This World Earth Day: A Look at Everyday Sustainability at Six Senses India

As we celebrate World Earth Day, Six Senses proudly reflects on its recent achievement—receiving the highest level of certification by Control Union, a body accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). This milestone, earned after a rigorous audit of sustainability practices across all properties, reinforces what has always been true for Six Senses: sustainability isn’t a moment – it’s a mindset. A way of life deeply rooted in everything we do, every single day.

In India, Six Senses Fort Barwara and Six Senses Vana continue to lead with purpose, embodying the brand’s sustainability philosophy by seamlessly integrating conscious practices into everyday life.

Six Senses Vana

At Six Senses Vana, Earth Day is not just a date on the calendar—it’s a philosophy. Rooted deeply in the Green Building Concept, the retreat was envisioned as a seamless part of its natural surroundings, integrating harmoniously with Sal forests, Mango orchards, and Lychee groves. This intentional design approach led to the retreat’s LEED Platinum certification in 2015, making it the first retreat in India to achieve this level of environmental excellence. Sustainability here is visible in every detail—from materials and architecture to mindful consumption and waste management.

Built on the values of sensitivity and ecological balance, Six Senses Vana has always prioritized low-impact, regenerative practices. The Earth Lab serves as a hands-on space for guests to learn and adopt sustainable habits, while curated experiences create deeper connections with the local community and biodiversity. Everything at Vana—be it the food on your plate or the fabric on your skin—is chosen with care, consciousness, and a commitment to a more sustainable future.

Sustainability Principles at Six Senses Vana:
•    Energy Efficiency
99% LED lighting, energy-efficient HVAC and plumbing systems, and low-impact outdoor lighting support mindful energy use
•    Water Conservation
Rainwater harvesting, recycled water for irrigation, solar-heated water, and in-house bottling reduce resource consumption and plastic waste
•    Cuisine
Locally sourced, seasonal produce; no air-freighting; minimal packaged foods; and in-house preparation reduce the carbon footprint and promote wellness
•    Conscious Consumption
All textiles are made from organic cotton; recycled paper, natural solvents, essential oils, low-VOC paints, and biodegradable materials
•    Recycling and Upcycling
Linens are upcycled into durries, waste oils, and e-waste are responsibly recycled, and biohazards are safely disposed of via certified partners

The GSTC certification further validates Six Senses Vana’s efforts to minimize its environmental footprint, preserve cultural heritage, and cultivate meaningful connections with the local community, thereby marking a proud moment in its long-standing sustainability journey.

Six Senses Fort Barwara

When it comes to sustainability, Six Senses Fort Barwara ensures its actions are measurable and meaningful. From responsible restoration of the palace to the wider Barwara community and resort operations such as sustainable in-suite amenities, fully eco-friendly bathrooms and farm-to-table dining, Six Senses focuses on minimizing its negative impact and maximizing positive ones.

  
Six Senses Fort Barwara reflects the history and heritage of the Barwara community as it has unfolded over generations. The 700-year-old palace and temples have been responsibly restored using traditional building techniques used in Rajasthan, sensitively incorporating efficient design elements such as rainwater collection tanks and solar panels to complement rather than detract from the beautiful and historic architecture. 

Key Sustainability Initiatives:

●    Rewilding the landscape: The rewilding project focuses on conserving the natural habitat by removing invasive species and planting native trees for a healthier ecosystem.
●    Earth Lab: At Six Senses, our Earth Lab is a dedicated workshop space where guests and community members can engage in sustainability, innovation, and experimentation, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.
●    Alchemy Bar: The Alchemy Bar at Six Senses is the place to discover exotic potions of herbs, salts and fruits and essential oils that one can blend up to make aromatic scrubs and masks using fresh, seasonal and organic ingredients from their gardens
●    Rainwater harvesting: Age- old water harvesting techniques have been modernized in a way to not only celebrate rain in this area but also make the observer acutely aware of this precious resource through spiral structures across the resort
●    In-house water bottling Unit: The resort bottles its own still and sparkling drinking water in its on-site filtration and bottling facility, eliminating the transportation impacts and use of plastic water bottles
●    Organic Gardens: The chefs at Six Senses Fort Barwara offer a unique approach to their farm-to-table menus amalgamating the Eat with Six Senses philosophy of local, fresh and seasonal produce