Six Senses Southern Dunes Appoints Samantha van Exter as General Manager
THE RED SEA, Saudi Arabia | October 7, 2026 — Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, has appointed Samantha van Exter as General Manager, placing her in charge of the resort’s operations, commercial performance, and overall guest experience.
Van Exter brings more than 25 years of international hospitality experience across Southern Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Her background spans luxury resort operations, revenue management, hotel openings, wellness-led hospitality, and multi-property leadership.
Her appointment comes as Saudi Arabia continues to develop its tourism sector under Vision 2030, with The Red Sea destination focusing on luxury travel, sustainability, and experiences connected to the natural environment.
Samantha van Exter’s Hospitality Leadership Experience
Before joining Six Senses Southern Dunes, Van Exter spent 11 years in London, most recently serving as Head of Hotels at Montcalm Collection. In that role, she oversaw a portfolio of independent luxury hotels, including the B Corp-certified Inhabit wellness hotels.
Her previous leadership experience includes serving as Area Director for Meliá’s London hotels and Director of the ME brand in the Middle East. She has also held senior positions at Shangri-La The Shard, London, and ME London, alongside General Manager roles with Steigenberger and Accor in the Netherlands.
Van Exter began her hospitality career at The Palace of the Lost City at South Africa’s Sun City Resort, working within the hospitality environment associated with Sol Kerzner and Jerry Inzerillo.
Across these roles, she has developed experience in hotel operations, commercial strategy, revenue performance, team leadership, and luxury guest services.
Leadership Vision at Six Senses Southern Dunes
Van Exter describes her leadership philosophy as people-focused and inclusive, with an emphasis on continuous improvement and creating a positive workplace culture.
At Six Senses Southern Dunes, her priorities will include leading resort operations, strengthening commercial performance, enhancing guest satisfaction, and supporting the development of the resort’s team.
She also highlighted the importance of developing Saudi talent and ensuring that local hospitality traditions remain central to the guest experience.
Commenting on her appointment, Van Exter said Saudi Arabia was entering an exciting chapter in global tourism, with The Red Sea playing an important role in the country’s ambition to develop regenerative and sustainable tourism under Vision 2030.
She described Six Senses Southern Dunes as a property that reflects this ambition through its solar-powered operations and respect for the surrounding desert landscape.
Six Senses Southern Dunes: Luxury Hospitality Meets Sustainability
Located within The Red Sea destination in Saudi Arabia, Six Senses Southern Dunes combines luxury accommodation with a focus on wellness, sustainability, and a strong connection to the natural environment.
The solar-powered resort features 40 pool villas and 36 rooms and suites, offering guests a setting designed around the desert landscape and the Six Senses approach to experiential luxury.
Under Van Exter’s leadership, the resort will continue to focus on delivering personalised guest experiences while supporting the brand’s wider priorities around wellness, environmental responsibility, and meaningful connections with local culture.
Her appointment also brings an emphasis on Saudi hospitality traditions, including local cuisine, warm guest welcomes, and the stories and heritage of the region.
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Tourism Ambitions
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme has placed tourism among the key areas of economic development. The Red Sea destination forms part of the country’s wider effort to establish its position in international luxury and sustainable travel.
Six Senses Southern Dunes operates within this evolving hospitality landscape, where guest experience, environmental responsibility, and local talent development are important parts of the destination’s identity.
Van Exter’s international background across luxury hotels, wellness-led properties, and multi-property operations provides experience relevant to the resort’s operational and commercial responsibilities.
Her stated commitment to nurturing Saudi talent also aligns with the wider focus on developing local capabilities within the country’s growing tourism and hospitality sector.
A New Chapter for Six Senses Southern Dunes
Samantha van Exter’s appointment as General Manager marks a new leadership chapter for Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea.
With more than 25 years of international hospitality experience, she will lead the resort’s operations and commercial performance while focusing on guest satisfaction, team development, wellness, and sustainability.
As The Red Sea continues to develop as a luxury travel destination, her role will involve balancing the expectations of international travellers with the resort’s commitment to local culture and environmentally conscious hospitality.
