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Since I started travel writing and began exploring various hotel groups and boutique establishments, each vying for the title of eco-friendliness, I quickly found out that there's one that truly distinguishes itself from the rest: Six Senses.
All images courtesy of Faye Bradley | CSP Times.
Following my visit to their flagship location in Yao Noi last year, I embarked on a journey to Six Senses Ninh Van Bay during my recent trip to Vietnam this September. This serene resort, their second property opened two decades ago, beckoned with promises of sustainable luxury.
Reaching this hidden gem was surprisingly convenient in terms of travel time. A quick two-hour flight from Hong Kong via HK Express brought me to the nearby airport. From there, the hotel had a smooth one-hour drive arranged, followed by a pleasant 20-minute boat ride to the secluded property. Despite its remote location, you can catch a glimpse of the faint city lights of Nha Trang across the water when you squint from the island.
First impressions have a lasting impact, and Six Senses Ninh Van Bay left an indelible mark on my memory. As I arrived, scenes of the lush jungle surroundings seamlessly merged with the breathtaking shoreline. One delightful touch that my guest and I particularly savoured was the selection of rejuvenating juice shots, which we relished so much that we even created a video showcasing our "shots" throughout the trip. It was a delightful nod to Six Senses' commitment to wellness, a hallmark that permeates all their properties.
Pictured above: Beachfront Pool Villa
The resort gracefully sprawls across the cove, offering a diverse array of 62 villa options, each complete with its own private pool. These accommodations vary from hilltop settings to rock pool retreats and even overwater bungalows. Among the choices, the most extravagant one, perfect for families, is the Water Reserve. This remarkable villa features a private slide that begins from the villa's second floor, reachable by foot or boat. Regardless of your choice, every accommodation ensures utmost privacy, with some providing direct water or beach access, and all promising breathtaking vistas of the sea and lush jungle surroundings.
The design ethos here closely mirrors that of Yao Noi: a minimalist approach highlighted by warm wooden tones and a commitment to natural color palettes and materials. What truly sets the experience apart is the dedicated Guest Experience Maker (GEM) assigned to every guest. Our GEM, Thai, proved to be an invaluable resource, meticulously crafting our itinerary while remaining flexible to our preferences - because sometimes, guests just want to savour the tranquility. Thai was readily available whenever we needed a buggy to traverse the sprawling resort. It's also worth noting that each guest is provided with a bicycle, conveniently available for personal use right at your accommodation.
Staying in a secluded paradise like Six Senses naturally offers an abundance of activities to choose from. During our time here, we embarked on a memorable langur hiking adventure one morning. This two-hour trek led us deep into the lush wilderness, where we had the privilege of observing wild, endangered monkeys as they emerged for a drink by a tranquil water stream. On another enchanting morning, we set our alarms for 5:30 am to embark on a boat for a sunrise cruise. As the world slowly stirred awake, we lounged on plush onboard mattresses, serenaded by the soothing sounds of crashing waves. With a spread of breakfast bites and steaming coffee in hand, we watched the day unfold in breathtaking fashion.
The afternoons at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay can be as leisurely or as action-packed as you desire. For those seeking activities, there's a wealth of options to explore. We took advantage of the daily complimentary hatha yoga and sound healing meditation sessions, both of which provided a serene escape. We even tried our hand at soap making.
A definite highlight is the Six Senses Spa, where my Vietnamese massage, complete with light cupping, worked wonders for my sleep that night. To gain deeper insight into Six Senses' commitment to sustainability, the Earth Lab tour is a must. This immersive experience showcases everything, from the onsite farm that supplies vegetables, fruits, herbs, and even honey from the "bee villas," to the glass repurposing programme and the innovative water filtration system. Additional activities abound, ranging from outdoor movie nights beneath the stars to kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and captivating cooking classes. Families travelling with children can embrace the tech-free kids' club, offering a plethora of adventures to keep young ones engaged.
When it comes to culinary delights, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay excels, drawing extensively from its own farm. The resort features distinct dining venues, each thoughtfully placed in settings that reflect their namesake. Dining by the Bay offers a picturesque beachfront setting and serves up a delectable array of Western and Asian dishes. It's also the place to enjoy the daily breakfast buffet, where guests are invited to gather fresh eggs from the "chicken villa." Dining by the Pool is perfect for leisurely lunches and light bites, making it an ideal spot to unwind. Drinks by the Bay and Drinks by the Pool provide refreshing beverages, the perfect companions for lazy days by the water.
For those seeking an indulgent culinary experience, a visit to Dining by the Rocks is a must. Perched atop a beautiful hill, reachable by a brief 100-step climb, this restaurant places prime meats and seafood at the forefront. Our lobster-themed menu here was nothing short of extraordinary, and the panoramic bay views from this vantage point added a memorable touch to our trip. And, for those with a sweet tooth, don't forget the daily treat of free ice cream, available from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Additionally, the resort offers enticing destination dining options upon request, including the farmhouse menu, in-villa barbecue, grandma's kitchen, and a wine cave menu, catering to a range of culinary desires.
For those seeking a deeper wellness journey, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay offers a range of purposeful retreats, such as sleep, fitness, detox, and yoga programmes.
The spa is a sanctuary of well-being, featuring seven treatment rooms, while the fitness centre, outdoor jungle gym, yoga pavilion, and meditation sala provide ample opportunities for rejuvenation and self-care.
At Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, time takes on a gentler pace, allowing for a complete body and soul reset. The relaxed, barefoot lifestyle becomes evident from the very moment you arrive, shedding away any worries or stresses. Whether you're here with family, friends, your significant other, or as a solo traveller, Six Senses guarantees a profoundly comfortable and restorative experience.
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Website: sixsenses.com/en/resorts/ninh-van-bay | Phone: +84 258 3524 268 | Visit: Ninh Vân, Ninh Hòa, Khánh Hòa, Vietnam | Email: reservations-ninhvan@sixsenses.com | Instagram: @SixSensesNinhVanBay | Facebook: @SixSensesNinhVanBay