Cruising in comfort: A Lexus Ride to Six Senses Fort Barwara

I’ve never been one to enjoy long car rides, largely due to my long persisting motion sickness. A simple drive from Noida to South Delhi can be enough to turn my stomach, so the idea of embarking on a five-hour road trip was something I’d always avoided, until I found myself stepping into a Lexus ES. This sleek machine was my transport to the majestic Six Senses Fort Barwara, and let’s just say, it was a journey that surprised me in more ways than one.

The ride of your dreams!

As I slid into the plush leather seats, the first thing that struck me was how cocooned I felt. There was something calming about the Lexus ES, perhaps it was the quiet hum of the engine or the ergonomic design that just cradled me in comfort. Within minutes, the nervousness that usually accompanies my road trips melted away. It felt as though I was gliding, not driving; and my motion sickness was practically non-existent, which was a huge win. With the uber-comfortable ventilated seats and a panaromic glassroof playing the portal between me and the dramatically changing skies, the tone was perfectly set for what was to come at Six Senses Fort Barwara.

The road to Rajasthan, typically a dusty and bumpy affair, transformed into a scenic escape as the Lexus ES handled every turn and bump with ease. The smooth suspension made even the roughest patches feel effortless. I watched the cityscape disappear into the rearview mirror, slowly replaced by stretches of arid land, dotted with rugged hills and ancient forts. The Mark Levinson surround sound system, playing my favourite tunes, added a cinematic touch to the journey.

Entering the royalty

The journey to the Six Senses Fort Bawara was a story in itself, but nothing quite prepared me for the serene beauty that lay within. Upon arrival, the regal architecture transported me back in time, yet the touch of modern luxury was unmistakable. Greeted by the staff with a ‘khamma gani’, I instantly felt like…’HOME’. Yes, that’s the right word. A 10-minute walk around the property is enough to give you a gist of the fort’s historic charm woven into every corner, from the stone corridors to the intricate carvings that have been lovingly preserved. My suite for the day was the epitome of elegance—soft linens, muted tones, and a view that stretched beyond the horizon, where the Aravalli hills kissed the sky. Before we delve into the experiences I had, let me give you some back story of the fort.

Constructed in the 14th century on a 5.5-acre site and surrounded by 20-foot-high rock walls, Fort Barwara has been home to the royal family since 1734. One of the major attractions around is the Chauth ka Barwara Temple, that stands as one of the most mysterious and uniquely captivating spots in this part of Rajasthan. A visit to the cozy communal lobby-lounge, the Rajawat Room—named after the present royal dynasty that conquered the fort in 1734, is an experience not to be missed. The fort, was responsibly restored to its original grandeur by the Espire Group and transformed into a Six Senses resort in 2021, under the leadership of Nimish Patel and Parul Zaveri, renowned for their conservation work and architectural design. Beyond the fort’s walls, the surrounding land is being rewilded to restore native flora, reintroduce birdlife, and attract jackals and leopards, essential for rebalancing the local ecosystem. Inside the historic fort, three palaces—men’s, women’s, and common areas—as well as two temples, have been carefully preserved. The resort now offers 48 one-bedroom suites and five specialty suites, including the Raja Man Singh, Rani Rajkumari, and Thakur Bhagwati Singh, named after the family’s royal lineage. As you explore the corridors and terraces of Six Senses Fort Barwara, the atmosphere transports you to a bygone era, with relics, frescoes, and artifacts at every turn, while state-of-the-art amenities, pioneering wellness options like a biohacking menu, and innovative cuisine ground you in the present.

From cherishing a specially curated Rajasthali mean for the lunch to indulging in the evening aarti at one of the fort’s historic temples while listening to the tales that the palace entails, the day was as regal as it gets. As dusk began to fall, I was guided to a private spot for an exclusive dining experience under the stars. Lanterns illuminated the ancient stone walls, and the soft glow of the moon bathed everything in an ethereal light. The night was filled with quiet conversation, laughter, and the distant echo of traditional Rajasthani music, which seemed to dance through the fort’s courtyards.

By the time I returned to my suite, I was enveloped in a state of blissful contentment. A soothing aromatic bath infused with the property’s exclusive salts, followed by a DIY face mask curated just for me, and a luxurious 8-hour sleep on the cloud-like handmade mattress provided the perfect recipe for the rejuvenation I had been craving.