The Six Senses Resort

The Six Senses Resort: A Nod to Indian Heritage

India’s fort architecture is a testament to its rich heritage, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and strategic brilliance. From the towering forts of Rajasthan like Mehrangarh to the coastal marvels of the Deccan Plateau, these structures reflect the splendour of bygone eras. Today, many of these historic landmarks are being thoughtfully restored and repurposed as luxury resorts. Restoration efforts focus on preserving original details—grand arches, frescoed walls, and majestic courtyards—while introducing modern comforts for travellers. Such is the story of The Six Senses Resort in Barwara, Rajasthan- formerly a fort, now turned into a palace hotel under the guidance of Ar. Manish Mehta, Founder and Principal Architect at Nouveau Design Group.

The Client’s Vision

“The client desired a boutique resort in the 700-year-old fort, with a design that was true to its surrounding context. Hence, we used the style of Rajasthani Mughal architecture along with the influences of the King’s travel journey”, says the architect. Every aspect of the design retains the character of the Fort while extending to the other areas. The built structure, the interiors and the landscape are designed to blend with the fabric and heritage of the city.

Design Concept and Ideology

“We deliberately avoided transforming it into a palace-like structure. Every surface, texture, and material was thoughtfully chosen to remain rustic and authentic, staying true to the fort’s character and its location in Rajasthan”, adds Manish. The design style aligns with the fort’s existing architecture, which draws inspiration from the Maharaja’s travels across the world and the influences he embraced. Rooted in Rajasthani Mughal architecture, the design incorporates traditional elements like intricately carved walkway screens and jaali work.

Spatial Planning and Layout

The resort is segregated into public and private areas, with premium amenities and spaces. It includes the holiday dining restaurant, the speciality restaurant, the bar, the banquet hall, the spa, the gym and the kids' play zones. Each space is uniquely designed to align with the overall essence of creating a fort. Public areas are planned to include the grandeur of the heritage with domes and arched walkways, keeping in line with the existing structures. The old spaces like the Zanana Mahal are converted into a spa and the Marana Mahal was converted into the main lobby and bar areas. A central garden was also designed with the idea of Mughal landscapes with layered terraces and perpendicular lawns.

Architectural Highlights & Materials

Traditional materials are prioritised, with extensive use of lime construction and lime wash paints throughout the interiors, adding authenticity and timeless elegance to the space. Design features, like columns and cornices, are emphasised with the strategic placement of wall-mounted fixtures, while all prominent elements are artfully highlighted to draw attention to their architectural significance.

Interior Details

Although the design of the resort follows the heritage theme, a lot of innovative features are incorporated into the overall scheme. For instance, in the bedrooms, a thoughtfully designed book for the Call Bell DND system is complemented by signage and hall handles crafted in Indian Madras and finished in antique tones. While the overall aesthetic embraced a rugged, rustic charm inspired by traditional forts, cutting-edge technology was seamlessly integrated to create a world-class facility. Further, key innovations include automated water closet timing systems in the rooms to enhance ambience and a fiber-optic IT network to ensure modern connectivity.

The colour palette for indoors is carefully curated to echo the earthy tones of fort walls, with soft, neutral hues dominating the property. Additionally, lighting played a pivotal role in enhancing the exterior, interior, and landscape of the project, accentuating existing and newly introduced design elements. Subtle, indirect lighting is thoughtfully employed in the interiors, complemented by an abundance of lamps to create a warm ambiance. Warm-toned lighting is used throughout, ensuring a cohesive atmosphere.

Sustainable Attributes

Considering the importance of heritage in the 21st century, sustainability is the core and guiding principle of the resort. “The construction materials for the project were carefully sourced within a 100-kilometre radius of the site. Indian marble from Rajasthan was used for the interiors, while local sandstone adorned the landscape areas. Key eco-friendly features included rainwater harvesting, sewage treatment plants, solar panels, and reflective rooftops, all designed to minimise environmental impact”, explains Manish. The building incorporates large, thick walls and double-glazed windows to significantly reduce air conditioning needs.

Native, low-maintenance plantations are used throughout, requiring minimal water. A bottling plant is introduced, and the property is designed as a plastic-free zone, with water supplied in glass bottles. The wood used in construction is FSC certified, featuring an open-grain, matte finish without shiny surfaces. Hand-tufted carpets and local craftsmanship reflect the culture, staying true to the city.

In essence, The Six Senses Resort is a tribute to the Indian heritage, celebrating its history and grandeur. With the right planning and retaining its context, the resort is indeed an icon in modern-day Rajasthan.