The team at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay are delighted to hear that nine 100-year-old cycad trees have been recognized as ‘Vietnamese Heritage Trees’ by the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VNCNE), marking the news with a ceremony.
Preserving Natural Treasures
Dating back before the Age of Dinosaurs, cycad trees are on the IUCN Red List of Endangered and Rare Forest Plants, facing extinction due to illegal trade and vanishing tropical forests. Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, secluded within a 12,320-hectare (30,443 acre) natural forest, has a biologically diverse ecosystem that creates a perfect natural habitat for cycad trees to thrive. The resort’s sustainability team worked with VNCNE for three months to conduct an island-wide survey that identified more than 100 cycad trees distributed across the area, among which nine over 100 years old have been certified as Heritage Trees. The oldest – 200 years – is located in the heart of the resort near the Crystal Water Plant. The tallest trunk is 4.2 meters (165 inches) and it is crowned by 40 evergreen pinnate leaves spanning up to 2.5 meters (98 inches).
“This milestone fills us with immense joy, as it validates our ongoing efforts to create a thriving habitat for the cycad tree community on the island. In the future, we aim to preserve their natural habitat, foster their growth, and support other areas in need. As part of this initiative, we will be germinating cycad seeds to donate to relevant regions, enabling the expansion of cycad populations in various locations,” said Emmy Nguyen Thi Thuy, Regional Director of Sustainability for Six Senses.
From Flora to Fauna: A Haven for Stingless Bees
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is also safeguarding other vital members of the ecosystem. In February, Bee Residences were added to the Ninh Van Greens complex, providing a sanctuary for 500,000 stingless bees. With the ongoing efforts of the garden team, the population has doubled over four months, resulting in a high-quality pollination service for the resort’s organic gardens and a remarkable honey harvest of 12 kilograms. Guests at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay enjoy freshly harvested organic fruits for breakfast, topped with golden honey.
Visiting Six Senses Ninh Van Bay for an Eco-learning Extraordinary Experience
Nature enthusiasts will experience unique opportunities to explore the remarkable biodiversity of the bay. August and September mark the third harvest of the newly discovered Six Senses Turmeric Flowers. Guests can join the resort’s resident biologist on a morning hike to witness the blooming of these rare flowers and encounter Black-shanked Douc Langurs. The Ninh Van Greens tour takes guests on a journey of discovery through the biodiversity of the Hon Heo Mountains, learning about the resort’s sustainability resources, visiting the Bee Residences, and capturing a memorable picture with the 200-year-old cycad tree.
With its majestic natural landscape and little light pollution, the resort offers clear oceans during the day and star-filled skies at night. In the coming months, the ‘G-ASTRONOMY’ dining experience will offer a galaxy-inspired menu at The Farmhouse restaurant and nightly astronomy sessions can be booked for families or couples accompanied by cocktails and canapés.
