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2024 Travel Resolutions, Sustainability in Hospitality, Top 5 Places to Visit in Southeast Asia in 2024... A&K Southeast Asia Insider
As we step into another promising year, wedive into the realm of travel resolutions and explore the ever-changing landscape of sustainability in hospitalityin our Q&A session with Six Senses Con Dao’s General Manager, Johannes Steyn. We also unveilour top 5 must-visit destinations in Southeast Asia for this year and beyond.
Elevating Your Journey: 2024 Travel Resolutions
The start of the year is often the best time for travelers to set sights on new horizons and elevate their experiences on their next holiday plans. So, whether your clients are seasoned jetsetters or planning their first escapade, here are some resolutions to make their 2024 the most indulgent and meaningful year of travel yet.
Embrace Sustainable Travel
Through the years, the essence of travel is becoming more than just collecting experiences; it is also about making a positive impact on our planet. In 2024, resolve to choose environmentally conscious accommodations, reuse items when you can, support local communities and opt for excursions that place a premium on sustainability. Imagine savoring a gourmet meal made from locally sourced organic ingredients or staying in an eco-friendly boutique resort surrounded by nature—truly a more memorable and guilt-free trip, isn’t it?
Discover Hidden Gems
While iconic destinations have their allure, make it a resolution to explore hidden paradises that often go unnoticed yet offer a sense of exclusivity. Dive into the charm of lesser-known destinations, where you can immerse in authentic cultures, have a taste of exquisite cuisine and soak in the serenity of untouched landscapes.
Curate Personalized Adventures
Veer away from generic itineraries and make 2024 the year of personalized experiences. Partnering with Akorn to craft tailor-made experiences guarantees that your journey is catered to your unique tastes and preferences. Whether it's a private yacht charter, a bespoke culinary tour or a specialized wellness retreat, investing in custom-crafted excursions ensures that your adventure is as exceptional as you are.
Disconnect Digitally and Reconnect with Nature
In a world dominated by screens, resolve to unplug and be more present. Choose destinations where you can disconnect from the digital noise and reconnect with the beauty of the world around you. Immerse yourself in mindful travel, allowing special moments to unfold without the distractions of technology.
Appreciate Cultural Diversity
Luxury travel in 2024 is not just about lavish accommodations; it is also about cultural enrichment. Make it a resolution to engage with local communities, participate in cultural events and savor the authentic flavors of each destination. By experiencing the local lifestyle, you can create lasting memories and gain a deeper appreciation for different cultures.
Prioritize Self-Care
Lastly, don't forget to prioritize your mental health and overall well-being. Choose destinations that offer rejuvenating spa experiences, yoga retreats and transformative wellness programs. Whether it's enjoying a massage on a secluded beach or aromatherapy in a remote mountain resort, make 2024 the year you take care of yourself.
Contact us to help you bring these travel resolutions to life and provide you with other touring recommendations.
Sustainability in Hospitality: Stories from Six Senses Con Dao’s Johannes Steyn
As conscientious travelers, it is important to embrace sustainability and stay attuned to trends and industry best practices. We chatted with Johannes Steyn, who shares his experience as Six Senses Con Dao’s General Manager, providing more insights on Con Dao, a tiny archipelago off Vietnam’s southern coast. Johannes also discusses how his team engages with the local community and prioritizes eco-friendly practices without compromising on luxurious experiences.
Q: When did you start working at Six Senses Con Dao? How has the resort evolved since you joined?
A: I took on the role of General Manager at Six Senses Con Dao since June 2022. The moment I set foot on this island, its enchanting beauty captivated me, and I consider myself fortunate to live and work in this piece of heaven. Despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, particularly in the luxury travel sector, Six Senses Con Dao has purposefully evolved and remained resilient. Our fantastic team of dedicated international and local hosts has been working tirelessly to ensure our service quality consistently reaches new heights, providing our guests with out-of-the-ordinary experiences. It's been a journey marked by positive changes that have not only elevated Six Senses Con Dao but also added a touch of sophistication and charm to this beautiful island.
Q: Can you provide an overview of the Six Senses Con Dao Resort's unique features and what sets it apart from other five-star resorts?
A: Absolutely! Six Senses Con Dao stands out as a unique haven nestled beside a pristine National Park, providing guests with an unparalleled retreat into nature. What truly distinguishes us is our unwavering commitment to offering an immersive experience that seamlessly blends luxury with environmental consciousness. Set amidst untouched natural surroundings, our resort creates a serene and secluded ambiance, offering guests the chance to reconnect with both nature and themselves. An outstanding feature is our exclusive access to a two-kilometer sandy private beach, taking the sense of escapism to a whole new level. This enhances the feeling of solitude, providing a rare opportunity for guests to unwind and experience paradise before returning to the hustle and bustle of city life.
At Six Senses Con Dao, we take pride in curating an experience that goes beyond traditional luxury. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect, from eco-friendly practices to locally sourced, organic culinary offerings. It's more than just a destination; it's a sanctuary where guests can indulge in opulence while fostering a deep connection with the natural world.
Q: What makes your beach special? When is the best time to visit Six Senses Con Dao?
