An Intimate Himalayan Adventure: Through China, Nepal, Bhutan and India

Located in Beijing's stylish new Village at Sanlitun shopping and entertainment complex, the Opposite House is a unique small hotel designed by noted Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. While the exterior is clad in squares of varying hues of vibrant green, the 99 rooms and suites are soothing, decorated in warm, neutral tones and fitted with pale wood furniture and crisp white linens. Kuma says he intended for the blend to create the calm of an "urban forest." The hotel's name is derived from the Chinese term for the guest house in a traditional courtyard compound, which was located opposite the main house. There are a variety of restaurants and bars to choose from, in keeping with the hotel's Sanlitun location: Michelin-starred Jing Yaa Tang is known for its Peking duck and dim sum; Frasca offers wholesome Italian dishes; Superfly is a modern mix of Sichuan plates, creative cocktails and craft beers; while UNION is all about the welcoming hospitality along the Silk Road. There is no business center, but wi-fi is available in all rooms and public spaces. There is also a high-design spa surrounding a large and visually striking stainless-steel-clad pool, which offers massage therapies, a steam room, sauna and fitness center. Opposite House is 40 minutes from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).

The timeless Peninsula Beijing sets the bar for elegance and luxury even higher, as it completes a full renovation, and emerges even more palatial. In the heart of China’s fast-paced capital, the hotel combines imperial architecture and ancient culture with contemporary style and luxurious modern conveniences. From the hotel’s own fleet of chauffeur-driven custom Rolls Royce Phantoms, to decor featuring masterpieces by internationally-renowned Chinese artists, every detail is attended to. Fully overhauled rooms and suites feature sleek decor in cool, tranquil hues, decked out with every conceivable convenience and comfort. From afternoon tea in the iconic lobby to world-class cuisine crafted by well-traveled chefs, diners will be delighted, and both business and leisure guests will find relaxation amid the spa and wellness facilities.

The Mandarin Oriental is situated in the heart of Beijing at Qianmen, just south of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. While located in a vibrant part of the city complete with nearby retail outlets and restaurants, the hotel's 72 courtyard suites are imbued with a sense of serenity, borrowing design tips from Beijing’s traditional hutong architectural style of courtyard houses connected by narrow lanes and sleepy alleyways. The hotel features a variety of dining venues such as a rooftop terrace restaurant, a Chinese restaurant, traditional tea house, and Mandarin cake shop. The hotel is also equipped with a holistic spa, indoor swimming pool, well-equipped fitness center, and is guaranteed to match the high standards of the Mandarin Oriental hotel group.

Situated in the Central Business District of China's bustling capital city, this luxurious hotel offers some of the most spacious rooms in Beijing. The opulent designs of the rooms, with plush amenities and gorgeous artwork, extend to the restaurants, which are not only gorgeously decorate but also feature gourmet dishes as prepared by experienced chefs, ranging from traditional Chinese dishes to international flavors. An expansive spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, and magnificent pool solidify the hotel’s status as a premier destination.

Opened in November 2010, the St. Regis Resort in Lhasa stands on eight acres of land at “the roof of the world," with sweeping views of the Potala Palace. The spacious 162 rooms and villas with marble baths are decorated with carefully sourced artifacts that reflect the richness of Tibetan culture. There are a variety of restaurants to choose from, including the intimate private wine club Decanter by Haut-Brisson and Si Zi Kang, which serves traditional Tibetan cuisine. The health club boasts an indoor heated swimming pool, a yoga and pilates studio, and Iridium, a spa offering refined indulgence with Tibetan flavor. The business center offers 4 meeting rooms, copy and printing services, and faxing services. Other amenities include secretarial service and 24-hour butler service. The St. Regis Lhasa is located just minutes from the Potala Palace, the famous Barkhor area, Jokang Temple, Norbulinka, and is 46 miles from Gongga International Airport.

Opened in April 2014, this luxury property is a fitting new addition to the Lhasa hospitality scene. Shangri-La is, after all, the mythical kingdom believed to inhabit the Tibetan plateaus. Located in the city center, this stylish urban retreat allows guests to experience time-honored Tibetan customs - being welcomed with a local drink called chima, for instance, and being presented with a ceremonial khata scarf. Visitors at the Shangri-La Lhasa can enjoy being within strolling distance of this historic city's main attractions, including Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. For those who find Lhasa's high-altitude landscapes literally breathtaking, there's an oxygen lounge and relaxation center at the resort primed for guest recuperation. As with all Shangri-La properties, local culture plays a vital role in both the hospitality and the décor. At the Lhasa resort, this manifests in traditional architecture and design, with contemporary, luxuriously appointed guest rooms accented with local Tibetan textiles and artworks. Guests are also spoiled with far-reaching views of the mountains, the city and the spectacular Potala Palace.  

