With nearly two decades of experience in wellness hospitality, Darika Hom-uem, director of spa & wellness at Six Senses Con Dao, has forged a career in some of the most inspiring destinations, from the desert landscapes of the UAE, at the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah and Qasr Al Sahrab by Anantara, to the serene beaches of the Maldives at Anantara Kihavah, Fairmont Amman Jordan, and more. She also served as director of spa and wellness, APAC at Outrigger Resorts, where she opened Outrigger Konotta in the Maldives and overseeing spa operations across the Asia-Pacific region. “What continues to drive me is the belief that wellness is far more than treatments,” says Hom-uem. “It’s about creating spaces and moments where people can truly reconnect with themselves.” Here, she shares her favorite tips for staying well.
What does wellness mean to you?
To me, wellness is the art of living in alignment with nature, with purpose, and with grace. It is about being fully present in the moment—aware of how we move, breathe, think, and connect. At Six Senses Con Dao, wellness is a living philosophy. It’s not confined to the walls of the spa; it is woven into the sea breeze, the organic gardens, the sound of the waves, and the sincerity of our team. True wellness is when your inner world feels in harmony with the outer world.
What are your favorite things to do to maintain your personal wellbeing?
Living on this pristine island has gently guided me back to what truly matters: simplicity, presence, and connection with nature. Each morning, I begin with mindful movement—sometimes flowing through yoga, other times taking a quiet walk along the beach or by the serene lake in Con Dao. These moments help me tune in to the rhythm of my body and the natural world around me. I also find comfort in starting the day with a warm cup of herbal tea, often made from local plants known for their calming and grounding properties. One of my favorite daily rituals is simply standing by the ocean, breathing deeply, and letting the sound of the waves quiet the mind. These small, intentional acts nourish me more than anything else—they anchor me in the present and bring a deep sense of joy and clarity that lasts throughout the day.
Is there a specific fitness activity that you love and why?
Yoga continues to be my anchor—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It’s more than a practice for me; it’s a way of remembering who I am beneath the layers of distraction. At Six Senses Con Dao, the experience is even more powerful because the natural world becomes part of the practice. We move with the ocean’s rhythm, inhale the clean sea breeze, and listen to the rustle of palm trees as we enter stillness. Yoga here is not just movement—it’s communion.
What is your favorite healthy food, and do you have a favorite way of preparing it?
Phở is my ultimate comfort food—and yes, it can be wonderfully healthy when made with intention. A clear, aromatic broth simmered slowly with star anise, cinnamon, ginger, and onion becomes the soul of the dish. I like to keep it light by using a vegetable or chicken-based broth, then layering in fresh herbs like Thai basil, cilantro, and spring onion.
Instead of heavy cuts of meat, I often go for tofu or thin slices of free-range chicken, and always plenty of greens—morning glory, bean sprouts, or even wild island herbs when they’re in season. A squeeze of lime, a hint of chili, and you have a bowl that’s not just nourishing, but deeply grounding. Phở is more than just a meal—it’s a warm embrace, a moment of pause, and a reminder that food can be both healing and joyful when prepared with care.
What is your favorite healthy beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), and do you haveany insider tips for preparing it?
Our signature lemongrass and pandan tea is my daily companion. I start by gently bruising fresh lemongrass stalks to release their essential oils, then simmer them slowly with ribbons of pandan leaf. The aroma alone is enough to quiet the mind. This tea soothes the nervous system, aids digestion, and helps cool the body—especially in a tropical climate. My favorite way to enjoy it is slightly chilled, poured over ice with a thin slice of lime. It’s simple, aromatic, and deeply calming—a moment of stillness in a cup.
What is your greatest wellness achievement?
Creating a wellness sanctuary at Six Senses Con Dao that feels genuinely alive—with intention, heart, and soul. For me, it’s not just about curating a beautiful spa menu or offering the latest modalities. It’s about holding space for people to slow down, to feel safe, and to reconnect—with nature, with themselves, and with what truly matters. One of the achievements I’m most proud of is cultivating a team that lives this philosophy every day. You can sense it in the way they listen, the care they offer, and the authenticity behind every guest interaction. When a guest tells me they’ve rediscovered their breath, slept deeply for the first time in weeks, or found clarity just
by being here—that, to me, is success. Wellness is not a destination. It’s an experience we create together, moment by moment.
What is the best piece of wellness advice you have ever received and from whom?
“Listen to the silence—it holds all the answers.” A mentor shared this with me during a time of uncertainty, and it resonated deeply. In a world that’s constantly asking us to react, produce, and strive, silence becomes sacred. It’s in silence that we reconnect with our inner wisdom. It reminds me that stillness is not passive—it’s a space of clarity and possibility.
What do you think is the most exciting wellness innovation you have recently discovered?
