The Archipelago’s First 5 Star Resort on Vietnam’s Con Son Island
True to Six Senses philosophy of selecting remote, but easily accessible destinations in areas of unparalleled natural beauty, Con Dao is an untouched sanctuary consisting of 16 islands in southeast Vietnam, protected for decades as a national marine park, and conveniently reached by daily 45-minute flights from Ho Chi Minh City. Fifty villas built with the very lightest ecological footprint sit up along a mile of stunning powdery white coastline, sheltered by lush forested hills behind with breathtaking views of the naturally curving bay of Con Son island.
Each private villa is an elegantly designed modern masterpiece draped in gauzy mosquito netting and almond linens serving as a backdrop to tailored tropical hardwoods, an ultra-contemporary architectural concept and unobstructed floor to ceiling glass windows and doors whose focus is the jaw dropping azure beauty beyond. Each private infinity swimming pool and terrace is an accent to the villas’ generous personal space offering one, three and four bedrooms. Panoramic ocean views, spacious indoor-outdoor open plan bathrooms, fashion forward minimalist furnishings, and BOSE stereo sound systems set an oceanfront stage along the opalescent east Vietnam Sea.
Six Senses Spas are world-renowned and Con Dao is one of the finest in Vietnam. Set amidst the dramatic backdrop of the Lo Voi mountains and surrounded by tropical gardens, the spa offers four indoor treatment rooms, one Thai therapy room, three outdoor treatment salas, a Yoga and Meditation pavilion, juice bar and changing facilities. Using only naturally and ethically produced spa products, the comprehensive treatment menu promotes Six Senses signature therapies, traditional Vietnamese healing practices and incorporate local herbs and flower essences to offer you a selection of SLOW LIFE treatments. The Vietnamese Journey is their signature experience and includes a body polish using fresh Con Dao Hat Bang almonds, oatmeal and yogurt. A nourishing body wrap consisting of honey, milk and white clay followed by Oriental Body Therapy and a traditional Vietnamese hair wash complete the journey.
Con Son’s island paradise delivers adventure, culture, sport and local excursions in case one is tempted to leave the Shangri-la bliss of Con Dao itself. Take a private charter to a nearby deserted island or sail a Hobie-cat through cerulean waters as a royal blue sky cheers you on. Con Dao’s perfectly flat beach lends itself to a host of beach activities that include kayaking and snorkeling amongst 1,300 species of sea life such as graceful green sea turtles gliding over eye popping colorful coral reefs. Head to Hon Bay Canh for an unforgettable family experience to see turtles nesting on the beach and watch baby tortoises hatch and return to the sea. For honeymooners, don’t miss the secluded beaches of Bai Dat Doc and Dam Trau or a romantic sunset over Love Mountain. Rare monkeys and black squirrels are spotted along magnificent hiking trails trekking through the island’s mangroves and mystical forests.
Con Dao’s early morning market tour is the opportunity of a lifetime to feel the heart beat of Vietnam’s local daily life. Guests are transported to the Ben Dam fishing harbor where you will see the daily catch brought in by local fishermen. Afterwards, head to Con Son market where all the fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish are a feast for the senses. Catch a glimpse of the locals shopping for their daily essentials and enjoy a traditional early morning breakfast and glass of Café Sua Da – Vietnamese iced coffee – before heading back to the resort. To take a little bit of Vietnam’s treasured gourmet delights back home with you, let the culinary professionals at Con Dao treat you and your friends to a remarkable cooking class focused on creating the dishes of your choice. The experience begins with a visit to the resort’s Vietnamese herb garden. Chefs will then walk you through all the main ingredients and preparations in Con Dao’s open Vietnamese kitchen. After cooking, indulge in your own cooked meal. The resort’s Food and Beverage Manager has also been known to take guests on an ‘Around the World of Wine’ – from an Australian Chardonnay to an Argentinean Malbec, from the Chateaux of Bordeaux to the vineyards of Napa Valley, California; you will be turned on to unexplored wines as well as established wineries of the world complimented by great company and a savory selection of tapas and artisan breads.
