GM, André Buldini: bringing sustainability, wellness and a touch of the extraordinary to Luxury & Lifestyle

For our inspirational Luxury & Lifestyle General Managers, their role is more than just a job: it’s a calling. And it takes a special kind of person to step up to the challenge. We are searching for GMs to help us continue to redefine a new era of luxury and lifestyle. GMs like André.

André Buldini es el director general de Six Senses Douro Valley, en la impresionante región vinícola de Portugal; Una propiedad que ofrece a los huéspedes una estancia de lujo sin igual, basada en tres pilares fundamentales: sostenibilidad, bienestar y experiencias extraordinarias.

Recientemente nos reunimos con André para saber más sobre su trayectoria personal y cómo inspira la excelencia como director general de este prestigioso y único hotel.

Growing up, André was inspired by family recounting their experiences working in hospitality. For an imaginative and adventurous boy, the idea of being able to work at a hotel anywhere in the world was extremely enticing, with so many exotic locations and cultures to explore.

This ambition clearly endured, and André launched his career in hospitality right after he finished his studies. Starting at a small island in Portugal, this was his first time living away from his parents, and he recalls feeling a mixture of excitement and terror.

With 25 years of hospitality experience amassed, André finds himself in his first GM role at Six Senses, but now, it’s only excitement he feels. As he describes it, the “terror” he felt as a young man going into a new career has turned into “this adrenaline which gives you the drive and the push to do it - and each time do it better.”

“For me, luxury means always finding a solution, always saying yes, always exceeding a guest’s expectations.”

André was first drawn to Six Senses when a good friend suggested the brand would be a great fit for him, knowing his passion for sustainability, wellness, and for creating unique luxury experiences. From the very first conversation, he loved the active commitment to these pillars which the brand consistently showed; in his words, it’s “a company that walks the talk.”

Furthermore, Six Senses Douro Valley back up their sustainability promise with a fund which helps connect the business with the local community. Contributing towards care of the beautiful environment surrounding the property, including renovating schools for children, homes for the elderly, and protecting endangered animals.

"Six Senses es un lugar hermoso. Es un lugar mágico. Tienes paisajes y naturaleza increíbles por todas partes".

Six Senses se compromete a ser pionera en prácticas de bienestar, tanto para los huéspedes como para los colegas. André descubrió que hacer cambios en su propia vida, comenzar a meditar y ser más consciente de su dieta y estado físico, le brindó una comprensión más profunda de cómo se podría usar el bienestar para mejorar la experiencia de los huéspedes.

Alongside all this, the third pillar at Six Senses is crucially about creating unique luxury guest experiences which will become memories that last a lifetime. To achieve these levels of consistent excellence and attention to detail, André applies an approach he calls ‘emotional hospitality’. It’s all about being present, aware and connected with what the guest wants. It’s about listening and responding. “I use it with our hosts and with our guests. You even take it home and use it with your partner because it becomes such a part of you.”

It’s clear André is very proud of all he has achieved – and rightly so. “Reaching the top of what I expected when I entered this career - becoming a GM in such an amazing property - is the realisation of a dream.”

So, what has been the key to André’s success; his most important learning? His response is very clear: “Surround yourself with the best people you can. The energy that forms around that group of people is very important and will cascade through the rest of the organisation.”

With a lifelong passion for hospitality, André is a shining example of what it means to be the best of the best here at IHG Hotels & Resorts. And you could join him.

Buscamos gerentes generales que se especialicen en convertir los sueños de nuestros huéspedes en realidad. Líderes capaces de inspirar a los colegas que los rodean a realizar sus propias ambiciones. Visionarios listos para redefinir los viajes de lujo y estilo de vida a nivel de la industria.

Para descubrir cómo puede seguir los pasos de André para liderar una nueva era de lujo y estilo de vida, haga clic aquí.