When people close their eyes and imagine Tibet, the iconic Potala Palace may come to mind, and the Songtsam Linka Lhasa positions its guests just a stone’s throw from the famed structure. The palace is located a mere three miles away and is directly visible from the windows and balconies of several of the hotel’s rooms. The hotel itself features slaked lime walls, indigo-carved windows, and a fish-fin-shaped facade – all nods to traditional Tibetan artisans and culture – and the interior maintains an aura of reverence with decorations like wooden floors covered by warm carpets and exquisite wall tapestries. Rooms are spacious, with sitting spaces, balconies, and comfortable beds, and they are equipped with oxygen concentrators to help guests deal with Lhasa’s demanding altitude. There is a Chinese and Tibetan restaurant, which serves excellent home-style dishes, as well as a Western restaurant, where guests will find a breakfast buffet and a selection of wines later in the day. There is also a library and a boutique where guests can purchase souvenirs. Besides Potala Palace, visitors to Lhasa can also explore Jokhang Temple and the Drepung and Sera monasteries, and there are also many natural landscapes to explore in the region.

Located just outside Kathmandu, near Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred mountain, Dwarika’s is the recipient of a prestigious World Heritage Award given for outstanding historical preservation. The 74 guest rooms and suites are decorated with intricately carved wood and terracotta work in the traditional Newari style and are equipped with wi-fi access. Krishnarpan, one of the hotel’s two restaurants, offers six- to 22-course authentic Nepali meals, Toran has Chinese and Indian specialties, while Fusion has live blues and jazz in a bar setting. Dwarika’s has no spa, but does offer massage treatments and a swimming pool. The business center is fully equipped with broadband Internet access and secretarial services. The hotel is approximately a 10-minute drive from the airport in Kathmandu.

Begnas Lake Resort is situated on the southern bank of Begnas Lake, famous for its clear fresh waters and lush surroundings. The resort boasts 37 guest rooms, unbeatable views of the waterfront and mighty snow-dipped Himalayan peaks as well as an outdoor pool, steam room, spa, restaurant, poolside bar and lounge bar. The large rooms, scattered amongst a flower garden and orchard, are built in the style of indigenous ethnic Gurung stone-houses. Rooms are air-conditioned with roomy bathrooms and decorated with teakwood, terracotta and cane. Inside the rooms guests will find a safe, TV, satellite TV channels, an iron, ceiling fan and a mini bar. The resort has complimentary Wi-Fi and is within easy reach of the area's must-see attractions.

Tiger Mountain Lodge is located on a hilltop ridge a thousand feet above the Pokhara Valley and just a half hour drive from town. With spectacular views of the Annapurna Range, the lodge has also been touched by history: Sir Edmund Hilary, the first man to scale Everest, led the hotel’s opening ceremony in 1998. The 19 rooms are arranged around the hilltop in hand-cut stone bungalows that blend into their surroundings. All the bungalows have spacious verandas, adjoining bathrooms, and elegantly traditional décor that blends Tibetan hand-knotted wool carpets with British watercolor wall paintings. The lodge offers a range of in-room massage treatments, personal yoga sessions, and meditation training. There is a mountain-view swimming pool for post-hike relaxation. The hotel serves organic produce and locally supplied products, including at its authentic Nepali lunch buffet, and at the dinner with a table d’hôte menu that features European and Nepali selections. The Main Lodge has a cozy central fireplace, comfortable seating areas, and a bar, arranged around a Nepali-style courtyard. Another special feature of the lodge is Colonel Jimmy's Library, with an impressive collection of Himalayan mountaineering literature and photographs. There is no business center. The hotel is located 40 minutes from Pokhara Airport.

Designed to reflect the majestic Himalayan peaks, Lost Horizon Resort & Spa combines the rejuvenating powers of nature with the comforts of home. Located on the outskirts of Pokhara Valley, the property floats above Begnas Lake, surrounded by mountain views. Guest accommodations are comprised of spacious and well-appointed villas and suites, all furnished in an elegant, classic style. There is a clubhouse with a year-round outdoor heated swimming pool, a 7,000-square-foot spa and wellness center, a gym, and a library lounge with views of Mount Manasalu. For dining, guests can enjoy meals in the indoor-outdoor restaurant, or take a picnic basket into the forest. Lost Horizon Resort & Spa is 30 minutes by car to the nearest airport.

