“Guests come expecting luxury, but they leave with something more – a sense of connection to the land and people of Barwara,” says Rajat Gera, Commercial Director, Six Senses Fort Barwara.
Heritage revival in India is often spoken of as preservation, but at Six Senses Fort Barwara in Rajasthan, it has been reimagined as transformation with responsibility. Originally built in the 14th century by the Chauhan Rajputs, the fort had weathered centuries of decline before being restored into a living example of how heritage, comfort, and sustainability can coexist. The fort has been leased to the Six Senses group, who have transformed it into a stunning resort and wellness sanctuary. Adorned with Rajasthani-inspired interiors, the fort offers a breathtaking view of the Aravallis and the lake from its terrace.
Over nearly a decade, more than 750 artisans, stone carvers and craftspeople painstakingly revived its palaces, temples and ramparts using traditional techniques while integrating modern comforts to meet contemporary needs. “Maintaining a 700-year-old fort is a very different journey from building a new city hotel; it’s a lesson in heritage, patience and respect for craftsmanship,” says Gera. “The fort continues to surprise us with the ingenuity of its ancient architecture and engineering, inspiring us to preserve its authenticity at every step.”
The restoration, led by Panika, Melbourne-based Mitchell & Eades, and Jaipur’s Architects Shalini Amit, revived the fort’s grandeur while keeping its soul intact. Two palaces and two temples were carefully preserved, while new structures were woven seamlessly into the historic fabric using local materials. Rajasthani proportions defined the spatial rhythm, while interiors borrowed from old-world charm – beaten-silver washbasins, moustache hooks and turbaned room signs with blinking eyes – to create a design language that feels both regal and playful.
Architect Amit Gehlot of Architects Shalini Amit notes, “Every brick tells a story – the fort wall was meticulously restored, while the temples within the compound were repurposed into functional spaces; it was about respecting what was already there.”
For Six Senses, sustainability is not an added layer; it is the foundation of the guest experience. “At Fort Barwara, sustainability and luxury are beautifully intertwined,” says Gera. “The property itself is a restored 14th-century fort, where every experience is designed to be mindful yet indulgent. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table dining with organic produce grown in our gardens, rewilding walks showcasing Rajasthan’s endemic flora, and wellness journeys that embrace natural healing.”
The philosophy is simple: comfort and conscience are not mutually exclusive. “We believe sustainability enhances the guest journey; it makes it more authentic, purposeful and memorable,” Gera explains. “Our guests experience not just luxury, but a sense of belonging to the land, the people and the heritage around them.”
The Zenana Mahal, once the women’s palace, has been reimagined as the Six Senses Spa, where the natural energy of the space creates a sanctuary of wellness. The original hunting tower has been transformed into a dining venue overlooking the Aravalli Hills, and within the fort walls, the centuries-old Radha Krishna temple still hosts a daily evening prayer – an experience that allows guests to connect with the fort’s spiritual rhythm.
“The restoration of Fort Barwara was a journey of uncovering stories etched into stone,” says Gera. “Every corner tells a story, blending history, culture and mindful design to create experiences that feel both authentic and transformative.”
The commitment to sustainability is visible in every aspect of daily life at the fort. Rainwater harvesting systems, renewable energy, elimination of single-use plastics, and waste segregation and composting form part of the daily rhythm. A no-plastic, no-paper policy is observed throughout the property, replaced with biodegradable materials such as bamboo fibre, cork, teak and organic cotton. “Our goal has always been to show that sustainability isn’t a sacrifice – it’s a celebration,” says Gera.
But Fort Barwara’s story extends beyond its walls and into the community it stands beside. “Our initiatives with the local community, such as plastic waste management workshops for village children and eco-sanitisation drives, are designed to inspire while ensuring guest comfort remains uncompromised,” Gera shares. “On a broader scale, our goal is to position Fort Barwara as a model for cultural preservation and regenerative travel in India.”
Under the leadership of General Manager Aaron McGrath and Sustainability Director Saurabh Shukla, the property has become a hub for community-led change. Eco-sanitisation campaigns bring together staff, villagers and guests for clean-up drives and plantation activities. Children learn environmental stewardship through workshops and awareness programmes, while healthcare, women’s empowerment and education initiatives continue to expand each year. “Our vision is to deepen our impact on both the environment and the community,” says Gera. “We’re extending initiatives like healthcare support and women’s empowerment while continuing rewilding projects that nurture endemic trees and create thriving ecosystems around the fort.”
This holistic approach has earned international recognition. In January 2024, Six Senses Fort Barwara received the highest level of certification from Control Union, accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), confirming measurable progress in sustainability, community engagement and cultural heritage enhancement. Jeff Smith, Vice President of Sustainability at Six Senses, adds, “This certification is a mark of trust – proof that our commitments are measurable, credible and continuously improving. Sustainability isn’t a department at Six Senses; it’s who we are.”
Every event and celebration at the fort follows the same principles – from biodegradable décor to zero-waste catering – ensuring each occasion respects the environment as much as it celebrates people. “Luxury is not about excess,” says Gera. “It’s about thoughtfulness – where every detail, from the materials we use to the experiences we offer, carries intention.”
In the heart of Sawai Madhopur, a 14th-century fort has found new life not as a relic of the past, but as a living ecosystem of heritage, community and nature. History here is not preserved under glass; it moves with the rhythm of prayers, the laughter of guests, and the quiet work of artisans who brought it back to life. At Fort Barwara, the idea of luxury has been gently redefined – rooted in awareness, shaped by craft, and guided by respect for the land it stands upon.
Q1. Where is Six Senses Fort Barwara located?
Six Senses Fort Barwara is located near Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, India, about 110 km from Jaipur.
Q2. What makes Six Senses Fort Barwara unique?
The resort is housed in a meticulously restored 14th-century fort and offers regenerative luxury experiences that blend history, sustainability, and wellness.
Q3. What does “regenerative luxury” mean at Fort Barwara?
Regenerative luxury at Six Senses Fort Barwara focuses on giving back more than it takes—through water conservation, community initiatives, and heritage preservation.
Q4. What experiences can guests enjoy here?
Guests can indulge in spa therapies inspired by Ayurveda, take sustainability tours, enjoy fort-side dining, and explore nearby Ranthambore wildlife safaris.
Q5. How much does a stay at Six Senses Fort Barwara cost?
Tariffs generally start around ₹90,000 per night, depending on the season and accommodation type.