Authenticity, Wellness & Purpose-Driven Leadership with Melissa Tang

From river cruises to mountain retreats, Melissa Tang’s hospitality journey spans continents, cultures, and leadership transformations. As General Manager of Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain, Melissa leads one of China’s most serene and sustainability-driven luxury resorts - where wellness, emotional intelligence, and purpose are embedded into everyday operations. 

Melissa recently shared her story on Leading a New Era, IHG’s podcast hosted by David Littlewood and Eunice Clements-Tweedie, offering a deeply human perspective on GM leadership, growth, and belonging in modern hospitality. 

So what does it take to lead a wellness-led luxury resort in one of China’s most spiritual destinations - and what lessons can future General Managers take from Melissa’s journey? 

 

From Floating Hotels to Finding Her Leadership Voice

 

Melissa’s introduction to hospitality began more than 20 years ago - not in a traditional hotel, but aboard river cruises, where hotels floated and adaptability was essential. From there, her career moved through city hotels of increasing scale, eventually reaching high-rise urban properties before taking a decisive turn toward resort life. But the most defining transition wasn’t geographic - it was personal.

Stepping from operational excellence into people leadership proved to be her steepest learning curve. “I realised leadership goes far beyond technical knowledge,” Melissa reflects. “It requires emotional intelligence, empathy, and the ability to guide people through uncertainty.” Early self-doubt crept in, as it often does for emerging leaders. Through mentorship, coaching, and women-in-leadership development programmes, Melissa built a strong sense of self-belief. “Leadership isn’t about being flawless,” she says. “It’s about being authentic, adaptable, and leading by example.” That shift didn’t just change her confidence - it reshaped her leadership style entirely. 

 

Leading with Emotional Intelligence, Wellness and Purpose 

For Melissa Tang, leadership begins with how people feel. Mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping her people-first mindset, teaching her to look beyond outcomes and consider the emotional impact of every decision. “People remember how you make them feel,” she says - a belief that now sits at the heart of her leadership at Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain. Inclusivity and belonging start early, with purpose-led hiring rooted in cultural alignment, followed by trust, open dialogue, and psychological safety that shape everyday interactions. 

 

Melissa leads with authenticity and vulnerability, openly sharing her own learning moments to encourage others to take risks and grow. “If leaders show they’re human, it gives others permission to believe in themselves,” she explains. By creating space for openness, she empowers her teams to step forward with confidence, curiosity, and a shared sense of purpose.  

Wellness, for Melissa, is not an initiative - it’s a leadership responsibility. After learning the importance of balance first-hand, she now ensures that hosts experience wellbeing before guests do. From weekly wellness programmes to movement, reflection, and mindfulness practices, the culture prioritises energy and sustainability. Through simple personal rituals like time outdoors, exercise, and reflection - Melissa leads by example. “You have to empty yourself sometimes,” she says. “That’s how you come back stronger.” 

Inside Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain: A Sanctuary of Harmony and Meaning

Nestled at the foothills of a sacred Taoist mountain, Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain reflects a deep connection to place, culture, and wellbeing. Inspired by local irrigation systems, the resort’s architecture and arrival rituals create harmony between nature and tradition. Daily Tai Chi sessions led by a 37th-generation master invite both guests and hosts to connect mindfully. Its organic farm supports the Eat with Six Senses philosophy, providing fresh, sustainable produce.

Sustainability here is a lived experience. Children collect eggs for chefs, families plant and harvest rice together, and circular food systems are part of daily life. These authentic moments spark curiosity and create lasting memories, making sustainability integral to the guest experience. 

 

Looking ahead, the resort sees luxury hospitality evolving toward wellness, sustainability, and genuine local connection. As Melissa reflects, “Luxury isn’t about excess anymore. It’s about meaning.” This ethos shapes a culture that honours the land and people, creating a sanctuary for reflection, growth, and belonging. 

Building Purposeful Careers: Melissa’s Blueprint for Leadership Success 

Melissa believes leadership growth comes from mindset, not location. Experience across regions can help - but curiosity, humility, and openness matter far more. 

“Keep learning. Keep growing. Step out,” she encourages. “You don’t need to have all the answers.” 

Her journey is a reminder that great leadership isn’t defined by perfection — but by courage, empathy, and intention. 

 

At IHG, we’re shaping the future of luxury and lifestyle hospitality, and we’re always looking for leaders ready to step into their next chapter. If you’re interested in General Manager opportunities across iconic destinations, explore our current openings and discover how you can build a career with purpose - just like Melissa. 

And to hear her story in full, tune in to the latest episode of Leading a New Era.