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.