Luxurious weddings going green: A look at Six Senses' approach to eco-friendly nuptials
In the heart of India, Six Senses Fort Barwara stands as a beacon of regenerative hospitality, redefining the boundaries of sustainable luxury. This global leader in sustainable tourism is not content with merely minimizing harm; it strives to actively restore and improve the environment, culture, and communities it touches.
Six Senses Fort Barwara eliminates plastic, sources renewable materials, pioneers energy-efficient, low-impact design, tracks carbon, stewards water, rethinks food waste, and partners with local farmers, artisans, and small businesses. The resort's commitment to sustainability is spearheaded by Jeffery Smith, Vice President of Sustainability at Six Senses, who ensures every detail considers community, culture, and conservation.
Guests are invited to participate in hands-on sustainability experiences, such as Earth Lab workshops, block printing, and nature walks. The resort's unique blend of heritage, mindfulness, wellness, and emotional hospitality is reflected in every aspect, from personalized menus to bespoke spa therapies.
The Barwara experience extends beyond sustainability. Temple aartis, Sufi evenings, and bespoke spa journeys are just a few of the offerings that make this resort a must-visit destination. The original palaces and temples remain untouched in structure and continue to serve a spiritual role.
The Zenana Lawn and the atmospheric Stepwell have been reimagined as poetic venues for ceremonies, cultural performances, and musical evenings. Compost from the kitchens nourishes the spa's medicinal gardens, and rainwater harvesting sustains the landscape. The culinary experiences are driven by organic gardens and in-house farms.
Six Senses Fort Barwara promises guests a fantastic stay with a light footprint and tangible positive impacts for the local community and ecology. The resort donates 0.5% of the total revenue at each property to local projects selected to make a measurable and meaningful impact for that location.
The sound levels are capped at 70 decibels, and all music ceases by 11 PM, ensuring a peaceful and serene environment. Regenerative hospitality at Six Senses Fort Barwara means reconnecting people with themselves, others, and the world, minimizing footprint, and positively contributing to ecosystems and cultures.
This approach to luxury meets growing consumer demand for authentic, responsible, and meaningful travel experiences, making it essential for the future viability of luxury hospitality. Without regeneration, luxury risks becoming "liquidation" of resources and culture, losing appeal to conscientious consumers. Regenerative hospitality thus creates enduring value by intertwining luxury with responsibility, restoring natural and cultural assets, and supporting local well-being—essential for both the environment and the success of luxury brands.
[1] Kellert, S. R., & Bramwell, D. A. (2008). The Biophilia Hypothesis: The Ecology of the Human Bond to Nature. Oxford University Press.
[2] Louv, R. (2008). The Nature Principle: Reconnecting with Life in a Virtual Age. Algonquin Books.
[3] Wolfe, M. (2017). The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
[4] Regenerative Travel. (2019). Regenerative Travel: A New Paradigm for Sustainable Tourism. Regenerative Travel. https://regenerativetravel.com/regenerative-travel/
Six Senses Fort Barwara incorporates sustainable practices in its home-and-garden, lifestyle, and travel offerings, focusing on reducing its environmental footprint while improving local communities. Guests can engage in sustainable living experiences through Earth Lab workshops, block printing, and nature walks, embracing a mindful travel philosophy.
The resort's commitment to regenerative hospitality extends beyond minimizing harm; it aims to actively restore and improve the ecosystems and cultures it encounters. This holistic approach aligns with the principles outlined in works such as "The Biophilia Hypothesis," "The Nature Principle," "The Sixth Extinction," and the ideas of regenerative travel, highlighting the importance of intertwining luxury with responsibility for the future viability of sustainable hospitality.