Taj Meghauli Serai, a peaceful jungle lodge, perched on the edge of the world-famous Chitwan National Park, which boasts over 570 square miles of forests and is home to an amazing array of wildlife, elephants, leopards, rhinos, tigers and sloths. For those looking to be at the heart of the action, Taj Meghauli Sera is certainly the place to be, offering a wide range of exciting wildlife encounters. Accommodation is offered in a choice of spacious rooms, luxury villas and a spectacular Presidential Suite; every room is guaranteed to provide a serene getaway. After wildlife watching with a dedicated nature guide, guests can enjoy bush dinners around a bonfire, sundowners in the wilderness and relaxing massages to top off amazing days.

Located just outside Kathmandu, near Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred mountain, Dwarika’s is the recipient of a prestigious World Heritage Award given for outstanding historical preservation. The 74 guest rooms and suites are decorated with intricately carved wood and terracotta work in the traditional Newari style and are equipped with wi-fi access. Krishnarpan, one of the hotel’s two restaurants, offers six- to 22-course authentic Nepali meals, Toran has Chinese and Indian specialties, while Fusion has live blues and jazz in a bar setting. Dwarika’s has no spa, but does offer massage treatments and a swimming pool. The business center is fully equipped with broadband Internet access and secretarial services. The hotel is approximately a 10-minute drive from the airport in Kathmandu.

Amankora Thimpu is located on a hillside in a verdant pine forest far above Bhutan’s capital city. The hotel’s architecture is reminiscent of Bhutanese temples, or dzongs, and incorporates white-washed stone buildings around an enclosed courtyard. Sixteen suites are composed of living and sleeping areas, with views of the forest and nearby streams. The spacious terrazzo-tiled bathrooms have soaking tubs and twin vanities. Guests may dine either in an elegant dining room or on the adjacent terrace, both of which serve Bhutanese and international cuisine. Steam and sauna rooms are available, and massage and spa treatments are offered in private rooms nearby. Traditional hot stone baths can be scheduled. There is no fitness center. Fax and Internet are available. The resort is approximately 30 minutes from the airport in Paro.

Situated in the Thimphu Valley, this new property seamlessly blends Bhutan’s Dzong architecture and modern design. Adorned with classical hand-drawn Buddhist murals, its 52 deluxe rooms, 5 luxury rooms, 3 deluxe suites, 2 duplex suites and 4 luxury suites all afford guests an authentic peek into the region’s art and color. All accommodations have wired and wireless Internet access. Food and beverage options include an all-day, international cuisine restaurant, Ara Bar, an authentic Bhutanese restaurant, and a tea lounge. The Taj Spa is equipped with single and double treatment suites and has a menu featuring Indian holistic and signature treatments, specially designed to maintain physical, mental and spiritual equilibrium. There is a fitness center and a heated indoor swimming pool. The property is a two-hour drive from the airport in Paro, which is the only airport in the country. It is a six-hour drive to Phuntsholing and a 3.5-hour drive to Punakha.

The capital and largest city of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Thimphu sits at around 8,000 feet above sea level and is 34 miles from the nation's international airport in Paro. As the nation's cultural heart, people venture to this remote capital to catch glimpses of rare Buddhist scriptures at the National Library or marvel at the Buddha Dordenma's 149-foot bronze statue. The Six Senses Thimphu is situated on the valley hillside just south of the town with spectacular views of Thimphu Valley and across to the giant Buddha. The hotel's décor has been designed to reflect the city's cultural dominance. Beautiful cultural items, handcrafted objects, and intricate weavings are abundant throughout the hotel, and modern interiors feature clean lines, wood paneling, whitewashing, and natural stone. Buildings are constructed from rust-colored bricks, and old solid wood has been repurposed into table and bench tops. The property offers 20 suites, 3 one-bedroom villas, 1 two-bedroom villa, and 1 three-bedroom villa. Facilities and services include a Living Room, all-day dining restaurant, private dining room, bar and lounge, banquet facilities, indoor pool, boutique, prayer pavilion, business center, sunken outdoor performance deck, and a Spa and Wellness Center with manicure and pedicure room, and a gym. A branch of the Six Senses Bhutan hotel, guests will be able to easily move on to Paro, Punakha, Gangtey, or Bumthang while still enjoying the comforts offered by the Six Senses brand.

