INTERVIEW WITH COETZER DEYSEL GENERAL MANAGER SIX SENSES ULUWATU

Congratulations on your new role! Can you tell us about your work and what excites you most about being the new General Manager of Six Senses Uluwatu?
Thank you very much! It’s truly an honor to join the Six Senses Uluwatu family and to lead this extraordinary resort in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. My role as General Manager involves overseeing the operations, ensuring that every guest experiences the unique charm and personalized service that define the Six Senses brand. It’s about creating meaningful moments while fostering a deep connection to the environment, community, and culture of Bali. It is my deep believe that the Six Senses brand and the culture of Bali was made for each other!

What excites me most about this opportunity is the alignment of my personal values with the brand’s commitment to sustainability, wellness, and authentic guest experiences. Six Senses Uluwatu is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary where we celebrate the beauty of nature and the richness of Balinese traditions. I look forward to collaborating with our talented team to continuously enhance our offerings, surprise and delight our guests, and make a positive impact on our local community.

What inspired you to join Six Senses Uluwatu after 20 years in luxury hospitality?
Joining Six Senses Uluwatu felt like a natural progression in my journey within luxury hospitality. It is my deep believe that the Six Senses brand and the culture of Bali was made for each other!

Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some exceptional brands, but what truly inspired me about Six Senses is its holistic approach to hospitality. The brand goes beyond delivering luxury; it’s about creating transformative experiences, promoting wellness, and together with sustainability it forms the core of our ethos.

Six Senses Uluwatu, in particular, stands out for its stunning location, deeply rooted connection to Balinese culture, and unwavering dedication to preserving the environment. The opportunity to contribute to such a unique property while working with a team that shares my passion for excellence and innovation was simply irresistible. It’s not just about managing a resort; it’s about being part of something meaningful and impactful.

With our plans to enhance the offerings and product throughout next year will also ensure that we lead the way in all the areas related to our brand.

You started your career as a safari guide in Africa. What motivated your switch to the hospitality industry?
Growing up in Africa, I developed a deep appreciation for the continent’s awe-inspiring wildlife, which initially inspired me to pursue a career as a photographic safari guide. Those early experiences shaped my passion for sharing the beauty of nature with others. Guiding guests through the African wilderness, telling stories of the land, and witnessing their awe firsthand was incredibly fulfilling.

This fostered a desire to broaden my impact, eventually leading me to the wider hospitality industry. Hospitality offered a platform to connect with a global audience while still embracing my love for nature and creating extraordinary guest experiences. Over the years, I’ve been privileged to work in some of the world’s most stunning locations, each with its own unique story to tell. The switch to hospitality wasn’t just a career change—it was a natural progression of my passion for inspiring others and curating meaningful, transformative experiences.

Six Senses is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and wellness. Are there any new innovations or offerings the resort plan to introduce?
Absolutely! At Six Senses Uluwatu, our commitment to sustainability and wellness is at the heart of everything we do, and we are always looking for ways to enhance our offerings in these areas during 2025. One exciting initiative we’re focusing on is integrating even more regenerative practices into our operations, from expanding our organic garden to exploring new ways to conserve water and energy while reducing waste.

On the wellness front, we are looking to introduce more innovative programs that blend modern science with ancient Balinese traditions. This includes curated retreats, mindfulness workshops, and new spa therapies that leverage local ingredients and techniques.

We’re also passionate about engaging with the local community and sharing their heritage with our guests. Plans are underway to enhance our cultural and sustainability experiences, offering guests deeper insights into Balinese traditions while supporting local artisans and farmers. These innovations not only elevate the guest experience but also strengthen our positive impact on the environment and the community we call home.

What does winning the General Manager of the Year 2023 from IHG Luxury & Lifestyle Commercial Team mean to you?
Winning the General Manager of the Year 2023 from the IHG Luxury & Lifestyle Commercial Team is an incredible honor and a deeply humbling experience. This recognition was more a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and passion of the teams I’ve had the privilege to lead and collaborate with. It underscores the importance of collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence in delivering unforgettable guest experiences. No individual can win unless the team wins first!

For me, this award is also a reminder of the profound responsibility that comes with leadership. It motivates me to continue fostering a culture of authenticity, inclusivity, and sustainability, values that are integral to the Six Senses ethos. Most importantly, it reinforces my belief in the power of hospitality to inspire and make a positive difference, whether it’s through creating transformative guest journeys, supporting our team’s growth, or contributing to the local community and environment.

Could you share with us the latest update about Six Senses Uluwatu?
We’re constantly evolving to deliver exceptional experiences while staying true to our commitment to sustainability and wellness. One of our latest updates includes the launch of exclusive wellness programs that seamlessly combine modern science with traditional Balinese healing. These personalized retreats feature sound healing, yoga, and locally inspired spa treatments crafted with natural, sustainably sourced ingredients.

On the sustainability front, we are excited to share our plans to refurbish our organic garden, making it a cornerstone of our commitment to sustainable practices. Beyond revitalizing the garden, we are actively seeking collaborations with NGOs to further our sustainability efforts. These partnerships aim to promote local biodiversity, introduce innovative agricultural practices, and support community-based sustainability initiatives. Through such collaborations, we aspire to create a more regenerative and eco-friendly environment that benefits both our guests and the local community. There are also a strong commitment in place to further elevate our property product and more of this will be revealed during 2025 – watch this space!

How do you maintain a work and life balance?
Maintaining a work-life balance in the hospitality industry, where the demands can be high, requires intentionality and discipline. For me, it’s about prioritizing what truly matters and staying grounded in my values.

I find balance by staying connected to nature, which has always been a source of inspiration and rejuvenation for me. Living and working in a place as beautiful as Bali provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, whether it’s taking a walk along the coastline with my family, spending time in the gardens, or practicing mindfulness in a serene environment.

Family is another cornerstone of my balance. I make it a priority to carve out quality time to stay connected, whether through shared experiences or simply being present.

Finally, I believe in leading by example—encouraging my team to embrace wellness and maintain their own work-life balance. A happy, healthy team creates a positive ripple effect, which benefits everyone, including our guests. By taking care of myself and those around me, I can bring my best energy to both work and life.