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Set along the 1.8-kilometer Dat Doc Beach, the beachfront 4-bedroom pool villa is the largest and most expensive at Six Senses Con Dao in HCMC. In May, leading U.S. travel magazine Travel + Leisure ranked Con Dao first on its list of "30 of the world's most mysterious islands."
Rates range from VND210 million to VND250 million (US$8,100–9,700) a night, depending on the season. Secluded between mountains and sea, the villa caters to affluent guests seeking privacy and personalized services.
It is around 2,000 square meters in size, has four bedrooms, a living room, shared living areas, an infinity pool, and an outdoor relaxation area. Three bedrooms face the sea; the fourth overlooks the garden. With room for eight adults and six young children, it suits families or groups seeking a private retreat.
Resort representative Ho Anh Vu says the interiors use mainly wood and natural stone to blend with the surroundings, emphasizing sustainable resort living over ostentatious luxury.
Guests have a private butler available 24/7 and a private car pickup from Con Dao Airport, about a 15-minute drive away.
Before checking in, they must sign an environmental protection pledge requiring items purchased outside the resort, except luggage, to be left at reception.
Spacious gardens and a path leading directly to the white-sand beach keep the villa connected to nature. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room, bedrooms, and bathrooms frame views of the sea or mountains.
Set within the buffer zone of Con Dao National Park, the resort offers a quiet setting where guests wake to sunlight, waves, and birdsong.
Truong Thuy Nhu Y, the villa's butler, claims staff remember the smallest details of guests' dining preferences, schedules and daily routines.
"Besides remembering each guest's name, staff know how many sugar cubes they take in their coffee and what kind of pillow they prefer."
Vu attributes the high price to its size, number of bedrooms, private pool, and level of privacy.
Guests can request a private chef, afternoon tea, beachside barbecues, a photographer, or a private cinema setup. The outdoor dining area accommodates private barbecues, and a large kitchen and dining table are available indoors. An expansive lawn stretches out in front of the entrance.
About a 10-minute walk away, the resort's restaurants serve Asian, European, and Vietnamese foods. The beachfront restaurant, specializing in European dishes and seafood, is popular for dinners over wine and the sound of waves.
Trinh Nguyen, 28, a HCMC resident, who has stayed at the villa, said it suits families or groups of friends seeking privacy.
During her three-day, two-night stay, she enjoyed the greenery, sea and a stillness so profound that she "could hear her own breathing."
She also tried spa treatments, visited the sea turtle hatchery and two vegetable gardens, and climbed Voi Mountain at sunrise.
She says the room rates and services are more expensive than elsewhere but worth the experience. The highlight was a candlelit outdoor dinner of barbecued beef, sea urchin, and seafood, served by a private chef and dedicated staff, she says.
Pictured are guests paddling on the sea at the resort.
The resort scores 4 to 5 out of 5 on online booking platforms, with many guests praising its service.
High room rates and lengthy travel times are drawbacks, particularly for visitors from Hanoi and elsewhere in the north.
Travelers without direct flights to Con Dao must take connecting flights, currently primarily through Ho Chi Minh City.
The secluded setting's lack of pollution means guests can see a gazillion stars from their private pool or terrace.
They can also snorkel along coral reefs and explore the island.
The villa has hosted numerous billionaires and international stars. Celebrities who have shared images of the resort include Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie during their 2011 visit to Vietnam, and Edward Norton, star of "The Incredible Hulk."
Details of guests' stays remain confidential to protect their privacy.
The resort also has 49 villas with one to three bedrooms, starting at more than VND24 million (US$930) a night. Its average staffing ratio is six employees per guest.
Overseas guests come mainly from the U.K., the U.S., Germany, and France, according to the resort representative. Vietnamese demand is also growing, particularly from families and travelers seeking a secluded retreat within easy reach of HCMC.
The Con Dao archipelago has 16 islands and spreads over 76 square kilometers. It lies 185 kilometers from Vung Tau, 230 kilometers from downtown HCMC, and 83 kilometers from Can Tho.
Growing transport, tour, accommodation, and dining services have helped raise its profile as a travel destination.
In the first nine months of the year, it received nearly 570,000 visitors, up 4% year-on-year.
International arrivals accounted for 30,000, an increase of nearly 50%.
