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After more than a decade at the helm of Six Senses, Neil Jacobs has officially stepped down as Chief Executive Officer, closing a chapter that reshaped the luxury hospitality industry and set a new global standard for wellness-driven, regenerative tourism.
After more than a decade at the helm of Six Senses, Neil Jacobs has officially stepped down as Chief Executive Officer, closing a chapter that reshaped the luxury hospitality industry and set a new global standard for wellness-driven, regenerative tourism.
Jacobs’ 13-year tenure transformed Six Senses from a niche collection of eight resorts into a globally influential brand, now boasting 27 operating properties and 38 additional developments in progress. With a presence extending from the remote valleys of Bhutan to the shores of the Caribbean and the heart of major urban centers, his vision consistently positioned Six Senses at the forefront of experiential, sustainability-rooted hospitality.
A Visionary in the Regenerative Space
Neil Jacobs was far more than a hotelier — he was, and remains, one of the rare industry leaders who understood that true luxury must regenerate, not just sustain. Long before the regenerative paradigm gained international visibility, Jacobs infused Six Senses with principles that honored bioregional wisdom, ecological repair, and holistic well-being.
From plastic-free operations to community-anchored food systems and the integration of biophilic design throughout the guest experience, he consistently redefined what a luxury resort could be — not a place of passive indulgence, but a living system in service to people, place, and planet.
Under his guidance, Six Senses also introduced new business models aligned with regenerative principles, including branded residences, wellness clubs, and urban sanctuaries. One such innovation, Six Senses Place, a regenerative social wellness club, is set to open in London later this year — a signal of how Jacobs foresaw the future of urban hospitality rooted in health, connection, and purpose.
Strategic Evolution Through IHG
In 2019, Jacobs orchestrated a defining moment in Six Senses’ evolution: its acquisition by IHG Hotels & Resorts in a $300 million deal. Beyond its financial significance, this strategic move allowed Six Senses to tap into IHG’s global infrastructure while preserving its identity as a pioneering brand in regenerative luxury. The result was accelerated growth, broader impact, and a diversified portfolio without compromising the brand’s core values.
A Farewell That Looks Forward
In a heartfelt message shared via LinkedIn, Neil Jacobs reflected on the closing of this chapter and revealed that a new venture is already in motion:
“Some might assume stepping down means slowing down or retiring. That road is not for me. I’ll soon be announcing a new venture, one that feels like a return to my own wild origins. A chance to explore fresh ideas, challenge assumptions, and collaborate with kindred spirits who believe, as I do, that hospitality can be a force for good.”
— Neil Jacobs
His words echo the very ethos that Regenera Luxury champions — hospitality as a tool for transformation, for ecosystems, communities, and the self.
Legacy and Continuity
Neil Jacobs leaves behind not only a legacy of award-winning resorts but a living blueprint for regenerative leadership in the luxury hotel sector. His work has inspired countless hoteliers, designers, and destination developers to embrace circular systems, local empowerment, and planetary stewardship as foundational pillars of hospitality.
As the Six Senses brand looks to its next chapter, the regenerative community worldwide — including the members of Regenera Luxury — will be watching closely. We will also be eagerly awaiting the next evolution of Neil Jacobs’ professional journey, which promises to once again challenge the limits of what luxury, leadership, and regeneration can mean in this critical decade for our planet.
At Regenera Luxury, we honor visionaries like Neil Jacobs who have not only advanced the discourse on sustainability but have helped pioneer the transition toward regenerative hospitality. His leadership reminds us that in the world of true luxury, elegance and responsibility are not opposites — they are inseparable.
Stay tuned as we continue to share the stories of the individuals and brands shaping the future of hospitality — one regenerative step at a time.
For more insights into regenerative leadership and luxury hospitality innovation, explore our content and articles at www.regenera.luxury