The resurgence of ancient practices like breathwork, sound healing, and forest bathing is incredibly inspiring. These aren’t new ideas—they’re ancestral truths. But the way we are now integrating them into modern wellness frameworks feels powerful. We’re not inventing—we’re remembering. And there’s great beauty in returning to what our bodies and spirits have always known.
What is your idea of balanced healthy happiness?
Balanced happiness is like the ebb and flow of the tides—there’s motion, rhythm, and natural pause. It’s the ability to honor your own cycles—when to engage, when to retreat, when to give, and when to receive. It’s the kind of happiness that doesn’t come from chasing more, but from appreciating what already is. Here at the resort, we gently encourage guests to tune into their own natural rhythm—and in doing so, they often rediscover joy that feels effortless and real.
What do you think is the most overused word or words in wellness?
“Transformational.” While the intention is beautiful, the word has become a bit diluted. Real transformation often happens quietly. It’s a subtle shift in how we see, how we breathe, how we listen. It doesn’t need to be dramatic to be meaningful.
Do you have a secret health or wellness tip you would like to share?
Take off your shoes. Connect with the ground. Just five minutes of grounding—what we sometimes call earthing—can reset your nervous system and bring a surprising sense of calm. Let the earth hold you. Let nature recalibrate you. It’s the most ancient and effective form of healing I know.
What is your favorite place for a healthy vacation or escape?
For me, that place is always Six Senses Con Dao. Tucked between mountains and sea, and surrounded by a protected marine and national park, this island feels like a world apart. There’s a stillness here—a natural rhythm—that invites you to breathe more deeply, walk more slowly, and listen more closely. Even the light feels softer, more golden. What makes this place so nourishing is how seamlessly it lives in harmony with nature. Six Senses Con Dao integrates sustainability, wellness, and community engagement into every aspect of its operations. Sustainability is foundational to the resort’s identity—embedded in how experiences are designed, communities are supported, and ecosystems are protected.
One of the most meaningful parts of being here is the Let’s Get Cracking sea turtle conservation program, created in collaboration with Con Dao National Park. Since 2018, vulnerable turtle nests have been carefully relocated to a protected on-site incubation center to increase their chances of survival. To date, more than 30,000 green turtle hatchlings have made their way safely to the ocean—a small miracle that guests can witness with their own eyes. Watching a baby turtle take its first steps toward the sea is a humbling experience. It stirs something deep within. I’ve seen guests arrive carrying stress, phones still in hand, minds elsewhere. And within a few days, they soften. Their shoulders drop. Their breathing slows. It’s not because they’ve escaped something—it’s because they’ve returned to something essential. That’s why Con Dao will always be my place to come home to myself.
Is there a particular wellness company or brand that truly impresses you with its efforts and why?
For me, it’s Six Senses. What I deeply admire is how the brand doesn’t treat wellness as a trend or checklist, but as a way of life—rooted in presence, purpose, and connection. At Six Senses Con Dao, that philosophy comes to life in every detail, from how we design guest journeys to how we source ingredients, care for the environment, and nurture local communities. It’s a brand that leads with intention, always evolving while staying grounded in nature and authenticity. That’s the kind of wellness that feels both timeless and alive.
What is your favorite self-care routine?
A warm bath steeped in local herbs—lemongrass, ginger, and betel leaf—followed by a self-massage using aromatic oils like coconut, lavender, or ylang-ylang. I also practice facial gua sha in the evenings. It’s not just about beauty—it’s a form of meditation, a way to gently honor and care for the self.
What is your go-to for de-stressing?
Walking slowly through the resort gardens at sunset. I listen to the birds returning to roost, breathe in the scent of the lemongrass, and watch the mountains turn gold in the fading light. That moment of transition between day and night is a sacred time for me—it softens the edges of stress and invites peace.
What aspect of your wellbeing do you struggle with the most or would most like to improve?
Letting go of responsibility. As someone who is deeply devoted to caring for others, I sometimes forget to care for myself with the same tenderness. I’m learning that rest is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. I’m learning to receive, to pause, to refill my cup without guilt.
What wellness-related books or authors do you recommend, and why?
The Art of Stillness: Adventures in Going Nowhere by Pico Iyer. It’s a gentle yet profound reminder that some of the most transformative journeys don’t involve movement at all. It invites us to rediscover the richness of inner space, and that message feels more relevant now than ever.
How do you celebrate small victories?
With a pause, a breath, and a quiet thank you. Whether it’s a guest who smiles after a treatment, a team member who blossoms into their role, or a new experience we’ve created that touches someone’s life, I take time to feel grateful. That moment of presence is its own celebration.
What brings you joy?
Witnessing people return to themselves. Seeing someone take a deep breath and soften. Watching a guest reconnect with their sense of wonder. These are the moments that light me up. Because in those quiet returns, something essential is remembered, and that, to me, is the heart of wellness.
