Vietnam has a wonderful way of capturing the imagination, from the energy of its cities to its quiet, emerald landscapes. But to find the country's true sense of calm, you need to head to the coast. Our own Lindsay Ormord recently returned from a journey across Vietnam, where she spent time at two distinct Six Senses properties.
While both resorts share a deep commitment to the environment, they offer entirely different versions of paradise. Whether you want to slow down completely on a secluded island or tuck yourself into a dramatic jungle canopy, these coastal hideaways show just how spectacular Vietnamese luxury can be.
Six Senses Con Dao: Deep isolation and rest
For anyone looking to completely switch off, Six Senses Con Dao is a beautiful choice. The atmosphere here is wonderfully slow and low-key, making it a natural fit for couples, honeymooners, or families who simply want to gather together without any outside distractions. It is also a brilliant alternative if you have visited Vietnam before and want to explore a quieter, more secretive side of the country.
The resort offers plenty of gentle island activities, yet you are only a ten-minute drive from the local town if you want to explore. Inside the villas, the focus is entirely on rest. Lindsay noted that the beds are exceptionally comfortable, offering the kind of deep, restorative sleep that makes it difficult to leave your room in the morning.
Coastal conservation and creative dining
The resort integrates its environmental work seamlessly into your stay, and the absolute highlight is the resident turtle sanctuary.
"The turtle sanctuary is fantastic. If you time your visit correctly, you can watch the tiny hatchlings being released directly into the ocean. We were incredibly lucky to experience this twice. The team gives you all the details about the incubation process, so you feel genuinely connected to what they are achieving there." - Lindsay
The dining is just as memorable. On her first night, Lindsay experienced a truffle-infused set menu that became a lingering highlight of the entire trip. The standout dish was a rich mushroom soup, which the chef presented as a "mushroom cappuccino." The kitchen team is highly innovative and takes genuine pleasure in tailoring menus to exactly what you feel like eating.
To make sure your days flow effortlessly, every villa comes with the services of a personal Guest Experience Manager. Your manager is on hand to coordinate your plans, arrange excursions, or simply ensure your favourite drinks are waiting for you after a day on the beach.
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay: Rocks, jungles, and island vibes
Further up the coast, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay offers a completely different rhythm. This property is excellent for families and couples alike, and it serves as the perfect, rewarding finale if you are finishing a busy, classic itinerary from north to south.
The villas here are built directly into the dramatic rock formations and the edge of the jungle, giving you the feeling of staying in an exclusive, private bubble. While privacy is absolute, the resort has a wonderful, subtle energy to it, particularly as the lamps are lit for dinner. It delivers a perfect balance of active exploration and quiet relaxation.
Hidden details and dramatic views
The property delights in clever, unexpected design touches. This starts at breakfast, where you can order fresh dishes from an à la carte menu or wander through the extensive buffet. In a brilliant move, the fresh and chilled items are kept inside a dedicated, walk-in cold room to keep everything crisp and cool.
For an evening to remember, booking a table at Dining by the Rocks is essential. The restaurant sits high above the bay, offering panoramic views of the water. The walk up involves a fair few stairs, but the resort has thoughtfully placed a rest stop halfway up with fresh water and chilled towels to refresh you before you reach the top.
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Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
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Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
Holistic wellness and community spirit
Wellness is central to everything at Ninh Van Bay. Lindsay took the opportunity to try a traditional Sound Bath for the first time, a beautifully calming experience that sets a relaxed tone for the rest of the day.
The resort is also doing incredible things behind the scenes. The team bottles their own drinking water on-site and runs the only resort-owned solar farm in Vietnam. This farm not only provides clean energy for the property but also helps support the small local villages nearby, showing how luxury can give back to its host community.
As a final, exclusive touch, the resort has a lovely tradition for returning clients. Instead of a standard room number, a bespoke wooden plaque is hand-carved with your name and placed outside your villa door, a small detail that makes returning feel exactly like coming home.