Amankora Gangtey is in the remote Phobjikha Valley, with awe-inspiring views of a gorge and the 16th century Gangtey Goemba monastery. Each of Amankora's eight suites is fitted with a bukhari, a wood-burning stove, and wood paneling. The dining room and living room are combined and have views of the Phobjikha Valley out of floor-to-ceiling windows. There is no Internet, business center, fitness center or pool at Amankora Gangtey, but hot stone baths and a spa with two treatment rooms are available. The resort is approximately a 4-hour drive from the airport in Paro.

Gangtey Lodge Bhutan offers unique and luxurious farmhouse experience in the Gangtey Valley. The Lodge draws upon the inspiration of the unique and beautiful Bhutanese rural architecture down to the very last detail. Designed by Mary Lou Thomson, who has worked on some of the world's most prestigious resort projects, the interiors and furnishings showcase aspects of the vibrant local culture. All 12 Farmhouse Suites command sweeping views of the valley below and of the Gang tey Goenpa, or monastery just a 10 minute walk away. Heated hand cut stone floors, deep bathtubs overlooking the valley and wood burning stoves, or "Bhukaris", complete the sense of luxury and coziness. Facilities and amenities include a full service restaurant, in-suite massage treatments, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the lodge, complimentary afternoon tea service, and complimentary use of mountain bikes.

Gangtey is widely known as the home of the picturesque Gangtey Monastery, with its elaborate gate and breathtaking valley views. The stunning Phobjikha Valley is also nearby, and the land is great for birdwatchers. Therefore, Six Senses' highly anticipated hotel in Gangtey includes a unique birdwatching bridge. Throughout the winter rare black-necked cranes can be viewed from the lodge, the nearby Crane Center, or the viewing hide located near the birds' nesting and feeding grounds. Aside from birding, the hotel's true focus is comfort and relaxation. Décor is dominated by uncluttered lines with a natural palate. Weathered timber floors and accented walls have been introduced, and comfy armchairs with footstools invite guests to unwind after long days spent exploring. The structure's exterior is fashioned from local stones and timber-framed windows. The property offers eight suites, one two-bedroom villa, an arrival deck, library, movie and gaming room, all-day dining restaurant, fire pit relaxation area, and a Spa and Wellness Center with two Swedana areas. One of the five locations under the umbrella of Six Senses Bhutan, tourists can move along to Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, or Bumthang knowing that the comforts of the Six Senses brand name await their arrival.

Amankora Punakha is located just across a suspension bridge along the Mo Chu River, with suites built around a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. A small property, there are only eight suites. The hotel is situated in an orange orchard, with views of Punakha Valley and Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful monasteries. The farmhouse has a dining room, courtyard and tea pavilion for dining and refreshments. The spa at Punakha has two treatment rooms, a steam room and a yoga and meditation area. There is fax and Internet access; however the connection is quite slow. There is no fitness center or pool, but hot stone baths are available. The hotel is approximately a four-hour drive from the airport in Paro.

An intimate luxury lodge situated in a lush valley, the COMO Uma Bhutan Punakha is nestled amongst rice fields and orchards, and overlooks a snake-like bend in the Mo Chu River. The lodge has a selection of villas suitable for a travel party of any size, as well as nine deluxe Valley View rooms with private terraces; all rooms boast comprehensive views of the surrounding landscape. The onsite restaurant, Bukhari, is named for a traditional Bhutanese fireplace, uses ingredients from local farms and can provide delicious meals for any palate. There is also a spa, the COMO Shambhala Retreat, with a range of holistic and Asian-inspired treatments, as well as hot tubs with a birds-eye view of the stunning scenery. COMO Uma Bhutan Punakha is part of the award winning property and luxury retail group COMO Group, with a sister property in Bhutan called COMO Uma Bhutan Paro.

The former capital of Bhutan, Punakha features stunning nature and enchanting cultural sites. Take in the breathtaking mountain vistas of Dochu La Pass, hike to Khamsum Yuley Monastery, or go river rafting along the Mo Chu River. The Six Senses Punakha is reached by a windy road that climbs through pine forests and passes streams, waterfalls, and chortens (Buddhist monuments). Just a 15-minute drive north of the grand Punakha Dzong, the lodge is nestled several hundred meters above the valley floor amidst the rice fields. Drawing on the region’s agricultural heritage, the hotel is designed in the style of a local farmhouse. Clean lines adorn the mud brick structures, and light fittings cleverly crafted from recycled mason jars illuminate the woven bamboo on the walls. The property offers 16 suites, a one-bedroom villa, a two-bedroom villa, and a three-bedroom villa. Facilities and services include a Living Room and Lounge, all-day dining restaurant, library, outdoor pool, and a Spa and Wellness Center with three single rooms, gym, two meditation huts, and yoga facilities. A satellite hotel of the Six Senses Bhutan, guests can travel to other cities in the country — such as Paro, Thimphu, Gangtey, or Bumthang — all under the Six Senses name. With the opening of the Six Senses Bhutan Punakha, this special hotel will tentatively be added to the Remote Lands itineraries.

