Six Senses Fort Barwara appoints Burkhard Wolter as General Manager

The hospitality veteran brings more than three decades of international luxury hospitality experience to the wellness resort.

Six Senses Fort Barwara has announced the appointment of Burkhard Wolter as General Manager. With over three decades of experience in international luxury hospitality across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean, Burkhard brings extensive operational expertise and a strong passion for people, culture and guest experiences.

Professional background

Throughout his career, Burkhard has held leadership roles across some of the world’s most renowned luxury hospitality brands including Shangri-La, Four Seasons, Rosewood, Raffles, Kempinski, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts and Orient Express. His professional journey has spanned luxury resorts, heritage hotels, city properties, cruise ships and boutique hospitality ventures, giving him a well-rounded understanding of the industry.

Role and responsibilities

At Six Senses Fort Barwara, Burkhard will oversee the overall operations of the property, with a focus on enhancing guest experiences, supporting host development, strengthening sustainability initiatives and building on the resort’s position as one of India’s leading wellness destinations.

Chief Operating Officer’s perspective

Welcoming him to the property, Neil Palmer, Chief Operating Officer, Six Senses, said, “We are delighted to welcome Burkhard to Six Senses Fort Barwara and the Six Senses family. His remarkable international experience, strategic vision, and people-first leadership style will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the property’s position as a leading destination for transformative luxury. Burkhard’s appreciation for heritage, wellbeing, sustainability, and culinary storytelling embodies the values that define Six Senses. I am confident he will inspire both our hosts and our guests while building on the incredible legacy of Fort Barwara. We look forward to working alongside Burkhard as we build this vision and continue creating memorable journeys for our guests.”

General Manager’s perspective

Commenting on his appointment, Burkhard Wolter, General Manager, Six Senses Fort Barwara, said, “Six Senses Fort Barwara is a truly special property that brings together wellness, sustainability, heritage and community in a meaningful way. I am excited to join the team and contribute to the next phase of the property’s journey. My focus will be on further enriching the guest experience, supporting our hosts and continuing to build on the strong foundation that has already been established.”

Focus areas

A strong advocate of sustainable hospitality, Burkhard’s priorities for the property include strengthening sustainability efforts, maintaining the heritage integrity of the fort, enhancing wellness-led experiences and ensuring long-term operational excellence. Outside of work, Burkhard enjoys exploring local cultures and cuisines, travelling to discover new destinations and engaging with communities – experiences that continue to influence both his personal and professional journey.

Leadership approach

Known for his collaborative and coaching-led management style, Burkhard believes that exceptional hospitality begins with engaged and empowered teams. Having worked across diverse cultures and destinations throughout his career, he brings a deep appreciation for local traditions, authentic experiences and meaningful guest connections

Six Senses Fort Barwara welcomes Chef Rakesh Kumar as Executive Chef

Rajasthan, India, February 2025: Six Senses Fort Barwara is delighted to announce the appointment of Chef Rakesh Kumar as its new Executive Chef. With over 18 years of experience in luxury hospitality and an impressive culinary repertoire, Chef Rakesh brings a dynamic and versatile approach to the resort’s gastronomic offerings.

Chef Rakesh’s journey into the culinary world has been deeply influenced by his roots, family traditions, and an innate passion for food and wine. His expertise spans French, Italian, Progressive Indian, and Ayurvedic/Wellness cuisines, blending rich flavors and techniques inspired by diverse cultures. He has worked with some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality brands, including AMAN Luxury Collections, ALILA, The Oberoi, Taj Hotels, The Marriott, The Lalit, and more.

A distinguished alumnus of IHM-Goa, Chef Rakesh holds dual Hospitality and Hotel Administration certifications and a three-year Tourism Management diploma. His culinary excellence was recognized early on when he won the National Level Chef Competition in 2006, securing a remarkable position for his alma mater.

Expressing his excitement about joining Six Senses Fort Barwara, Chef Rakesh shares, "I am thrilled to be part of an organization that leads with sustainability at its core. Six Senses’ commitment to thoughtful sourcing, eco-conscious practices, and holistic well-being aligns perfectly with my culinary philosophy. It is an incredible opportunity to create exceptional dining experiences and contribute to a meaningful ecosystem that nurtures both people and the planet."

Beyond the kitchen, Chef Rakesh enjoys sketching, painting, and fitness, which fuel his creativity and passion for life. His arrival at Six Senses Fort Barwara marks a new chapter in the resort’s culinary evolution, bringing a perfect blend of innovation, sustainability, and timeless flavors.

Six Senses Fort Barwara Welcomes Rohit Saini as New Sustainability Director

INDIA, September 2024 Embracing the Six Senses philosophy of placing sustainability at the core of its operations, Six Senses Fort Barwara is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mr. Rohit Saini as the new Sustainability Director. With a deep-seated passion for driving impactful environmental change, Rohit is set to enhance the resort's commitment to transformative practices.

Rohit’s journey in sustainability commenced with a degree in Urban and Environmental Planning, which further paved the way for a career in consulting focused on pivotal projects related to Circular Economy, sustainability, plastic and marine pollution, and waste management across India. His impressive portfolio includes collaborations with notable organizations such as the World Bank, the European Union, and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, UK. His work supported marginalized communities and addressed the challenges of over-tourism and waste management in various regions.

A transformative experience in the Himalayas ignited Rohit’s commitment to sustainable hospitality. Witnessing the environmental toll of unchecked hotel waste disposal and the need for greater tourist awareness in eco-sensitive regions, Rohit shifted his focus to improving sustainability within the hospitality sector.

At Six Senses Fort Barwara, Rohit will spearhead initiatives to enhance sustainability in energy, water, and waste management. His role involves implementing effective data capture and monitoring systems to ensure the minimization of the negative impact on the environment. In addition, Rohit will lead community outreach efforts at Six Senses Fort Barwara, including providing clean water access to local communities, thereby fostering a broader sense of responsibility beyond the resort’s boundaries.

"I am delighted to have Rohit as our new Sustainability Director at Six Senses Fort Barwara. Rohit's extensive experience and passion for working in the sustainability space align perfectly with our Six Senses philosophy. His approach will undoubtedly support our vision of adapting transformative practices, ensuring that our operations continue to emanate ecological responsibility and community engagement,” said Mr Aaron McGrath, Regional General Manager of Six Senses Fort Barwara.

"Rohit Saini’s noteworthy background in driving impactful environmental change and his dedication to improving practices within the hospitality sector are invaluable assets. We look forward to witnessing Rohit’s leadership in advancing our initiatives in environment management, as well as his efforts in extending our commitment to the local community,” said Mr Rajat Gera, Commercial Director of Six Senses Fort Barwara.