A: Our private beach offers a unique retreat exclusively for our resident customers, ensuring their privacy and personalized experience. March marks the start of favorable weather, providing an ideal setting for guests to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of our beach.
Q: How would you describe the experience to someone thinking about travelling to Con Dao?
A: Con Dao, just a 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City, boasts a relatively modest yet charming infrastructure. Take, for instance, Six Senses Con Dao, where visitors are captivated by the fusion of nature and luxury evident in our bamboo-designed villas, the breathtaking panoramic views of our two-kilometer sandy beach and our unwavering commitment to sustainability and turtle conservation. The island offers a delightful atmosphere, complemented by a selection of seafood restaurants and shops. Notably, it maintains its magnetic charm without high towers, providing a distinctive and tranquil travel experience for those seeking a serene environment amidst the beauty of Con Dao.
Q: How does the resort engage with the local community and are there any specific community-focused initiatives or partnerships in place?
A: At Six Senses Con Dao, we're deeply committed to our local community. We proudly host an incubation center for green sea turtles in collaboration with the Con Dao National Park Authority. Since 2018, we have released close to 27,000 baby turtles to the ocean, contributing to the biodiversity protection of this charming island. We strive to educate both locals and tourists on sustainable practices while also playing a hands-on role in beach cleanup efforts. Additionally, our team conducts English classes in a dedicated classroom at the accommodation and supports local schools with water filter devices as part of our Water for All programs.
Q: Any exciting plans in 2024 you would like to share?
A: Indeed! This year, Six Senses Con Dao is thrilled to unveil our new spa and wellness center, embodying a holistic approach that intertwines the connection of body and mind, ensuring our guests have a truly memorable holiday experience. This best-in-Asia facility is poised to redefine luxury wellness standards, establishing us as a leader on the global wellness map. The grand opening of the spa reflects our unwavering commitment to providing an oasis of tranquility and rejuvenation, meticulously tailored to the refined tastes of our global audience.
Consult our team of destination experts now for tailor-made experiences in Vietnam.
The allure of Southeast Asia keeps intensifying, and 2024 presents exciting destinations that promise once-in-a-lifetime experiences, rich cultural immersions and breathtaking landscapes. Brace yourselves for a journey through our top 5 places to visit in Southeast Asia this year.
Sumba, Indonesia: Untouched Paradise
Escape the ordinary and venture to Sumba in Indonesia, an island paradise that remains untouched by mass tourism. Sumba’s allure includes unspoiled beaches, traditional villages and stunning savannahs. Step into this hidden gem’s rugged terrain this 2024 and get ready to witness Sumbese ancient rituals and local culture like you have never seen and experienced.
Siem Reap may be renowned as the gateway to the historic wonders of Angkor Wat, but this ancient kingdom has a lot to offer beyond its iconic temples. With their newly built international airport made more modern and accessible, prepare to explore Cambodia like never before. This year, wander through the vibrant Pub Street, savor Khmer food and venture off the beaten path to discover the hidden secrets behind the lost empire’s ruins and trails.
Luang Prabang, Laos: Serenity and Natural Splendor
Nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, Luang Prabang in Laos is a UNESCO-listed town that captivates with its countryside charm and spiritual ambiance. The country’s latest tourism campaign, “Visit Laos Year 2024,” unveils the potential of this gem and invites guests to unearth ancient temples, witness alms-giving ceremonies and bask in the untouched glory of nature.
One of Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, Hoi An is a charming old town that transports you back in time. Aside from its well-preserved ancient architecture, lantern-lit streets and delectable cuisine, Hoi An also showcases unique activities that make traveling to Southeast Asia more exciting this year. Have a taste of the traditional egg coffee, get fitted for express tailor-made garments and make your own traditional Hoi An lantern, just to name a few.
With its palm-fringed beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush jungles, Koh Samui in Thailand is the epitome of tropical paradise. Explore its vibrant nightlife, enjoy world-class cuisine and pamper yourself in exquisite resorts that this haven offers. Whether you seek relaxation on pristine shores or thrilling island adventures, Koh Samui is a natural wonder not to be missed in 2024.
Click the links below for more Akorn Southeast Asia travel ideas or contact us for personalized wellness recommendations in Southeast Asia.
• Bali implements new tourist entry fee of USD 10 (IDR 150,000) per person starting 14 February 2024, which can be paid in advance via https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id or through the Love Bali app
• Vietnam celebrates annual Tet New Year in February
• Thailand launches automatic check-out channels for outbound foreign passengers at Suvarnabhumi Airport
• Thailand extends operating hours until 04:00 for night entertainment venues in major cities
• “Visit Laos Year 2024” tourism campaign kicks off in ASEAN Tourism Forum in Vientiane
• Thailand and China waive visa requirements permanently with a mutual visa-free policy starting 01 March 2024
• Singapore’s Changi Airport ranks fifth busiest in the world in 2023 by seat capacity
• Thailand’s ancient town of Si Thep named as the newest addition to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list
• Vietnam's luxury railway carriage, The Vietage by Anantara, opens new route between Quy Nhon and Nha Trang starting 15 May 2024
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