Amankora Paro is located just outside of town and features sweeping views of the Paro valley and snow-capped mountains. The hotel, just 30 minutes from Paro airport, has 24 spacious suites designed to evoke a contemporary and minimalist vision of traditional Bhutanese style, incorporating local wood, stone and terrazzo tile. Each suite has a bukhari, or wood-burning stove, and a luxurious bathroom complete with soaking tub. Bhutanese cuisine and international fare are served in the hotel’s great room lounge, dining room, and terrace. The two-level spa contains private areas for massage and treatments, a glass-walled sauna, hot stone baths and a yoga room with a relaxation area. Fax services are available, as is Internet. There is no fitness center or pool, but the Amankora’s idyllic surroundings are perfect for hiking and mountain biking.

COMO Uma Bhutan Paro is a 29-room hotel set in Paro Valley with breath-taking views of the Himalayas. The Bukhari restaurant, set amid pine trees, uses mostly organic food from the surrounding area for Bhutanese delicacies such as pakshee paa, a sliced pork dish with chilies and radishes; ema datsee, a chili and cheese dish, or hewa datsee, a combination of potatoes, cheese and chilies. Uma by COMO, Paro is home to the COMO Shambhala Retreat, a holistic health spa with an open-air yoga pavilion overlooking the Paro Valley. Additional facilities include a business center, fitness center and swimming pool. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from the airport in Paro.

With sacred sites, traditional architecture, and historical buildings, a trip to Paro, Bhutan, is like taking a trip back in time. Nestled in a scenic river valley, the town is the first stop to Bhutan for many, as it is home to the country’s sole international airport. Six Senses Bhutan Paro is perched directly above Paro National Museum, offering incredible views of the valley. Built in the midst of old stone ruins, charming interiors of hewn stone walls and working fireplaces will contrast mid-tone vertical timbers. Community gathering sites such as an open fire pit are available, and all resources used in the construction of this resort are sustainably sourced. The property offers 16 suites, two one-bedroom villas, one two-bedroom villa, and one three-bedroom villa that is perfect for families. Other facilities and services include an all-day dining restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, a bar, banquet facilities, Spa and Wellness Center with gym, outdoor sauna, yoga room, relaxation and private meditation areas, indoor pool, library, and boutique. The Six Senses Bhutan Paro is one node of the collective Six Senses Bhutan hotels, meaning that guests can conveniently travel to Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, or Bumthang assured of the consistent quality of the Six Senses brand throughout their trip.

Located near the heart of Chanakyapuri, the city’s diplomatic enclave, the Leela Palace New Delhi is a five-star luxury hotel in the Indian capital. Its 260 rooms and suites combine traditional Indian opulence with sleek contemporary decor and amenities in typical Leela luxury. Dining options include the striking glass-house Qube,offering an eclectic global menu and show kitchens, overlooking the Leela’s gardens; Jamavar for traditional Rajasthani and north Indian cuisine; and new outposts of the acclaimed restaurants Le Cirque (French and Italian) and Megu (Japanese). The Library, meanwhile, is a sophisticated retreat for cocktails, fine whiskeys, cigars, and a collection of first-edition books. The ESPA spa offers a range of Western, Oriental and Ayurvedic-influenced health and beauty treatments, as well as a café, a state-of-the-art fitness studio, relaxation lounge, finishing studio, roof terrace, and sauna, steam and drench rooms. The Leela is approximately a 30-minute drive from Indira Gandhi International airport (DEL).

A symbol and staple of elegant Indian hospitality, The Oberoi, New Delhi is a ultra-luxe urban oasis of sophistication and world-class service. An iconic landmark in the New Delhi skyline, this historic hotel enjoys sweeping views of the Delhi Golf Course and Humayun’s Tomb, overlooking crystal blue waters, palm trees and a spectacular white, marble lotus fountain in the glamorous entrance. With incredible restaurants offering up delicious cuisine from around the world, a wide variety of spacious and luxurious suites and a world-class spa, The Oberoi is more than just a hotel - it’s a destination. As an added bonus, for the most discerning of business guests, many suites offer private office spaces and meeting rooms, in addition to the extra level of service offered in Business Travel Plus.