Unearth the
Uncommon

BB joined the company that would eventually become Six Senses in 1991 as development director and was appointed managing director in January 1996. He was appointed President in July 2011 and sold Six Senses to Intercontinental Hotels Group successfully in 2019.

Prior to joining Six Senses, BB’s hotel operations experience included positions with Hilton Hotels & Resorts in Geneva and Hong Kong, Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Munich, Hotel Baur au Lac in Zurich and

The Peninsula Hong Kong, all award-winning hotels noted for their high standards of service and facilities. BB has been involved in a multitude of resort and spa projects exposing him to markets in almost every country in Asia plus top destinations around the world. His varied background has provided him with

the leadership skills and an innovative approach to creating exceptional guest experiences. Considered one of the founders of barefoot luxury, BB excels at analysing drivers of change and emerging consumer expectations and successfully adapts his findings into exceptional, authentic experiences and innovative guest offerings. In March 2013, BB was honoured to be named a member of the International Advisory Board of EHL. From July 2009 to April 2011, he served as an honourary advisor to the President of the Thai Senate and is the only foreigner to ever hold this post.

In 1994, Mike founded Discovery Land Company, a USA-based real estate developer and operator of private residential club communities and resorts with a world-renowned portfolio of domestic and international properties.

Located in some of the most beautiful places in the world, each Discovery Land Company project is distinct, having themes and architectural styles inspired by the natural environment and traditions of the project's locale. The private clubs have world-class resort amenities, service and club programming that create an appealing and elevated lifestyle for the entire family.

Mike's vision was created out of an enduring love of family and a deep personal desire to create intimate communities where families can forge lasting bonds, create intergenerational memories and enrich their lives in exquisite and untouched sanctuaries. That vision has resulted in the growth of one of the most renowned and successful private resort community development companies in the world.

Prior to the formation of Discovery Land Company, Mike was a managing partner at Haas & Haynie, where he was the lead developer and visionary on several high-end projects including The Estancia Club, McDowell Mountain Ranch, Cordevalle Gold Club and Lodge and Blue Oaks Estates.

Mike is also one of the three founders of the Casamigos tequila with George Clooney and Rande Gerber.

Apiwat possesses an innate ability to manifest

the unique and the exceptional, bringing to life

a vividly curated, creative interpretation of corporate, geographic and cultural nuance. Inspiring and motivating, his trusted leadership style has enriched teams and brands, across a diverse client base, within the hospitality and design industries, with such names as Peninsula Hotels, Minor Group, PIA Interior Company, Chanintr Living and Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.

Paul has previously held several significant roles, including a decade as General Manager at Chiva-Som, three years with COMO Shambhala Estate, and Uma by COMO and six years with Aman. His adaptability and strong management experience in ultra-luxury hotels and the destination spa industry illustrate his passion for hospitality. Born with a love for travel, Paul enjoys exploring diverse cultures and architecture. He has a particular fondness for elephants and loves spending time with them.

She has worked in beautiful hotels and resorts in Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East for brands including IHG, Hilton, Six Senses Resorts Hotels Spas and Minor. Chunxia started her career in the spa and wellness industry in 2001 after graduating from Hainan University in China, majoring in Economics. Her first job happened to be at the largest indoor hot spring spa in Hainan. Chunxia worked for 17 years at Six Senses in both operations and corporate office. In her view, the nature and business models of the spa and wellness facilities vary from urban retreat, casino spa to resort spas, residential spas, and medical wellness clinics.

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He spent 14 years with Accor, specialising in hotel development, asset management, and brand partnerships, where he gained deep insights into the global hospitality industry. In 2014, he founded his consultancy firm, providing strategic advisory services in business development, negotiation, and M&A activities for the hospitality, luxury, and lifestyle industries. His expertise in negotiation culminated in the publication of *The Master Key: Unlock Your Influence & Succeed in Negotiation* and the launch of his podcast, *CEO Insights*. Ludovic has seamlessly integrated culinary experiences into his negotiation tactics, using them to create memorable and impactful interactions.

