Six Senses Con Dao Wins HICAP Sustainable Hotel Award for Positive Community Impact - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Six Senses Con Dao has been awarded the Positive Community Impact Award at the 2025 HICAP Sustainable Hotel Awards, honoring its long-term commitment to supporting local communities and protecting both culture and environment. The judges praised the resort for its holistic approach to sustainability and its model of responsible tourism that benefits both the island and its people.

Since 2007, the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) has recognized only four hotels each year for exemplary sustainability practices. Winners demonstrate tangible, replicable initiatives that advance sustainable development across the region.

A model of purposeful tourism

“Sustainability for Six Senses has never been a standalone initiative, but a way of being,” said Jeff Smith, Vice President of Sustainability, Six Senses. “This recognition reflects the indelible bond between Six Senses Con Dao and its community. The team continues to show how tourism, when guided by care and intention, can have a genuine, meaningful impact.”

Every Six Senses property maintains a dedicated Sustainability Fund, channeling 0.5% of monthly revenue into local projects. At Con Dao, additional contributions come from 50% of in-house water sales, 100% of mascot toy sales, and guest donations, ensuring direct community benefit.

Measurable community impact

Among its most impactful programs, the Water for All initiative provides clean drinking water to schools, hospitals, and essential facilities. Eleven purification systems have been installed across the island, benefiting over 3,100 residents year-round.

Environmental action continues through the 2R Station Project, launched with the Youth Union of Con Dao and WWF Vietnam, which has already diverted over 440 kilograms of waste from the environment while encouraging circular-economy practices.

Education and empowerment are also central pillars: free English classes have supported more than 150 children since 2017, while partnerships with local social enterprises create inclusive opportunities for disadvantaged artisans through the Take Wing Center. Guests can purchase handwoven brocade turtles, crafted by people with special needs, with proceeds funding conservation and community projects.

Expanding the definition of wellness

The resort has pioneered Vietnam’s first hotel-led Menstrual Health Awareness & Sustainability Initiative, offering reusable products and workshops that promote sustainable living and empower young women. In collaboration with Laws for Paws Vietnam, its Animal Welfare Initiative has provided essential veterinary care for the island’s dogs and cats, extending compassion beyond people and nature.

“We are delighted to receive this award, which reflects the dedication of our team, partners, and guests to creating lasting positive impact in Con Dao,” said Erkaiym (Aika) Tabyldieva, Sustainability Manager at Six Senses Con Dao. “It acknowledges that true sustainability includes education, health, cultural preservation, and empowerment.”

Continuing a legacy of leadership

Six Senses Con Dao joins a distinguished line of previous Six Senses winners at HICAP, including Six Senses Ninh Van Bay (2024), Six Senses Vana (2023), Six Senses Yao Noi (2020 and 2009), Six Senses Krabey Island (2019), and Six Senses Fiji (2018).

At Six Senses Con Dao, sustainability and hospitality go hand in hand—creating a living example of how tourism can protect ecosystems, uplift communities, and celebrate the harmony between people and place.

Image Credit: © Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas