Set on a Vietnamese island, the secluded, eco-conscious
resort of Six Senses Con Dao draws guests
with local food, an award-winning spa and immersive
experiences.

On the largest of the Con Dao’s 16 islets, this Six Senses
resort brings together Vietnamese style and the archipelago’s
natural beauty. A private white-sand beach, gourmet spins on local
food, spa treatments and sustainable
activities tempt guests in need of some off-grid R&R.

Inspired by traditional Vietnamese fishing villages, villas are
decked out with sustainable materials such as reclaimed teak and
local bamboo, and benefit from private infinity pools and outdoor
bathrooms.

Craving seclusion? Opt for an Ocean View villa tucked neatly
into the hillside, from where sweeping views across the national
park are nothing short of spectacular. Ocean Front villas meanwhile
offer direct beach access and put you a little closer to the
resort’s action. If you’re travelling with a larger group, book one
of the three- or four-bedroom residences, complete with separate
living rooms and dining facilities.

What’s for breakfast?

Breakfast is best enjoyed at the beautiful By The Beach
restaurant – accessible by foot, bike or resort buggy – with a side
order of ocean vistas with neighbouring islands on the horizon. The
extensive buffet consists of a fresh juice station, breads, baked
goods, a cold room (housing meats, fish, cheese, fresh fruits,
cereals, mueslis, yoghurts and more) and a creative market area
that offers a daily changing selection of local delicacies (think:
pho, rice pancakes, sticky rice balls and the like).

Order a la carte for traditional and international options,
including egg dishes, fruits, oatmeal and other favourites. Be sure
to try the Vietnamese coffee (locally roasted and spiked with
condensed milk). Tableside hand massages and mini spa treatments
are also on offer. Yes, you read that right.

How about lunch and dinner?

On-site restaurants cater to all appetites, whether that’s for
local delicacies or seasonal specials. Dine at By The Beach or head
to Vietnamese By The Market for a more laid-back, street-food-style
experience. Don’t miss the ice-cream parlour, where you can pick up
unlimited scoops made fresh in house – flavours change daily.

For light, casual bites, make a beeline for the resort’s bars,
or avail of the in-room service. If you have a specific dining
request in mind, let the staff know – they can whip up an intimate
beachside dinner for two or something spectacular for special
occasions.

Is there a bar?

Choose from the poolside Splash Bar overlooking the beach or
revel in the laid-back atmosphere of the Elephant Bar – we loved
the swinging chairs and the East-meets-West cocktail menu. Try the
Pho concoction, inspired by the country’s traditional savoury
soup.

Amenities

The resort is isolated, so you’ll find everything you need
either on site or a short walk, cycle (bikes are available for each
guest) or buggy ride away.

If you can tear yourself away from your beach towel, the gym has
spectacular views looking out over the hills (and some decent
equipment too). Water sports include surfing, paddleboarding,
canoeing and more, while landbound activities such as volleyball
and kite flying are also available.

Forget the stresses of home with the spa’s extensive treatment
menu, private pools and relaxation areas. When weather permits,
kick back on loungers at the outdoor cinema – there’s nothing quite
like watching a film beneath the stars.

Eco conscious? Head to the Earth Lab, where you can learn about
sustainability and get involved with releasing the turtle eggs as
they begin to hatch. You can also take part in cooking classes to
pick up some new skills and inject some Vietnamese flair into your
kitchen at home.

Things you should know

If you have one treatment while you’re there, make it the
Vietnamese massage, which uses local herbs and cupping
practices.

Sustainability is at the heart of Six Senses. Staff visit the
local beaches regularly to clean up plastic, while the hotel also
grows a lot of its own produce, composts and offers job
opportunities to support the local community. Guests are also able
to get involved with some of these initiatives if they like – just
ask a member of staff.

Within a short walk you’ll find

There’s not much you can reach by foot, but you can take a bike,
book a car, travel on local transport or hire a boat to reach the
local town or nearby islands.

Con Dao town is just a 10-minute drive from the resort and there
you’ll find a lively market and selection of shops, cafés and
restaurants. A short drive further will take you to several
temples, roadside viewpoints and more of the national park, which
you can explore by hiking or cycling, either alone or with a local
guide.