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In 2007, after the successful launch of Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, she was put in charge of sales and marketing for all properties in the Middle East and Indian Ocean including the two Soneva-branded resorts in the Maldives.  In 2009 Marie became the Brand Director for Soneva in addition to her other responsibilities. At the separation of  Six Senses and Soneva in 2012, Marie opted to remain with Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas and was promoted to Vice President Sales and Marketing. During her last 10 years tenure as VP, she successfully led Six Senses rebranding, designed a new distribution strategy, built one of the best luxury hospitality sales team and launched 13 new resorts and destinations. Marie played a critical role in the integration of Sales, Marketing and Distribution department into IHG. 

Prior to Discover Collection, Paul spent 18 months as Head of Sales for Southern Europe and Emerging Markets at Explora Journeys. Prior to that he enjoyed an 11-year tenure at Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, where he held the position of Global Director of Sales for Europe. Additionally, Paul has experience beyond the traditional luxury hospitality sector, having worked at UBS in Ultra High Net Worth Events and Marketing in Zurich. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Hotel Management and has further enhanced his education through several courses at Cornell University.

Naree holds a BS in Architectural Studies and M. Arch with AIA Henry Adams Medal from Norwich University. Naree holds a Master in Design Studies and received her Doctorate of Design in Building Technology from Harvard Graduate School of Design. She has taught at Harvard, Yale, UPenn, Chulalongkorn University and Singapore University of Technology and Design. Naree is WELL Accredited Professional, WELL Faculty, and WELL Performance Testing Agent as well as LEED Accredited Professional for New Construction and Commercial Interior. She is a Green Mark Advanced Accredited Professional and Fitwel Ambassador along with WiredScrore and SmartScore Accredited Professional.

Prior to joining Discover Collection, Jeanne worked as a Financial Consultant for projects in China, Thailand and Hong Kong as well as experiences with Asian Trails Thailand as Project Manager, GCP Hospitality Management Ltd. as Group Financial Controller, Thanyapura Limited as Chief Financial Officer, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas as Group Financial Controller – Hotel Operations in Thailand and The Marco Polo Hotels Group as Group Chief Accountant. Jeanne’s work experience also includes Canada where she is a citizen and started her career in hospitality. As an enthusiast of nature and the outdoors, Jeanne enjoys long walks and hiking through nature and traveling to different countries to experience the local culture and fine foods.

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Her role at Discover Collection focuses on analysing and supporting operational frameworks necessary for achieving luxury service standards, in alignment with the company’s long-term vision of sustainability and excellence. Prior to Discover Collection, Josephine gained hands-on experience in sophisticated F&B operations, where she developed an inspirational asset, and an international perspective shaped by her experience across Europe and Asia. A graduate of Hotelschool The Hague, one of the world’s leading hospitality business schools, with a BA in Business & Hospitality Management. Josephine is also an accomplished Opera performer.

With a background in Food & Beverage as a bistro owner and F&B assistant, Ari is known for his dedication to luxury hospitality and expertly crafts bespoke experiences for discerning members and guests. Currently pursuing a diploma in luxury marketing at the European Institute of Luxury at Anahuac University, Ari combines his expertise in luxury sales with a management approach that fosters meaningful connections between members. Through the Baja Explorers’ Club, Ari aims to connect the world of conservation with influential individuals, inspiring positive societal change.

Prior roles include Vice President Marketing and Sales for Regent Hotels & Resorts and Carlson Hotels Worldwide Asia Pacific, and executive marketing positions with Rendezvous Hospitality Group and Southern Pacific Hotel Corporation. Her expertise spans strategic business planning, development and implementation, hotel launch and rebranding plans, brand identity and positioning, product development, marketing strategy and campaigns, sales, distribution, and market research. Barbara holds a Bachelor of Business, majoring in hospitality and marketing from the University of Queensland (Lawes Campus), Australia.

Previously, Akaranan worked with Six Senses for five years as Interior Designer, being part of the Creative and Technical Services team who were responsible for multiple award-winning projects. Prior to his time at Six Senses, Akaranan gained experience working with Eco.Id, an Interior design firm for hospitality, and Ground Architects. A Thai citizen, Akaranan holds Bachelor of Fine Arts (Interior Design) Faculty of Decorative art from Silpakorn University from where he graduated in 2008.

