Inside Six Senses Vietnam ~ Summer 2014 Edition

Summer, 2014 Xin chào! Welcome to Six Senses Vietnam’s quarterly newsletter on what was, what is, and what will be…

Summer always dances into our lives, greeted by open arms, bikinis, and a fresh coconut on the beach. It is also the perfect time to enjoy a slew of value-adds and family offers while the resorts implement improvements for the next travel season. On-site changes at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay and Evason Ana Mandara will add respectively elevated luxury with the addition of a three bedroom Hilltop Retreat and unabated elegance through remodeling of the Beach restaurant into a one-of-a-kind beach club on the shore of Nha Trang – both set to open by year’s end. Six Senses Con Dao welcomes the promotion of John Allanson to general manager from sister property Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives, as we wish Edouard Grosmangin ‘bon voyage’ as he moves to oversee the opening of Six Senses Zil Pasyon in the Seychelles. Most of us think of spring as the season of rebirth. This summer proves the perfect time for a little reinvention of our own.

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. ~ Maya Angelou

Monica Majors Director of Marketing and Communications - Vietnam

Contemporary artist Paul Frank Wagner teamed with DJ John Cove on Friday, June 13 at Six Senses Con Dao for a live rope painting installation set centrally in the resort’s Marketplace. Guests gathered to watch the installation that used ropes from the local fishing community, highlighted by a single purple rope to represent Six Senses while music and recorded sounds from Paul’s travels intertwined seamlessly.

The performance lasted nearly two hours, after which Paul removed the artwork to complete the second phase; a scaled-down rope painting sold by silent auction in the resort’s gallery. All proceeds from the sale will be used to launch the first professional swimming lessons on Con Son Island in association with Swim Vietnam. According to the Australian-run NGO, “Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in children over the age of one in Vietnam. Vietnam Ministry of Health Statistics state that at least 10 children drown here every day. Many of these lives could be saved if the children knew how to swim. It is described as the "silent epidemic" by many international aid agencies. (e.g. UNICEF, TASC).”

Using the inspiration of the annual turtle nesting migration, Paul created the piece uniquely for the resort and its guests. Paul Frank Wagner is a contemporary artist based in Paris. His art is strongly influenced by what was coined in the 1960's as Arte Povera, or "poor art". His work is based on Guests can bid on the piece directly at the resort or by email. The auction runs through September 30, 2014 and opened with a starting bid of US $3,100.

DJ John Cove (left) and artist Paul Frank Wager (right) pose with ‘Homeward Bound’ art painting in front of Elephant Bar at Six Senses Con Dao.

Click the finished rope painting to watch behind the scenes of ‘Homeward Bound’.

Six Senses Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City Cluster office: PDD Building 162 Pasteur, 2nd Floor, District 1 HCMC, Vietnam.

T: +84 93 8229 611 | Monica Majors : prd-vietnam@sixsenses.com www.sixsenses.com

Inside Six Senses Vietnam | Summer 2014

Adding to the list of exercise and adventure programs on hand at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, is the “Jungle Gym”; a newly-installed training circuit centrally located next to the pétanque and badminton courts. With 11 workout stations, TRX®, and fresh air, guests’ exercise routines have never been more comprehensive while on vacation. The full course should take between 45 to 60 minutes to complete, but guests can also choose to target a small section each day. Wooden signs with helpful exercise depictions assist guests who wish to work out in solitude, or visiting personal trainers can tailor-make a full program.

The “Jungle Gym” is set among lemongrass and kumquat trees, which are distilled into essential oils.

2013 Vietnam Iron Chef Michael “Bao” Huynh leads the culinary team at Evason Ana Mandara. For a limited time, you can partake in a full day of culinary activities that allow you to hone your cooking skills. Begin with a market tour to buy the freshest ingredients for an intimate cooking class. Wind down the day with a delectable course-by-course menu crafted uniquely by Michael.

Offer valid Friday, Saturday, or Sunday through September, and is priced at US$ 100 per person, excluding 10 percent government tax and 5 percent resort service charge.

Executive Chef Michael Bao leads the culinary team at Evason Ana Mandara.

Six Senses Con Dao is pleased to offer guests the world’s most eco-friendly newspaper and magazine amenity, PressReader. All resort guests now have complimentary access to over 2,000 local and international titles available on their laptops, tablets, smartphones and eReaders.

Guests can start reading the latest editions of their favorite newspapers and magazines the moment they arrive. There is no need for guests to set up an account or login. Once the guest connects to the resort’s complimentary WiFi, they can download and launch the PressReader app on personal devices Reading is easy at Six Senses Con Dao with the and instantly select from thousands of titles. The service is available PressReader app. Scan the QR code above while in the throughout the property and downloaded editions can be read offline. resort and be instantly transported.

Six Senses Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City Cluster office: PDD Building 162 Pasteur, 2nd Floor, District 1 HCMC, Vietnam.

