A Walk Through The Wild: What Nature Teaches Us At Every Step

On Con Dao, where forest trails wind into the sea and the horizon melts into turquoise, the island teaches us in ways books cannot. At Six Senses Con Dao, we believe sustainability is not just a principle – it’s an experience. Each walk through the wild reminds us that growth, creativity, and resilience are woven into every part of the natural world. 

Every day on Con Dao carries lessons from the natural world. From the laughter of children discovering new skills, to the quiet craft of reusing what others might discard, to the ancient rhythm of sea turtles returning to the ocean – each moment offers a glimpse into the balance of nature and the choices that protect it. 

Grow With Six Senses: Nurturing Young Explorers     

Children often see what adults forget to notice: the curve of a seashell, the laughter in the breeze, the miracle of a sprouting seed. In our Grow With Six Senses program, we channel that wonder into hands-on activities where the island becomes a classroom.  

From shaping dough for Vietnamese treats to planting herbs in the organic garden, every moment is designed to spark curiosity and responsibility. In the organic garden, small hands press seeds into the soil, learning that care today becomes nourishment tomorrow. Indoors, children can shape dough into traditional Vietnamese treats, connecting with culture while seeing how local ingredients support healthy living. This teaches not only dexterity, but also the principle of circularity to see what might seem like waste can take on new life. 

Soap Making Workshop: Waste Becomes Resource      

In our Earth Lab, guests discover one of nature’s simplest truths: nothing is wasted, everything transforms. Our recycled kitchen oil are carefully cleaned, melted, and reshaped, often into small sea turtles, symbolic of the species we help protect on our beaches.  

The Soap Making Workshop is more than a creative activity; it is a tangible lesson in circularity. Guests see, touch, and take home a reminder that what we often dismiss as “waste” can carry new purpose. It’s sustainability made visible, wrapped in the scent of lavender, lemongrass, or local herbs.  

Turtle Releasing: Hope at the Water’s Edge      

Few moments are as humbling as watching a hatchling take its first steps toward the sea. Since 2018, through our Let’s Get Cracking partnership with Con Dao National Park, we safeguard eggs laid on our beach, shielding them from poaching and predators.  

When the hatchlings emerge, guests are invited to witness at a respectful distance the fragile, determined journey that has unfolded for millions of years. Each baby turtle reaching the ocean is a symbol of resilience, a reminder that collective care can turn vulnerability into survival, and survival into hope for generations to come.

From the playful energy of a child planting seeds, to the quiet creativity of turning soap into new shapes, to the timeless sight of turtles returning to the sea nature teaches us that every step matters. At Six Senses Con Dao, we walk alongside these lessons, inviting every guest to slow down, notice, and join in the rhythm of care. Because when we walk through the wild with open eyes, we discover that sustainability is not a destination it’s a way of moving through the world, step by mindful step. 

Figures as of June 30, 2024

Goodbye Plastic: How Every Guest Choice Shapes A Cleaner Ocean

Every wave tells a story, but too often, it carries traces of plastic that don’t belong. At Six Senses Con Dao, we believe every guest has the power to help rewrite that story. From choosing reusable bottles to saying no to single-use plastics, small decisions made here ripple far beyond the shore—shaping a cleaner ocean for generations to come. 

From the turquoise waters of Con Dao to remote shores around the world, our oceans are home to vibrant ecosystems — coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and nesting beaches for endangered species. Yet, even in protected areas, ocean currents can carry plastic waste from far away, threatening marine life and coastal habitats. 

Every year, over 11 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans, harming marine animals, breaking down into microplastics that enter the food chain, and disrupting ecosystems. Every traveler has the power to make a difference. By reducing single-use plastics, you not only help protect fragile environments but also support the communities that depend on them. Here are some mindful practices to consider wherever your journey takes you: 

Travel Light on the Planet    

Whenever possible, choose low-impact ways to get around — trains, buses, shared shuttles, cycling, or simply walking. A scenic walk isn’t just good for the planet, it slows your pace and lets you truly connect with the land — from the scent of wildflowers on a coastal path to the chatter of a local market. For short distances, swapping a taxi ride for a stroll or bike ride can significantly cut your carbon footprint. And in places like Côn Đảo, where roads hug the sea and wind through lush forest, the journey becomes just as rewarding as the destination.