Previously, Rungrawee worked as Secretary to the Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas since 1997. She was promoted to being Personal Assistant to the Managing Director in 2007 and left the company in 2019, during her final role as Personal Assistant to the President. A Thai citizen, Rungrawee holds a Higher Vocational Diploma in Business Administration – Marketing and Management from St. Theresa International College. Rungrawee also holds a four-year certificate in General Secretarial Subjects from YWCA Secretarial School from where she graduated in 1992.

In 2008 Jaturaporn was promoted to a Sales position, working alongside Marie Giuge on Soneva Kiri's pre-opening for Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas. Her career in sales flourished, and before leaving Six Senses, Jaturaporn held a senior position as an Associate Director of Sales. Her experience further expanded and diversified when she joined The Peninsula Bangkok where she held a similar position at the Bangkok Office. Later, she took on a more senior role as Director of Sales at The Slate in Phuket, a 5-Star resort, managing 210 rooms. Jaturaporn lives a healthy lifestyle, enjoys sports and loves going on meditation retreats.

With Swiss precision, Italian flair, global network and 25 years of experience working with distinguished hotel and travel partners, you can prepare for an itinerary that uncovers the precious nature of your brand and entices your potential visitors to start their own journey to your destination. We position ambitious travel and hospitality brands in the market - from idea to strategy to reality.

Indigo8 has worked with many of their clients for decades and have been instrumental in placing them on the global map and ensuring amplified growth. From fledgling founders to established favourites, looking for fresh narratives or a new creative strategy, Indigo8 creates new possibilities and help businesses reach their full potential. The Discover Collection team is headed up by Kath Kay and supported by colleagues including Anna Dickinson.

Based in London, SM&P was started by the Founding Editor-in-Chief of Condé Nast Traveller UK, which she launched in 1997 and ran for 15 years before the next three years launching Condé Nast Traveller India and China, and then becoming European Editor of Travel + Leisure. Prior to this her journalist career included: Associate Editor (and Arts Editor) of the Daily Telegraph, Assistant Editor of The Sunday Times (launching Style magazine), launching ELLE magazine where she edited arts and design; co-founding Blueprint, the leading architecture and design magazine. Seven times’ winner Editor of the Year.

Through the gifted and trusted partners, SDA offers digital marketing, podcast and video production, and content creation. They also oversee special events, executive positioning/thought leadership and crisis management. With an eye for style and a curiosity about the world, SDA has launched more than 100 evocative brands.

Rajan has excelled in strategic management, business planning, finance, and operations. He has held key roles at IHG Hotels & Resorts, Wyndham Destinations, Marriott International, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, and Minor Hotel Group. Rajan has also been instrumental in setting up new resorts and sales galleries across Asia, showcasing his project management skills. His key areas of expertise include data-driven analytics, IT security, digital transformation, and people management.

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With more than a decade of experience in leading teams at world-renowned hospitality brands such as Soneva, Aman and Waldorf Astoria, Christoph has built a reputation for excellence in operational management, budget planning, overseeing renovation, and sustainability initiatives. He has covered everything from facility design and operational strategy to guest experiences and innovation. He has successfully led multiple pre-opening and renovation projects, developing bespoke F&B concepts, bar programs, and recipe creations that meet the highest standards of luxury. He holds a Diploma in Culinary Excellence from IHK Berlin and is currently pursuing a BBA from the University of Cambria.

Throughout her extensive professional journey, Gisela has worked with approximately 15,000 employees from more than 72 different nationalities. She has conducted more than 35,000 interviews, led 12 significant restructuring processes and start-ups, and improved the quality of service in more than 40 establishments. Since October 2015, Gisela has fully dedicated herself to optimising People Experiences for both customers and employees, establishing the brand and culture for global companies such as Global Student Accommodation (luxury residences) and Explora Journeys (luxury cruises). Her innovative methods and understanding of human dynamics have positively impacted many lives, earning her recognition in both the luxury hospitality and Human Development fields.