Set in what was once the original home of Indian royalty, Six Senses Fort Barwara is poised to open later this month with spa and wellness practices rooted within local cultural traditions. Encompassing two palaces and two temples, the fort has been sensitively restored by Six Senses to reimagine the 700 year-old regal atmosphere in modern times.
Conservation Meets Restoration
In restoring the fort, Six Senses took care to use traditional building techniques used in Rajasthan that sensitively incorporated efficient design elements like rainwater collection tanks and solar panels that accented the historic architecture.
Six Senses also turned their attention to the natural habitat, focusing their efforts on rebuilding the local wildlands through the removal of invasive species that have long choked the local fauna, and the planting of native and endemic trees and plants.
These building practices, according to Six Senses come from a deep respect of the local culture, as well as the land. Throughout the restoration and development of the resort, the wellness brand worked very closely with architects, artisans and suppliers who lived in the surrounding area.
Funds have even been used in supporting farmers who utilize ethical and sustainable practices, helping local schools in English-language education courses and lunch programs, donating medical equipment to the local hospital, and partnering with the Barwara Trustees for collaborations on programs that benefit the local villagers.
A Contemporary Reimagining of Ancient Luxury
Forty-eight suites will be available upon opening, ranging from the large and luxurious 3,014-square-foot rooms, to smaller, more intimate 753-square-foot affairs. Guests staying in the East Wing of the property will have expansive views of the countryside, while those in the West Wing will be able to gaze out to Barwara Village and beyond.
The design of each space, which taps into the rich history, provides a contemporary reimagining that incorporates state-of-the-art technology along with handmade mattresses, cotton bedding and all the other fundamentals needed for guests to enjoy a good night’s sleep.
Holistic Experiences Powered by Ayurveda
As part of the comprehensive spa and fitness offerings, Ayurveda will play a substantial role with whole body healing as well as meditation and yoga. The facilities will be spread across the original women’s palace and two temple with six treatment rooms—three for couples, one single and two Ayurvedic—a meditation temple, yoga pavilion, steam room, sauna, tepidarium, Swedana, cool pool and still pool.
Spa rituals at the fort will include traditional Ayurvedic healing modalities, massages, facials, sound healing, wraps, scrubs and biohacking, with a broad reaching yoga menu, personalized wellness programs and rotating practitioners to complete the offerings. The spa will also serve as a healthy haven for fitness enthusiasts, with plenty of fitness, nutritional and relaxation options to service all routines.
Additionally, the wellness facility will be helmed by Dr Jitendra Varshney—an Ayurvedic doctor, certified yoga and Reiki master—as wellness director.