Refill, Don’t Replace     

Instead of buying single-use plastic water bottles, carry a durable, reusable one throughout your journey. Many destinations — including eco-conscious resorts — offer filtered water refill stations or safe drinking taps. Each time you refill, you’re preventing another plastic bottle from entering the waste stream, where it could take hundreds of years to decompose.  

At Six Senses Con Dao, filtered water is served in reusable glass bottles for all guests — a simple shift that helped prevent 85,425 plastic bottles from being used in 2024 alone. In coastal areas like Con Dao, it’s not just a matter of waste reduction — it’s a direct step toward keeping plastic from drifting into the ocean, where it harms sea turtles, seabirds, and other marine life. 

Skip the Straw      

A plastic straw may be used for just 15 minutes, yet it can linger in the environment for centuries. Instead, choose to sip directly from your glass or ask for eco-friendly alternatives. At Six Senses Con Dao, we offer straws made from natural materials like bamboo and grass — fully compostable, chemical-free, and made by local artisans. 

Choosing these not only eliminates plastic waste but also supports the community’s traditional craftsmanship. Imagine enjoying a fresh passionfruit juice or coconut water on the beach, knowing that the straw in your drink will return harmlessly to the earth. 

Support Plastic-Free Packaging       

Choose vendors, markets, and restaurants that use biodegradable, compostable, or reusable packaging. In Vietnam and many coastal regions, you might find fruit wrapped in banana leaves, fish sold in woven baskets, or snacks served in paper rather than plastic. By actively supporting these businesses, you encourage the local economy to invest in eco-friendly alternatives — and your purchase becomes a small vote for a cleaner planet. 

Dispose of Waste Responsibly       

Always seek out designated bins and follow local recycling guidelines, even if it means holding onto your waste until you find the right place. Seemingly harmless items — a straw, a food wrapper, or even a single bottle cap — can cause injury or death to marine animals if they end up in the ocean. By making responsible disposal a habit, you help ensure your travels leave no harmful trace. 

Support Local Businesses and Communities      

Every choice to go local weaves you into the fabric of your destination. Relish seasonal flavors from nearby farms or taste the day’s catch brought in by local fishers. Wander through bustling markets and artisan workshops, where every handcrafted piece tells a story. Let local guides lead you beyond the obvious, sharing traditions, folklore, and places close to their hearts. And in every encounter, carry respect—learn a greeting, observe customs, and embrace the culture that welcomes you with open arms. 

Every journey leaves a trace—on the places we visit, the people we meet, and the planet we share. By traveling mindfully, choosing local connections, and treading lightly, we become part of something far greater than ourselves. Whether it’s savoring a market’s morning bustle, refilling a glass water bottle, or pausing to greet a neighbor in their own language, each small action adds to a story of care and respect. The beauty of travel isn’t just in the places we see, but in the positive impact we leave behind. 

Figures as of June 30, 2024

A Day In The Life Of Turtle Guardians

The island’s natural rhythms guide each day, and among its most cherished residents are the endangered green sea turtles, whose nesting season transforms the beaches into a living sanctuary. From tracking nests at dawn to witnessing the first steps of hatchlings, every moment offers a glimpse into the delicate balance of nature and the dedication of the team caring for it. 

At Six Senses Con Dao, every moment is guided by a deep respect for nature. Among the island’s most treasured residents are the endangered green sea turtles, whose annual nesting season transforms the beaches into bustling nurseries of life. Protecting these turtles is not only part of the resort’s sustainability commitment – it’s a living expression of its values, shared with guests who join in caring for the island. 

Dawn Whispers Along the Shore    

Before the first rays of sunlight touch the shore, the team begins their early patrol along the beach. They carefully check for any turtles or marine creatures that may be stranded or in need of help, while also keeping the shoreline clean of litter. Every nest is carefully allocated to the Let’s Get Cracking incubation center, where conditions can be closely monitored for optimal hatching. The resort works closely with Con Dao National Park to receive newly laid eggs from other nesting sites, ensuring that more hatchlings have the best chance to survive. Delicate tracks, mounds of sand, or small disturbances in the dunes tell the story of a mother turtle’s night journey, and each nest is treated with care to ensure the next generation thrives. 

