Six Senses to open in India
Six Senses, headquartered in Bangkok, will launch its first property in India – Six Senses Fort Barwara in Rajasthan. It is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2018.
The hotel will be built within the 14th century Barwara fort, which is located about 110km southeast of Jaipur, in the village of Chauth ka Barwara. The property belongs to a royal family of Jaipur, a descendant of which – Prithviraj Singh – is aiding the Delhi-based Espire Group to restore the fort to its erstwhile glory. A team of conservation experts are working closely to restore and protect its original structure.
Six Senses president, Bernhard Bohnenberger said, “We are very excited to be working with Espire Group, our partner, on this wonderful project. This is the perfect complement to our resort portfolio which includes highly successful properties in China, Maldives, Oman, Portugal, Seychelles, Thailand and Vietnam. Six Senses Fort Barwara marks the second heritage property that Six Senses will manage. Using exquisite aesthetics and creative ingenuity, Six Senses Douro Valley in Portugal offers a fresh design perspective that beautifully showcases its locality. The historic quinta (wine estate) has a rich history dating back to 1464 and we are taking a similar approach with the beautiful Fort Barwara project.”
One of the construction efforts involves seeking a 5-star rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) certification, the highest classification of national sustainable design ratings in India.
The 5.5-acre site is surrounded by a 1.5-metre thick rock wall that is about six metres tall. The three buildings within, which once used to accommodate the common and separate men’s and women’s palaces and two temples, are being preserved and restored. To the east of the fort, forest land will be impregnated with greenery once again.
Six Senses Fort Barwara will feature 48 suites, two restaurants and bars, a 2,800 sqm spa and gym, two swimming pools, banquet space, retail boutique and a kids club.
A press release by Six Senses reads: “Shekhavati art will be used to depict the rich history of the fort in the landscape. An impressive Six Senses Spa, located in the original women’s palace, will feature an extensive ayurveda programme, meditation and Six Senses Integrated Wellness programmes including Six Senses Integrated Wellness and Sleep with Six Senses.”
With the Ranthambhore National Park that is famous for its tiger population, being just a 30-minute drive from the fort, Six Senses will offer daily safari drives into the 1,400 square kilometre park. The sanctuary is also home to leopards, nilgai, wild boars, sambars, sloth bears, grey langurs, rhesus macaques and chitals to name a few, in addition to a varierty of trees, plants, birds and reptiles.