bhutanese tradition.
All-inclusive wellness
After the day-long hike, travellers return to fragrant hot stone baths at Bhutan’s Spirit Sanctuary to revive and recover their tired limbs. The core differentiator that sets the sanctuary apart is its inclusive nature. Wellness is not treated as a profit centre but as a genuine lifestyle support. All guests receive a complimentary consultation with one of the in-house Traditional Medicine Doctors. The room rate includes one wellness treatment per paid night. Available treatments include massage, hot stone bath, and herbal compression, all 100 per cent herbal-based. Daily yoga classes and meditation sessions are also included.
The property features a sauna, steam rooms, jacuzzi and an indoor heated infinity pool, reinforcing the commitment to holistic health.
The sanctuary’s philosophy is deeply rooted in its location and origin. Built with respect for Bhutanese architecture (build like a dzong), the retreat is deliberately integrated with the country’s traditions. The founder explains that the land was acquired through an agreement with a local farmer who wished to support a monastery, exemplifying their respect for local ethos.
The experience is sold as genuine cultural immersion. The property offers Bhutanese cooking classes, pottery classes and lessons in Bhutanese darts and archery. The food concept is farm-to-table, utilising the Sanctuary’s own greenhouse and gardens. The food-inclusive concept includes à la carte breakfasts, four-course set lunches, six-course set dinners, house grapes and local beers.
The property, which has 24 rooms and is part of the SLH Considerate Collection, advocates for educating the market on Bhutan’s year-round appeal. Lennaerts insists Bhutan should be known as a destination for 365 days, all four seasons have something unique to offer.
Sustainability first
The sanctuary emphasises that "sustainability should just be a requirement, not a marketing talking point."
Bhutan stands ahead of its times by pioneering the concept of the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), a unique policy that ensures tourism directly benefits the entire nation. The SDF is crucial for maintaining the country's delicate balance by ensuring that high-value tourism sustains the destination, rather than overwhelming it. This fee takes care of the country by funding critical social and environmental initiatives, including free education and healthcare for all citizens.
Terms and conditions on nationalities, as well as exemptions to MICE and other groups apply, a fact anyone selling tours to Bhutan will already know but tourists visiting Bhutan directly support the local economy and its sustainable future through this contribution.
The SDF welcomes high-value, low-impact consumers, which helps keep the destination pristine and avoids the overcrowding seen elsewhere. This strategy aligns with Bhutan’s status as a carbon-negative country - the only one in the world - meaning it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits. Furthermore, Bhutan mobilises its citizens through volunteer forces, such as the DeSuups (Guardians of Peace), who actively contribute to keeping the country clean and conserving its natural beauty, reflecting a deep national commitment to environmental stewardship.
What to take home
Beyond prayer flags, fragrant incense sticks and artisan jewellery, Bhutan offers the luxury traveller truly unique and special souvenirs, deeply rooted in its culture and Himalayan environment. Among the most exclusive products is the wild-harvested Cordyceps mushroom, considered the world's most famous and unique strain. Known locally as Yartsa Goenbub, this rare fungus is highly valued in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits and can sell for extremely high prices, making it a luxurious and distinctive gift.
Beyond natural treasures, the nation’s cultural artistry shines through its textiles and art. Bhutanese nationals proudly wear their special ceremonial clothes, the Gho for men and the Kira for women, at temples, government buildings and during festivals. These garments showcase exquisite traditional weaving techniques and make a unique addition to the wardrobes of the well travelled.
The country is home to talented artisans who create incredibly expensive Thangkas. These intricate Buddhist scroll paintings are valued not just as art, but as meditative aids and spiritual items, offering travellers a profound and valuable piece of Bhutanese spiritual heritage to take home.
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