Morning with Care Nurturing Turtle Life     

In the quiet safety of the Turtle Incubation Center, the team tends to the eggs with meticulous care. Each nest is monitored closely, as temperature and humidity play a crucial role in determining whether hatchlings will be male or female — cooler sands produce males, while warmer sands produce females. Over a period of 40–86 days, life slowly stirs beneath the protective sand, hidden from view but growing stronger with each passing day. 

In addition to monitoring nests laid on the resort’s beaches, the team also receives eggs from other nesting sites in collaboration with Côn Đảo National Park. These transferred eggs are carefully placed in optimal conditions within the Incubation Center, ensuring the highest chance of survival for hatchlings. Every morning, the team checks each nest, adjusting shading, moisture, or sand placement as needed to keep the eggs safe and undisturbed. 

Behind these efforts lies a delicate balance of nature — the nurturing of the next generation of endangered green sea turtles, patiently cared for until the day they will make their extraordinary journey to the ocean. 

Afternoon Discovery Turtle Talks and Insights      

Guests have the chance to step into the world of turtle conservation during the resort’s Turtle Talks. They learn not only about the life cycle of turtles but also about the many challenges these creatures face — from plastic pollution drifting across oceans to the impacts of climate change on nesting sites. The talks highlight the meticulous care and dedication of the team, from monitoring nests at the Let’s Get Cracking incubation center to collaborating with Côn Đảo National Park to receive eggs from other nesting sites. Every story shared, every question asked, and every observation made becomes part of the turtles’ story, and part of the island’s ongoing conservation journey. 

Evening Journey Witnessing Hatchlings at Sea       

As the sun dips toward the horizon, tiny heads emerge from the sand. Instinct guides them to the glimmering ocean, a perilous journey in which only 1 in 1,000 hatchlings survives to adulthood. They are guided carefully by the team, ensuring a safe passage past predators and obstacles. Guests watch in quiet awe, witnessing one of nature’s most magical moments — a living reminder of resilience, hope, and continuity. 

Green sea turtles are more than just a species to protect; they are a living link between past, present, and future. Every nest safeguarded, every hatchling released, and every guest inspired contributes to the health of the oceans and the legacy of Con Dao. Here, where the ocean whispers, everyone listens — and answers back with care. 

Figures as of June 30, 2024

Endangered Sea Turtles Choose Six Senses Con Dao to Lay Eggs

July 27th, 2023 – Six Senses Con Dao has recently been chosen as the perfect location for endangered green sea turtle mothers to lay their eggs. These eggs are now in incubation at the resort’s “Lets Get Cracking” center.

Six Senses Con Dao’s private beach continues to be a preferred nesting ground for endangered green sea turtles. Despite their tendency to choose secluded beaches away from human activity, these majestic creatures have been laying their eggs at the resort beach in recent weeks, highlighting the pristine nature of the Resort’s beach and surrounding National Park protected environment. 

Over the past month, several mother green sea turtles have chosen Six Senses Con Dao’s resort beach as their nesting site. On the 25th of June, one mother laid 116 eggs in front of Villa 307 at the resort beaches Southern end, followed by another mother on the 13th of July who laid 129 eggs right in front of By The Beach Restaurant and the main swimming pool and experiences center. Most recently, on the morning of the 22nd of July, another mother laid 100 eggs on the beach in front of Villa 111. These clutches of eggs are expected to hatch between late August and the end of September, hopefully resulting in over 300 baby green sea turtles making their way into the sea directly from the resort beach. 

To ensure the protection and survival of these delicate eggs, Six Senses Con Dao operates the “Let’s Get Cracking” incubation center. This facility has witnessed an impressive 90% successful hatch rate for eggs laid both on the resort beach and throughout the Con Dao archipelago. Our hosts have achieved this level of success – around double the natural hatching rate – due to their careful observation and learnings to provide the perfect incubation conditions for green sea turtle eggs. Guests are invited to participate in the ethical release of baby sea turtles at the completion of their incubation period. Witnessing these incredible creatures first dash across the sandy beach into the waiting waves is often described as a life-long memory. 