T: +84 93 8229 611 | Monica Majors : prd-vietnam@sixsenses.com www.sixsenses.com

Inside Six Senses Vietnam | June through August, 2014 John Allanson joins the award-winning team at Six Senses Con Dao after a successful two-year stint as resident manager at Six Senses Laamu, Maldives. His operational experience in food and beverage and executive management are no less than exemplary, including a history with Rocco Forte hotels at the Lowry Hotel, Manchester. He has worked extensively throughout the United Kingdom as a General Manager, including Macdonald Hotels and Taplow House Hotel.

John’s 20 plus years of all-around experience and executive management are no less than exemplary, including a history with Rocco Forte hotels at the Lowry Hotel, Manchester. He has worked in several luxury hotels throughout the United Kingdom as a general manager since 2007, including Hoole Hall Hotel and Spa, Old Course St Andrews, Macdonald Hotels and the privately-owned Taplow House Hotel.

General Manager John Allanson graduates from sister property in the Maldives.

Newly appointed as resort manager at the beachside hideaway Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Abhijit Ghosh returns to Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.

Most recently with Hilton Hotels & Resorts in India as director of operations, his thorough experience in rooms division operations, namely front office and housekeeping services, made him the ideal candidate to support General Manager Gary Henden. Having served seven years with Six Senses at Six Senses Samui, Thailand; Evason Mai’in, Jordan and the former Soneva Gili in the Maldives, he brings a wealth of management experience from the previous posts.

Abhijit Ghosh describes himself as a, “Results-driven and guest-oriented hotelier with a key emphasis on building up a competitive team.”

The Six Senses Con Dao management is pleased to welcome Fadi Fo’ad Haddad to the team, taking on the role as Spa Manager as of June, 2014.

Fadi has more than 12 years of experience in the Kingdom of Jordan’s resorts and spas. After his studies at University of Jordan in which he attained a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education, he started his career with Marriott Dead Sea Resort & Spa. He joined Six Senses Spas at Evason Ma’in, Jordan in July, 2012 as Lead Spa Therapist and acting Spa Manager. During his leadership the spa was awarded as one of “CNN Travel’s Top 10 Spas in the Middle East, 2013-2014”.

Fadi Haddad ambitiously tackles five star standards and pushes his team’s development.

The Ramsar Convention Secretariat recognized in April, 2014 Con Dao National Park in Ba Ria -Vung Tau Province as one of the 2,203 wetlands of international importance. While this is the first named marine site in Vietnam, it is the sixth wetland area to be recognized, due to 882 floral species, 135 species of animals, and more than 1,300 species of marine creatures calling the archipelago home.

Six Senses Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City Cluster office: PDD Building 162 Pasteur, 2nd Floor, District 1 HCMC, Vietnam.

T: +84 93 8229 611 | Monica Majors : prd-vietnam@sixsenses.com www.sixsenses.com

Inside Six Senses Spas Vietnam | Summer, 2014

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay and Six Senses Con Dao join the brand wide launch of these specialized wellness programs. No other wellness company currently offers yogic programs on this scale – Discover Yoga and Yoga Detox are offered internationally – the basics elements remain the same in all locations (such as the style of yoga practiced, pranayama, and meditation), while the treatment part of each program is more tailored to each location. It was a natural decision prompted by the growing demand from guests visiting Six Senses resorts and partner spas, and our desire to provide results driven authentic programs which provide an element of education leaving guests the ability to continue positive lifestyle changes long after they have left one of our spas. This decision also closely follows our commitment of reconnecting people with themselves.

Book your next yogic retreat at one of our sanctuaries to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.

Immerse yourself in a daily practice of hatha yoga to maintain body and mind balance. Relieve modern day concerns, be they stress, mild depression or muscle stiffness caused by sedentary lifestyles. Develop the ability to control your state of mind and overcome self-limiting thoughts. Keep the body strong, centered, powerful and flexible.

Ideal for complete yoga novices and guests looking for alternative body and mind practice, the Discover Yoga program combines private sessions of hatha yoga, meditation and pranayama (breath regulation) with Six Senses signature treatments.

Daily yoga sessions are available at all Six Senses Spas in Vietnam.

Prices begin at US$ 210 per person, excluding 10 percent tax and 5 percent resort service charge.

The ultimate goal is to help you develop an understanding of how the body engages in each posture, while the yoga master guides your awareness to specific areas and aspects of the practice to enhance the body’s natural intuition.

Cleanse the body and mind through this ancient, yet effective practice.

Increase your energy levels, improve clarity of thought and enjoy a quieter mind.

Rest and improve your digestive system through sensible eating of whole foods.

Boost your immune system.

Ideal for yoga aficionados and guests looking for less punishing detox programs, Yogic Detox combines aspects of asanas (hatha yogic postures), pranayama (breath regulation), meditation and a balanced diet along with sat kriya (movement and breath exercise) to offer a profound experience.

These programs are complemented by a variety of detox and energy treatments.

The ultimate goal is to detoxify the body and mind in a controlled and safe manner.

Both resorts can also tailor detox cuisine to assist with a full detoxification of the internal systems.

Prices begin at US$ 560 per person, excluding 10 percent tax and 5 percent resort service charge.

Six Senses Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City Cluster office: PDD Building 162 Pasteur, 2nd Floor, District 1 HCMC, Vietnam.

