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.

アンドレ・ブルディーニは、ポルトガルの美しいワイン産地にあるシックスセンシズ・ドウロ・ヴァレーのゼネラルマネージャーです。持続可能性、ウェルネス、非日常的な体験という3つの柱に基づいた、他に類を見ない贅沢な滞在をゲストに提供するホテルです。

先日、アンドレにインタビューし、彼の個人的な歩みと、この一流でユニークなホテルのGMとして、どのように卓越性を生み出しているかについてお話を伺いました。

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.

「シックスセンシズは美しい場所です。 魔法のような場所です。 周りには素晴らしい風景と自然があります。

シックスセンシズは、ゲストと同僚の両方のために、先駆的なウェルネスプラクティスに取り組んでいます。 アンドレは、瞑想を始め、食事やフィットネスをより意識するようになるなど、自分の生活を変えることで、ウェルネスを使用してゲストの体験を向上させる方法についてより深く理解するようになりました。

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.

私たちは、お客様の夢を現実に変えることを専門とするゼネラルマネージャーを探しています。 自分の野心を実現するために周りの同僚を鼓舞できるリーダー。 ラグジュアリーとライフスタイルの旅行を業界レベルで再定義する準備ができているビジョナリー。

アンドレの足跡をたどり、ラグジュアリーとライフスタイルの新時代をリードする方法については、 ここをクリックしてください。