Currently, there are 986 eggs in incubation at the “Let’s Get Cracking” center including those laid at the resort’s beach and those laid on beaches across the Con Dao archipelago. Under a partnership with the local National Park Authority eggs are transferred to the resort’s care to maximize the chances of survival. In 2023 alone, 1,430 baby turtles have been released from the resort’s beach, contributing to a total of 20,860 turtles released since the inception of the program in 2018. The resort provides a real-time release tracker on their website, allowing visitors and conservation enthusiasts to stay updated on the progress and impact of their efforts. You can view the current incubation and release status for 2023 at Let’s Get Cracking Tracker. Typically, eggs will hatch between 50-60 days after they are laid.  

Six Senses Con Dao’s resort beach has become a haven for mother green sea turtles seeking a safe place to lay their eggs and a safe incubation process achieving remarkable success rates. The resort’s unique location surrounded by land and marine National Parks and the resort’s sustainable design and construction continue to provide an incredible harmony between nature and the business operations. The success of the “Let’s Get Cracking” incubation center and continued successes in the conservation of the local green sea turtle populations continues to be a source of pride for our hosts and a remarkable experience for guests while having a positive impact on our environment for generations to come. 

June sees Conservation Success Six Senses Con Dao's Let's Get Cracking Turtle Conservation Center

July 6th, 2023 –  Six Senses Con Dao’s “Let’s Get Cracking” endangered Green Sea Turtle conservation program had a fantastic month in June with 8 clutches released at an outstanding 95.64% success rate.

Six Senses Con Dao deeply believes in preserving the harmony between man and nature, fostering a deep connection with the vibrant life that surrounds us. One of the ways this is upheld is through the “Let’s Get Cracking” turtle conservation center, dedicated to the preservation of the endangered majestic Green Sea Turtles. 

This program has seen great success in the 5 years since its inception with 20,648 baby green sea turtles being released to date. June 2023 saw further success with 571 baby turtles embarking on their maiden voyage into the pristine ocean directly from the resort’s beach. Even more incredible, the successful hatching rate in June was a fantastic 95.64%. This is an incredible figure for sure as we aim to repeat or improve upon the successful hatching rates of 2021 and 2022 which saw rates around 90%. These figures are indeed fantastic, standing around double the naturally occurring rates. The success comes from our hosts carefully studying and monitoring incubation conditions throughout the day continually increasing the odds that every single egg survives. 

Our hosts and guests alike were able to share in the magic of these precious moments as 8 separate clutches completed their incubation under the careful 24/7 supervision of our hosts. Two clutches even saw every single hatchling – all 71 on the 10th of June and 68 on the 21st of June – successfully make their way to the sea. These perfect moments of nature’s cycle were a testament to life’s resilience and a reward for our conservation endeavors.  

Recently, two mother turtles chose the serene beachfront of Six Senses Con Dao to lay their clutches of precious eggs (numbering 116 and 129 eggs laid on the 25th of June and 13th of July respectively). These, along with 882 eggs collected by the National Park Authority are now under our team’s expert care in incubation and we’re hoping for more incredibly successful hatching successes in the coming months. You can view our real time turtle conservation tracker here where we update releases daily.  

At Six Senses Con Dao, we encourage our guests to immerse themselves in our conservation efforts. Participation in these releases is a transformative experience many guests describe as a highlight of their stay. The sight of these vulnerable hatchlings making their first journey into the vast ocean is a poignant reminder of the delicate balance of life and our role in preserving it. 

As we revel in these conservation successes, we are also eagerly looking forward to the continuing nesting season. The beaches of Con Dao will be a haven for laying turtles until November, promising a flurry of activity at our turtle conservation center until December, or perhaps even early January. 

You can learn more about the Let’s Get Cracking turtle conservation center on our FAQs page or track our conservation efforts center in real time on our Tracker page here.

