Six Senses Yao Noi

The Six Senses feels relaxed yet undeniably luxurious, with a focus on privacy and
seclusion. The resort has been designed to co-exist with nature, and this is achieved through the combination of thatch-style roofs, plenty of
natural tanned and dark wood, and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the
property. The understated entrance leads from the private jetty just off the
beach through what feels like a woodland trail. Perfectly tended
gardens with thatched sala pavilions are also on the grounds, and the produce raised here is used
in the resort’s kitchens. In the lobby, suspended daybeds sway in front of shelves housing a comprehensive
collection of books. And plenty
of natural light peeks in past a thicket of greenery. The resort’s restaurants are equally elegant, minimalist spaces, open on all sides with high, thatched ceilings that add to their airiness. Sunken
tables are surrounded by large lotus ponds, with views of the beach and
limestone karst formations. The Hilltop Reserve restaurant has a
stunning infinity pool with attractive sun beds and modern white umbrellas, while
on the beach itself more pastel-tone sun beds are sheltered by tan umbrellas.
The well-regarded, elegantly designed spa has plenty of attractive rattan
lounge furniture and is surrounded by greenery and lotus ponds, while the
beautiful open-air yoga pavilion makes the most of the outdoors. Contrary to
the overall peaceful feel of this resort, there are some reports of loud noise
coming from the neighboring property in the wee hours. As expected, this romantic property tends to draw couples, including honeymooners, though it also has convenient features for families as well. 

Six Senses rests on a private beach on Yao Noi island, and guests arrive via one of the
resort’s luxury speedboats, which lands at the property’s own jetty. The resort
is designed to offer everything required for a luxurious vacation, limiting the
need to venture beyond its boundaries, but there are a number of local
restaurants within a short drive of around five to 15 minutes. Villas themselves are set within the
dense, forest-like greenery of the resort’s grounds. Bang Rong pier on the
mainland, from where boats to Yao Noi island leave, is around a 20-minute drive
from Phuket Airport.

The Six
Senses Yao Noi's attractive and airy villas maximize natural light with
floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides. Each has a terrace framed with tropical greenery, and a nicely sized, private infinity pool lined with elegant loungers and daybeds, and small tables with modern white sun umbrellas. Interiors are dominated by beautiful wooden floorboards and chunky pine-wood
bedside tables and lamp fixtures. Crisp white linens are topped with bright
mosquito nets -- which are well worth using, since guests note that mosquitoes
can be a problem in the evening. The high thatch-style ceilings
and dark-wood wall paneling add to the sense of elegant indulgence. Rooms come
with flat-screen TVs, desks, and sunken sofas with views of the jungle-like
exterior. The comprehensively stocked minibars include numerous wines, beers, and spirits, plus gourmet snacks, and there are coffee- and tea-making facilities with various cups and glasses. Romantic bathrooms have freestanding metal
double sink basins framed by large, rope-suspended mirrors and tall,
soft-lit lamps, plus ladder-like towel racks. A sunken
window-facing bathtub has an adjacent daybed upholstered in stunning
yellows. And an outdoor shower is surrounded by elegant gray wood
panels, and complemented by an indoor rainfall shower. Ocean Two Bedroom Pool
Villas are larger than the Hideaway Pool Villas, while the hilltop Panorama
Pool Villa -- though considerably more expensive -- offers breathtaking views of
Phang Nga bay and is worth the upgrade if budget permits. All villas also have air-conditioning and slippers and bathrobes. 

The resort's highlight is its gorgeous beach, a secluded stretch of majestic white sand that's furnished with daybeds, loungers, and sun umbrellas. Guests who want a break from their own private villa pools can make use of the pool by the Hilltop Reserve Restaurant, which also looks out over the bay and is bordered by loungers. The
extensive facilities also include a well-regarded and elegantly
designed spa, which offers some treatments for free, as well as an open-air yoga sala
pavilion, and boxing ring. The resort's four popular restaurants have both indoor and
outdoor spaces, as well as offering private dining on the villa terraces, the
resort’s hilltop, or a nearby island. Note that some private dining experiences
are reported to be significantly more expensive than others, so it is worth
checking prices in advance. A well-stocked and attractive ice cream
bar also offers cookies and cakes, while regular cocktail parties for guests
take place on the beachfront. Reviews also note that there are a number of
local restaurants nearby that offer significantly lower prices, though the
resort’s own dining options nevertheless represent good value for money. Staff can arrange activities
including longtail boat trips, diving and snorkeling, muay thai boxing, batik
painting, and collecting eggs from the resort’s own chicken farm. The Six
Senses makes a point of meticulous attention to every detail of a guest’s
preferences, from food and drink to the best time for room cleaning -- this
high-end level of service inevitably comes at the cost of the anonymity
afforded in other properties, which could be an issue for some. Families can take advantage of babysitting services (hourly fees), cribs, high chairs, and playpens.