Fort Barli

Wonderful service, great food and stunning surroundings at the heart of a small village in rural Rajasthan. We had a great, relaxing couple of days here as part of our holiday. Recommend taking the opportunity to explore the village, either on foot or a bullock cart!

From the moment we came through the big doors and heard the sound of parrots we had a good feeling about this place. Quiet and peaceful we spent most of our time relaxing by the pool here, although we did do the oxcart trip through the town and did the royal dressing experience too. The staff here are really friendly as are the owners. The whole place is quite classy but at the same time relaxed and authentic. The food was nice but we’d have preferred more spicy. Other than that, this place is a perfect getaway from the bigger cities.

This unique 16th-century heritage Fort was set in a peaceful village in the middle of rural Rajasthan When we arrived some of the other guests said it was a chilled relaxing place and it truly was! The Rathod family, who can trace their heritage here back 16 generations, were very hospitable from Satkriti on check-in through to the 72 year old owner who pottered around and was very engaging with everyone Many of the the staff had been with the family a number of years and back many generations too and they were all very friendly and greeted you with a charming smile Luckily for us we stayed in the Maharajah Room which was spectacular but the other bedrooms, small courtyards and main courtyard areas including chill-out space with rocking seat are gorgeous. The Bullock cart ride through the village with Chunilal was lovely and it was fascinating to see the engaging villagers and meet some of the children. He also gave a great tour around the Fort the following day detailing its history If time we’d recommend some time by the pool and the full body massage The sunrise rooftop yoga was special and we had a wonderful teacher The sunsets were spectacular and it was lovely to look at the stars with such a dark sky Breakfast was lovely with hot and cold options and the dinner was buffet style but delicious nonetheless All the staff were lovely but special thanks go to Chunilal, Kesar, Rahul and Deval

Sixteen generations of the same family have cared for this palace. The son and his wife are the current custodians: a delightful couple for whom your comfort and happiness whilst staying with them is paramount. We stayed in what had been the son's grandmother's bridal suite - antique furniture and a super comfortable very big bed, with a shady courtyard outside to sit in. The staff were clearly proud to be working at the hotel and the family's commitment to the village community was good to hear. Wish we had stayed longer in this haven to further sample their hospitality and good food!

A little gem after the busyness of Delhi and Jaipur. We planned this stop into our itinerary as it worked well travelling from Jaipur to Jodphur. The Fort has been passed down from family to family and is now a Heritage Homestay/Small hotel. We were well fed and the staff were charming with nothing being too much trouble. Our room was tastefully renovated and decorated with everything we needed. We loved the Village tour by Bullock cart, what an innovative idea and we got to see and meet people from the village. If you are able to add this into your itinerary its a definitie MUST. We loved our stay here. Thank you Fort Barli.

We received the warmest of welcomes from the owners and staff , particularly Kesar . Service was impeccable. We visited a further heritage properties and I think Divi needs to train the staff at the other properties ! It felt like we were in a home and not “ hotel”. A sense of happiness emerged from the staff and chatting to them , it seemed they loved working there . Fort Barli has been beautifully restored with interesting artefacts strewn around . Only 9 rooms left to a very intimate experience. Food was delicious . Dinner at the Queen’s room was an occasion that will stay in our memory for a long time . Magical . Villagers are so friendly . A final note . Having taken nearly 300 photos on our 3 week trip , if I had to sum up our trip in 6 photos , 2 would be of our stay here . What more can I say . An honour to have been able to share this wonderful place . Phil and Wendy UK