Let's Get Cracking at Six Senses Con Dao Releases First Green Sea Turtles of 2023

May 25th, 2023 –  Six Senses Con Dao’s “Let’s Get Cracking” endangered Green Sea Turtle conservation program saw the first turtles released for the 2023 season on the 20th and 21st of May.

Did you know that Green Sea Turtles are an endangered species? It’s unfortunate that these gentle creatures are struggling to survive due to various human activities. Thankfully, there are organizations working hard to protect them, one of which is the Let’s Get Cracking Turtle Incubation center at Six Senses Con Dao. In 2022, the center released a record 6,929 Green Sea Turtles, and this year, it’s hoped we will see even better numbers. On the weekend of the 20th and 21st of May we saw the first turtles of 2023 released from the resort’s beach. 

Since 1991, due to efforts of the Con Dao National Park Authority Con Dao has become the leading location for turtle conservation in Southeast Asia (as reported by Tuoi Tre newspaper – Vietnamese language), and the Let’s Get Cracking incubation center at Six Senses Con Dao is an innovative partnership that has helped to increase the effectiveness of these efforts. The center protects turtle eggs from numerous natural risks such as flooding, predators, and poachers. Further optimization of incubation conditions based on careful scientific observation and improvement successful hatching rates at the center have reached around 90%. This is around three times higher than what occurs naturally. In the last five years, Let’s Get Cracking has released more than 19,000 baby turtles. It’s no wonder that it’s fast becoming a tourist attraction for many guests at the resort. 

 

Guests staying at Six Senses Con Dao are welcome to witness the release of turtles when they hatch. Imagine the incredible experience of seeing cute, baby turtles making their way across the beach and into the waters for the first time. This is indeed a remarkable moment, and guests lucky enough to witness it say it’s a life-long memory. It’s an opportunity to contribute to turtle conservation while enjoying a luxurious stay at this ocean front paradise. 

Currently, two more clutches of 170 eggs are in incubation at the Let’s Get Cracking center. They were laid on the 14th and 15th of April, respectively, with an estimated hatch date in Mid-June. It’s expected that the turtle hatching season will continue from May to December. It’s fantastic to know that the Let’s Get Cracking center is actively working hard to help these creatures have a fighting chance.  

 

Protecting Green Sea Turtles is essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Six Senses Con Dao’s “Let’s Get Cracking” Turtle Incubation Center is doing an excellent job in helping this endangered species by providing a safe spot for turtle eggs to hatch. The record-breaking number of turtles released last year and the predicted number this year shows the significant contributions this center is making. The best part is that guests can participate in turtle releases and add to this wonderful experience. If you’re lucky on your next trip you too can get involved! 

“Let’s Get Cracking” Incubation Center at Six Senses Con Dao

Green Sea Turtles Lay First Eggs Of 2023

April 19th, 2023 – The first 114 endangered Green Sea Turtle eggs have arrived at Six Senses Con Dao.

Six Senses Con Dao is thrilled to announce the start of the new Green Sea Turtle conservation season, as 114 regular VVIP guests have recently checked into our ‘Let’s Get Cracking’ incubation center. This week marked the arrival of the first Green Sea Turtle eggs of the season at the resort. A total of 114 eggs were laid on March 18th and are now mindfully in incubation, with an estimated hatching period of approximately 60 days.

If you would like to learn more about our Green Sea Turtle conservation efforts or witness the season’s first hatchlings to the world, please feel free to contact our reservations team at your convenience.

Clutch 1 2023 Six Senses Con Dao Green Sea Turtle Conservation Center

Through a partnership with the Con Dao National Parks, Six Senses Con Dao is proud to participate in a program aimed at creating a safe and optimal incubation environment for endangered Green Sea Turtles. In the coming months, the resort will continue to host many more clutches of turtle eggs, with the goal of elevating recent conservation efforts to new heights in 2023.

Our recent conservation efforts have yielded impressive results, with hatch and successful release rates consistently hovering around 90% over the past two years. We are thrilled to have successfully released a record-breaking 6,929 turtles into the resort’s turquoise waters in 2022.

Our team ensuring the best possible incubation environment for every single egg.

