"Leave it to the Six Senses chain, known for bringing its contemporary eco-luxe designs to off-the-radar spots, to discover this remote island gem and its empty, white sand beaches and coral-rich aquamarine waters. Nestled into the dunes along a mile-long, crescent-shaped beach and backed by verdant hills, this 50-villa retreat literally shields guests from the outside world. Linked by sandy paths and separated by split bamboo partitions, villas are constructed from locally sourced tropical hardwood and topped with dramatically sloping flat roofs. Shaded by indigenous palms and feathery casuarinas, they wow without distracting from the awe-inspiring setting. The villas are light and airy, with walls, ceilings, beds, and vanities made of blond untreated wood; closets fronted by woven bamboo doors and rope handles; and white terrazzo flooring and bathtubs. Other than the oversized lime-green and tangerine cotton pillows on the daybeds, eye-popping color comes from Con Dao itself: To the front, a private saltwater pool seems to melt into the sea’s countless shades of turquoise, and out back, emerald-green, broad-leafed banana trees edge the alfresco rain shower. The sophisticated Vietnamese and Mediterranean fare at the two restaurants—one with upscale "street" food—is organic and locally sourced where possible, while the on-call personal butlers and earnest staff leave guests with little to worry about beyond choosing their next vintage."
