After more than a decade of reshaping the luxury travel landscape as the CEO of Six Senses, Neil Jacobs is moving on to his next bold endeavor. On July 1, Jacobs officially stepped away from Six Senses to launch Wild Origins—an advisory collective and creative studio grounded in values of sustainability, wellness, and local connection. With this new venture, Jacobs continues his mission to build hospitality experiences that feel soulful and intentional.
The Philosophy Behind Wild Origins
Jacobs emphasizes that Wild Origins isn’t a departure, but an evolution. Rooted in the same values that defined his time at Six Senses, the new venture focuses on creating transformational travel experiences. “Whatever I do, the wellness and sustainability piece will show up in one form or another,” Jacobs says. For him, true luxury means mindfulness in movement, rest, and connection—not just opulence for its own sake. His approach reflects a growing traveler demand for purpose and depth, not just surface-level indulgence.
Visionary Leadership at Six Senses
When Jacobs joined Six Senses in 2012, the brand was known for barefoot retreats in Southeast Asia. Under his leadership, it expanded globally—growing from 8 to 26 properties, with 30 more in the pipeline. Jacobs pushed boundaries by bringing Six Senses into urban markets and launching private residences, all while staying true to its environmental roots. His leadership showed that luxury doesn’t have to compromise sustainability. For example, in Portugal’s Douro Valley, he replaced Asian-inspired decor with locally sourced Portuguese design to reflect authenticity.
Hospitality Roots and Global Perspective
Before Six Senses, Jacobs spent 14 years with Four Seasons, where he shaped operations in Asia. He later joined Starwood Capital Group, helping launch brands like 1 Hotels and Baccarat Hotels. His unique blend of operational insight and creative innovation positioned him as one of the industry’s most respected leaders. “Neil’s ability to see 10, 20 years ahead is special,” says Craig Cogut, former owner of Six Senses and CEO of Pegasus Capital Advisors.
Wild Origins in Action
Jacobs isn’t easing into retirement—he’s ramping up. Wild Origins is already engaged in impactful collaborations, including advisory work with Cain International and Potato Head, a Bali-based creative hospitality brand focused on sustainability. He’s also shaping the future of tourism in Saudi Arabia through roles on the advisory board of TOURISE and as a board member of the upcoming Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality, which is expected to train 15,000–20,000 students globally.
A Legacy Built on Integrity and Innovation
Colleagues praise Jacobs not just for his innovation but his character. Chris Norton, CEO of Equinox Hotels, describes him as a leader who proves that “integrity, generosity and resilience are the real drivers of achievement.” Stacy Fischer-Rosenthal of Fischer Travel adds that Jacobs has always been a trusted visionary with a deep commitment to relationships.
People, Purpose, and Perspective
At the heart of everything Jacobs does is a people-first mindset. He believes innovation isn’t luck—it’s a process that starts with the right people and a shared purpose. “Innovation is as much science as it is art,” he explains. Whether leading a brand or guiding a new venture, Jacobs grounds his approach in intention, storytelling, and mindfulness. “Life is like an elevator,” he says. “Enjoy the floor you’re on—you’ll go up and down, and that’s okay.”
