For those expats who truly want to get off the grid in luxury, Con Dao is the answer. This archipelago of 16 islands lies about 230 km south of HCMC in the East Sea. Once known mainly for its historical prison, Con Dao today is celebrated for pristine beaches, coral reefs, and a protected national park. The only real way to get there is a quick 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao’s tiny airport(flights operate a few times daily, and the resort can assist with booking).
Upon arrival, you’re 15 minutes from Six Senses Con Dao, the island’s premier 5-star resort and an award-winning example of sustainable, barefoot luxury. It’s perched on its own private beach within a national park – a slice of tropical heaven that feels a world away from everything.
Secluded Natural Beauty:
Six Senses Con Dao was thoughtfully designed to blend into the breathtaking scenery. The resort features 50 private pool villas, each with a minimalist wood-and-glass design that echoes a Vietnamese fishing village aesthetic, all while offering every modern comfort. Villas have their own infinity pools and sun decks, open-air bathrooms, and panoramic views of the ocean or the lush mountains.
The setting is simply spectacular: a mile-long golden sand beach (Đất Dốc Beach) stretches in front, and verdant forested hills rise behind. The feeling of privacy is unparalleled – you might walk the beach without seeing another soul, aside from perhaps a fisherman in the distance. Six Senses prides itself on sustainability and harmony with nature, so everything from the thatched roofs to the use of reclaimed materials reflects a rustic chic vibe. Yet service is top-notch: each villa is assigned a “Guest Experience Maker” (butler) to cater to your needs, from arranging tours to delivering ice cream to your poolside.
Insider tip: Six Senses often has packages that include the round-trip flights from HCMC for convenience – check when booking, as this can simplify your travel logistics.
Activities & Island Experiences:
Con Dao is all about nature and relaxation, and many activities center on the sea or the national park. Six Senses provides complimentary bicycles for guests – a fun way to explore the surroundings or the small Con Son town nearby. The resort can arrange diving and snorkeling trips to view vibrant coral reefs (seasonal, best in the dry months).
Diving is at its peak clarity from February to July, with visibility of 20–30 meters in the turquoise waters. If you visit between May and October, you’re in luck for a rare wildlife experience: it’s turtle nesting season. Six Senses Con Dao works with the national park on a turtle conservation program and can notify guests when baby sea turtles hatch so you can join a early-morning release of hatchlings into the sea. It’s an unforgettable sight watching tiny turtles scramble to the ocean at sunrise. Beyond the beach, you can hike with a guide through the jungle to discover hidden coves and maybe spot the endemic Con Dao black squirrel or rare birds.
The resort’s spa is another highlight: set amid the gardens, it offers holistic treatments, yoga and Tai Chi sessions, and even meditation with Buddhist singing bowls. For a taste of local culture, take a short trip to Con Son town to see the historic prisons (now a museum) or the local market – a sober but important part of Con Dao’s history if you’re interested. But most guests at Six Senses are content to unwind by their villa pool, listen to the waves, and stargaze at night – with minimal light pollution, the night sky here is brilliant.
Insider tip: Bring strong insect repellent (or use the natural citronella sprays the resort provides) as the island’s sand flies can be pesky on the beach. Also, note that Con Dao’s weather can be windy and rainy in winter months (sea conditions can be rough roughly October–December), so for the best beach weather, plan for late winter to summer.
Dining Highlights:
Despite its remote location, Six Senses Con Dao offers an array of delightful dining experiences, often making use of the island’s fresh seafood and the resort’s organic gardens. By the Beach is the main restaurant, open all day, which serves a nutritious breakfast spread each morning – expect tropical fruits, homemade yogurts, freshly baked breads, and local Vietnamese breakfast specialties alongside the usual Western fare.
Come lunch and dinner, By the Beach focuses on contemporary Vietnamese fusion and international dishes, all with stunning ocean views. For a change of scenery, Vietnamese at the Market is a casual eatery designed like a village market, where you can savor street-food-inspired local dishes: phở, bún chả, and bánh xèo sizzling pancakes, prepared to authentic standards (a great chance to taste true local flavors in a hygienic setting).
The resort’s signature restaurant, Dining on the Rocks, offers a memorable private dining experience on an elevated platform overlooking the sea – perfect for a romantic dinner under the stars with a specially curated menu (advance reservation required). There’s also Elephant Bar for light snacks and creative cocktails (happy hour here is timed with the sunset). A unique treat at Six Senses is the Ice Cream Parlor, where guests can enjoy unlimited complimentary house-made ice creams and sorbets throughout the day – a hit with kids and adults alike on a hot afternoon.
Insider tip: Enhance one evening with the resort’s destination dining options – for example, a BBQ dinner on the beach where a private chef grills fresh catch just for you, or a “Castaway” picnic on a deserted islet nearby. And if you’re celebrating, ask about their wine cellar which hosts intimate dinners with wine pairings.
Lastly, given the island setting, the menus can be seasonal; do try the local catch-of-the-day and the tropical fruit (Con Dao pineapple is incredibly sweet). With the sound of waves as your dinner soundtrack, dining in Con Dao is a sensory pleasure you’ll remember long after the weekend ends.
