Intricate architecture, a pristine pool and scrumptious meals. Six Senses Fort Barwara is a sweet reminder of the bygone era. A couple of hours’ drive from the city of Jaipur, Fort Barwara, which once belonged to a Rajasthani family, incorporates two palaces and a temple inside the walled space. A welcome prayer that put my wandering mind to ease marked the beginning of my stay at this lush property.
A self-proclaimed water baby, my room overlooking the Aravalli mountain range was a boost to my serotonin. I stayed in the Aravali View suite – a perfect blend of state-of-the-art traditional architecture and contemporary design – which has a picturesque verandah overlooking the mountains. After the room tour, I was welcomed at The Cortille, the primary restaurant at Six Senses Fort Barwara, for my first meal at the resort.
The foodie in me wanted to grab a bite of multiple cuisines, so I opted for Italian as well as Rajasthani; odd, I know! Interestingly, most of my meal’s ingredients were sourced locally, either from the Barwara village or from the resort’s own organic gardens. Needless to say, I was off for a nap after that scrumptious meal.
R&R On The Agenda
The evening was well-planned for me, with a pottery workshop and leisure time thereafter. Considering that I planned a visit when the fort wasn’t bustling with guests, I was lucky enough to have the splendid pool all to myself during my stay. One often underestimates what a few laps of a pool can do for your well-being! And speaking of well-being, the resort is happy to extend wellness treatments under the expertise of trained practitioners and experts. I met with Dr Neeru Jain, the Wellness Director of the resort, for a physical screening and a quick chat to chart the specific treatments for me during my two-day stay.
Dr Jain recommended the Holistic Healing treatment for me to relax stressed muscles from intense workouts. Located at Zanana Mahal, which used to be the women’s palace, the treatment rooms exude a calmness to further relax the mind and elevate the experience. A deep tissue massage, the treatment is a blend of Ayurveda with result-oriented medicine that works in tandem to relax your body, mind and soul. What a unique experience that was!
Eco-Friendly Too
Proving that mindful practices aren’t a far-fetched dream, Six Senses Fort Barwara employs a host of sustainable practices. Keeping a stringent focus on waste management, water conservation and energy preservation, the resort has retained historical practices that involve tanks for rainwater harvesting, along with the installation of modernised meters to monitor electricity levels. A trip to the ‘Earth Lab’, nestled within the resort, is a testament to its commitment to reducing the consumption of energy and water on a massive scale.
In fact, one of the activities planned for me at the lab was to make my own lip balm using the local produce foraged from the property’s farm. From mosquito repellent made with lemongrass and lime peels to sanitiser formulated with aloe vera, a number of daily essentials are developed within the resort with as many natural ingredients as possible. In line with eco-friendly practices, in place of the usual cosmetic and dental kits in the room, you’d find toothpaste tablets, bamboo toothbrushes and indigenously-produced body care products.
This getaway ticked all the boxes of a serene stay for a city girl like me and also ended up reminding me that a simple lifestyle isn’t unattainable
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