The Six Senses Fort Barwara is the result of a meticulous conservation project that took more than a decade to complete, incorporating two original palaces and two temples within the walled fort. Expect magnificent views from the moment you arrive, facing out towards the Chauth ka Barwara Mandir temple, the Barwara lake and the vast, untamed wilderness that lies beyond.
It succeeds emphatically in retaining the ambience of a bygone era dating back 700 years, as the restoration process maintained the fort’s original appearance while subtly incorporating elements of contemporary Rajasthani design, elegant artworks and state-of-the-art technology to create a full-spectrum luxury experience that consistently exceeds expectations.
That holds true not just in the opulent communal spaces but also in each of the 48 suites, which feature the likes of plush, handmade mattresses, cotton bed linen, sustainably sourced tea and coffee and eco-friendly premium toiletries – all underpinned, of course, by authentic Rajasthani decor. The most spacious suites offer a host of extra luxuries to elevate your stay even further, such as your own private rooftop terrace and a hot tub overlooking the nearby lake.
Exquisite cuisine is very much at the core of the experience, too, with a trio of restaurants placing a firm emphasis on traditional Rajasthani and pan-Indian fare, imbued with a sprinkling of international influences. Many of the dishes are prepared using ingredients freshly sourced from the hotel's organic gardens and from local farmers, underlining the ever-present commitment to sustainability.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at The Cortile, which opens out to a 14th-century courtyard with fire pits, while the poolside Rani Bagh specialises in flame-to-table cooking in the form of innovative small plates. Then there’s Shikar Burj, right at the top of the fort, where you can indulge in an intimate, candle-lit dinner beneath a blanket of twinkling stars. The Viewing Gallery and the Rajawat Room are the perfect chill-out zones, whether you fancy a glass of wine or a refreshing, hand-mixed cocktail.
Owing to its location just 30 minutes’ drive outside of Ranthambore National Park, the hotel is an excellent base from which to embark on wildlife-viewing adventures – which present the opportunity to spot majestic Bengal tigers roaming in the wild. Staying here is also just as much about quieter moments of tranquil reflection and rejuvenation, which is where the Six Senses Spa really shines with its extensive Ayurvedic “whole body” healing philosophy, based on the preventative principles of Eastern medicine and result-oriented Western influences. Its own signature range of essential oils, muds, clays, gels, and vegetable oils are used across a range of bespoke wellness treatments, while guests are also welcome to use the sauna, steam room, tepidarium, plunge pool and yoga and meditation pavilions, along with the superbly equipped fitness centre.