T: +84 93 8229 611 | Monica Majors : prd-vietnam@sixsenses.com www.sixsenses.com

Inside Six Senses Spas Vietnam | June through August, 2014 Deepak Rawat has extensive experience in yoga and meditation. Previous teaching posts include internationally-acclaimed destination spas, Ananda in the Himalayas, Shanti Ananda in Mauritius, Constance Ephelia Resort and most recently Hilton Labriz Resort and Spa, both in the Seychelles. Born and raised in Rishikesh in northern India in what is widely hailed as the birthplace and world capital of yoga, Deepak’s passion for yoga and meditation is deeply rooted. He holds a Diploma in Yoga and Naturopathy and his skills and knowledge are widely spread across ayurvedic, western and yogic specialties.

Deepak Rawat escorts guests through spa and wellness journeys at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay.

Kumar joined Six Senses Spa at Six Senses Con Dao as a Yogi and holistic therapist. His in-depth knowledge of Yoga comes from his studies at the Kaivalyadham Institute of Yoga in Pune, where he qualified as a Yogi, as well as other institutes where he learned about different Yoga styles. Before joining Six Senses Spa he worked at the Baros Resort in the Maldives and Ananda in The Himalayas in India. Kumar views Six Senses as an idyllic location for practicing Yoga because of the wonderful nature and tranquility that enables practitioners to achieve peace of mind while concentrating on the exercise and meditation.

Kumar Bhupender leads daily, complimentary Yoga sessions at 8:30am at the Spa.

Phan Thi Quynh Giao is a true veteran of Six Senses Spas, having

worked with Evason Ana Mandara for more than 14 years. She graduated from The College of Vietnamese Traditional Medical Methods and has an Alliance RYT 200hours Teacher Training certification. Because of her Vietnamese pressure point massage, dedication, and exceptional training she is selected as Vietnam’s signature trainer in Six Senses Spas. On-site at Evason Ana Mandara she takes on the roles of assistant spa manager and lead therapist trainer.

Ms. Giao has worked with Six Senses Spas for more than 14 years.

Moreover, she is a local Vietnamese holistic and Reiki practitioner and Acupuncturist.

My experienced successes with treating people physical illness and training people to become professional therapists. Guests can book directly with her at the Spa.

One may only see this sight when dreaming upwards of her own wedding or catching a breath between company presentations. Up to 100 persons may sit in this room at one time, celebrating many an occasion.

Where are you?

The location of last quarter’s resort quiz is: bathroom of a beachfront pool villa at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay.

Six Senses Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City Cluster office: PDD Building 162 Pasteur, 2nd Floor, District 1 HCMC, Vietnam.

T: +84 93 8229 611 | Monica Majors : prd-vietnam@sixsenses.com www.sixsenses.com

Inside Six Senses Vietnam | Summer, 2014

Evason Ana Mandara introduces a new river cruise, set against the sunset and gentleness of the Cai River. Guests embark on a local wooden boat for a romantic journey, passing glimpses of indigenous villages, peaceful countryside life, and spectacular views. Sip on sparkling wine as you slowly slip down the river before an intimate dinner along its edge. A Vietnamese barbecue awaits before returning to the luxury of the resort.

Pricing begins at US$ 69 per person, excluding 10 percent government tax and 5 percent resort service charge.

Sunset cruise on the Cai River.

Returning Conservationists Scott Traeger and Ash Wiscovitch journey to

Ash Wiscovitch has photographed hundreds of species both above and below the water.

Six Senses Con Dao from July 4 to August 27, 2014 to offer hands-on, interactive photography courses throughout the island’s national park and marine protected area. Scott and Ash spend most of their time working with various NGOs and research groups globally in an effort to document and help preserve dwindling biodiversity in environmentally sensitive areas. They were recently in Con Dao working with PEEK through the Bio-diversity group to help educate local children about the diverse ecology on the island, and return a third time from raving guest feedback. In addition to working with local schools and children, both have been busy documenting and recording different species of reptiles, amphibians, and marine species around Con Dao. Workshops begin at US$185 net, per person, across all digital photography platforms, expertise, and interests.

It is with great delight that both Six Senses Spas at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay and Six Senses Con Dao are nominated in the inaugural Wellness Travel Awards from SpaFinder Wellness. Voters have the opportunity to win a US$ 1,000 SpaFinder Wellness gift card.

Over 1,500 nominations were submitted by 26 panelists for the 2014 Global Wellness Travel Awards and the finalists are the nearly 300 properties that received the most votes. We are selected finalists in the country awards section for Vietnam.

Voting is already open and ends September 19. To cast your vote, please visit http://www.spafinder.com/wta. Award winners will be announced at the World Travel Market, November 3-6 in London. We thank you in advance for your dedication and support.

The reception at Six Senses Spa at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. Click above to vote for your favorite spa.

Six Senses Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City Cluster office: PDD Building 162 Pasteur, 2nd Floor, District 1 HCMC, Vietnam.

T: +84 93 8229 611 | Monica Majors : prd-vietnam@sixsenses.com www.sixsenses.com