An appointment at the heart of The Red Sea destination
Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, has announced the arrival of Samantha van Exter as General Manager. The hotelier brings more than 25 years of international experience gained across Southern Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
The appointment comes at a strategic property for the IHG Hotels & Resorts brand. Six Senses Southern Dunes was the first resort to welcome guests at The Red Sea, the regenerative tourism destination developed by Red Sea Global on Saudi Arabia’s north-west coast.
A career spanning Southern Africa, Europe and London
Samantha van Exter began her career at Sun City Resort in Southern Africa. She went on to hold leadership roles with Accor, Steigenberger, Shangri-La at The Shard in London and Meliá Hotels International.
She joins Six Senses from her most recent post at Montcalm Collection, after eleven years in the British capital. Her work was recognised in 2025 with the title of Hotelier of the Year at the Brit List Awards organised by Hotel Designs.
The resort highlights a career built around team development and the guest experience. Samantha van Exter also describes herself as committed to wellbeing, sustainability and cultural exchange – themes at the heart of Six Senses’ positioning.
A desert resort designed by Foster + Partners
Set along the ancient Incense Route, between desert plains and the Hijaz Mountains, Six Senses Southern Dunes comprises 36 rooms and 40 pool villas, designed by Foster + Partners to open up views across the dunes and the wadi. The spa includes a biohacking lounge, five treatment rooms and a hammam.
The new General Manager will be tasked with leading the resort into a new chapter, strengthening its connection with Saudi culture and the surrounding desert landscape. This sense of place is one of the brand’s defining pillars, even as it continues its urban expansion, as illustrated by the opening of Six Senses London at The Whiteley.
A west coast gathering momentum
The appointment comes against a rapidly intensifying competitive backdrop along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline. Red Sea Global has recently completed a series of openings at AMAALA, including the first Rosewood resort on the Red Sea.
In this context, the ability to attract experienced talent remains a key challenge for operators in the Kingdom. LTH previously devoted a feature to the leaders transforming Saudi hospitality, which already included talent from Six Senses Southern Dunes.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Samantha van Exter appointed General Manager of Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea
More than 25 years of experience across Southern Africa, Europe and the Middle East
Former roles with Accor, Steigenberger, Shangri-La at The Shard, Meliá and Montcalm Collection
Named Hotelier of the Year 2025 at Hotel Designs’ Brit List Awards
Relocates to Saudi Arabia after 11 years in London
Resort: 36 rooms and 40 pool villas designed by Foster + Partners, first to open at The Red Sea
