Six Senses eco-luxury

Like a first kiss, I will always remember my introduction to eco-luxury and dedicated butler service at a Six Senses resort many years ago; a decade on and this award-winning brand continues to impress. Designed by Paris based architect studio AW², Six Senses Con Dao is located on the secluded Con Son Island in southern Vietnam. Anchored between the sea and sand at the front and dense tropical mangrove vegetation at the rear, the architect’s vision was to create a retreat where luxury, ecology and sustainability meld together harmoniously.

At the heart of the property is a traditional Vietnamese fishing village’s market place reimagined. Like that of a small village with a main street and a market square is a series of purposefully designed buildings and spaces for drinking, shopping, mingling, reading, playing, dining and even watching movies in an open-air theatre. Without a doubt the hero of the market place is the adaptive reuse of over 2000-reclaimed teak doors sourced from throughout the country. It’s clever, striking and captures the culture and spirit of Vietnam beautifully.

Timber bridges connect buildings, terraces connect activities, promenades connect vantage points, all of which have been designed to ensure at all times guests experience a connection to the surrounding landscape. The private arena is no different; each of the 50 villas’ butterfly roofs open out to the sea and horizon. The aim again, to connect with nature – whether you’re in bed, on the lounge or soaking in the bath, the magnificent local setting is ever present. It just all makes sense!

Story by our Luxury Travel scout Ella Lee Cansdell – Butler By The Sea

Photography: Basil Childers