As part of Six Senses Con Dao’s broad sustainability mission, we are committed to incorporating sustainable practices across all areas of our operations. Some examples of our sustainability initiatives include, but are not limited to:

• An extensive on-site organic garden is implemented at the resort, with over 30 different types of plants, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs. A closed-loop system is maintained, in which organic food scraps are repurposed as valuable compost and used to enrich the garden’s nutrient-rich soil. Moreover, an on-site greywater treatment system has also been installed, enabling the treatment and reuse of greywater for landscape irrigation.

• An on-site FDA approved water treatment plant is used to produce all still and sparkling mineral drinking water, which is then contained in reusable glass bottles, thereby eliminating 10,000 plastic bottles every month from landfill.

• Recycled glass bottles have been used to re-tile resort pathways, swimming pools, and back-of-house areas. In 2021, over 300 wine bottles were repurposed to create long-lasting and beautiful Terrazzo flooring, effectively reducing glass waste.

Learn more about Six Senses Con Dao’s comprehensive sustainability programs at: www.sixsensescondao.com/sustainability/

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Six Senses Con Dao Clean Surrounding Areas On World Wildlife Day

March 3, 2023 – On the occasion of World Wildlife Day Six Senses Con Dao staff took to the resort’s surrounding forests to clean up the beautiful house hike path rising 140m above sea level into the forests that surround our location. Our team collected trash and tidied the path and surrounds for our friendly wildlife neighbours including the endemic Con Dao long-tailed Macaque Monkeys and many other species. 

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is a Sanskrit phrase found in the Vedic tradition, meaning all the living things on mother earth are one family. Based on this belief creating a healthier and cleaner environment for our unique and lovely wildlife and fauna stands to benefit us all. 

Six Senses Con Dao Celebrates World Wildlife Day With Record Breaking Conservation Efforts

March 3, 2023 – 6,929 baby turtles successfully hatched and released at a success rate rising to an incredible 90% in 2022.

World Wildlife Day falls on the 3rd of March in commemoration of the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973. At Six Senses Con Dao, this day is especially significant as it provides us a perfect chance to appreciate and celebrate the conservation journey that brings our guests, hosts and community so much excitement, purpose, and joy. 

Among the many wonderful guests who choose to stay with us at Six Senses Con Dao one particular group of guests stands out! We feel blessed that our pristine island environment is one of the few inhabited places on earth that highly picky Green Sea Turtle mothers select to lay their eggs. On top of this, we are proud to have established the “Let’s Get Cracking” incubation center – our Green Sea Turtle hatching program conducted in partnership with the Con Dao National Park authorities. 

Incredibly 2022 saw a record 6,929 baby turtles successfully hatched and released and our success rate rose to an incredible 90%. This brings the program’s total to 18,488 little sea turtles entering the Con Dao archipelago’s warm waters in the last 5 years.

Our team has increased the survival rate from between 60-80% in the early years through ongoing first-hand experience and learning. Some of the areas we have improved include the positioning of eggs, improvement of sand quality, naturally managing climate conditions, and enhanced vegetation providing shade and protection to incubating eggs.

We encourage our human guests to participate in the ethical hatchling release of our turtle guests – an experience frequently described as life-changing. In 2023 we are looking forward to meeting and farewelling a whole thousand more baby green sea turtles between April and October.

Hello Turtle
Lets Get Cracking
Collecting Turtle Eggs
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Swimming Turtles

Alongside our conservation programs sits Six Senses Con Dao’s broad sustainability mission, touching many areas of our resort’s operations including but not limited to:

• Our extensive organic garden grows more than 30 types of plants including fruits, vegetables and herbs. Organic food scraps are turned into valuable compost which is given back to the garden in form of soil. We treat our greywater on-site and reuse it for irrigation in our landscape.

• We produce still and sparkling mineral drinking water on site with our reverse osmosis plan. This is bottled in reusable glass bottles on site, eliminating 10,000 plastic bottles every month from landfill.

• Resort pathways, swimming pools, and back of house areas have been retiled using our recycled glass bottle plant. In 2021, we turned more than 300 wine bottles into long-lasting and beautiful Terrazzo flooring while eliminating glass waste.

Read more on our full sustainability programs at: www.sixsensescondao.com/sustainability/

Organic Garden-min
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