Bernhard “BB” Bohnenberger, former president of Six Senses, has launched a new hotel management company, Discover Collection, which is already making waves in the luxury hospitality industry. The company’s ethos of creating authentic, niche resorts in unique, untouched locations has attracted several owners eager to build under the Discover Collection banner. A dozen projects are now in various stages of conceptualization, design, or construction.
The first property, Discover Collection R’as Amud, is slated to open in October 2025 in the breathtaking Musandam region of Oman. The resort, located on a stunning cape, will serve as the brand’s flagship. Other upcoming hotels are planned for diverse destinations such as Ireland, Kenya, Botswana, Mexico, Albania, Thailand, Bhutan, and Zambia, each handpicked for its natural beauty and unique cultural appeal.
Bohnenberger, a hospitality visionary, is aiming high. The typical cost per key for each Discover Collection project is between $1 million and $2 million, a range similar to luxury giants like Aman, Four Seasons, and Six Senses, excluding land costs. Additionally, Bohnenberger is targeting an internal rate of return (IRR) of at least 20%, a benchmark that speaks to the strong investment potential of the brand.
Exclusive Yet Accessible
Discover Collection is designed for affluent travelers seeking extraordinary settings while remaining mindful of protecting these environments. In line with this vision, guests must sign up as members to access Discover Collection properties. Although membership registration is currently open, the company has decided to waive a one-time annual membership fee until more hotels are operational. The company expects to attract 10,000 to 20,000 members during its initial phase, driven by the allure of experiencing these exclusive destinations.
This ambitious venture is a joint initiative between Bohnenberger and Mike Meldman, the founder of Discovery Land, a U.S.-based developer known for its ultra-exclusive private residential communities, boasting a membership of 37,000, including A-list celebrities. Both Bohnenberger and Meldman share a passion for environmental sensitivity and creating private havens for families and friends to enjoy.
A Boutique Approach to Luxury
Unlike massive resort chains, Discover Collection hotels are intentionally designed to be small and intimate. No property will feature more than 60 rooms, ensuring exclusivity and privacy. For instance, Discover Collection R’as Amud in Oman will feature 31 villas capable of housing up to 100 guests, with each villa offering between one to four rooms. Similarly, the next properties to open in Kenya will have nine rooms each, alongside five owners’ villas managed by the lodges.
These hotels will operate on an all-inclusive basis, with rates reflecting their luxury positioning. The Oman property, for example, will charge a minimum of $3,000 per night per couple for an entry-level room. Prices could go as high as $3,000 per person at properties where activities such as safari trips drive up infrastructure costs.
Discover Collection is poised to bring a fresh perspective to luxury hospitality, offering exclusive, environmentally conscious retreats in some of the world’s most remarkable settings. With its first properties set to open soon, Bohnenberger’s latest venture promises to redefine the boundaries of boutique luxury travel.