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PHUKET
Phuket is at no shortage of luxury beachfront resorts, but if it's private island paradise with sustainable consciousness that you're after, look no further. Six Senses Yao Noi is a splendid mix of boutique charm with high-end hospitality, all within lush jungle foliage – of course, it's also within walking distance of the beach.
Six Senses on Koh Yao Noi sits in the middle of Phang Nga Bay. It's about equal distance from Phuket and Krabi, so you can arrange travel from either end. We were staying on Phuket beforehand, so the hotel picked us up from Ao Po Marina and it was about a 30-minute scenic speedboat trip to get to Six Senses.
Welcome wagon
Immediately upon arrival, guests are greeted by a team of friendly staff ready to make their stay as memorable as possible. We were delighted by the custom signposts made with our names while boarding the golf buggies – little did we know that these rides would also become a regular mode of transportation around the property.
Each guest is assigned a GEM (guest experience manager) to cater to their every need. Ours was the lovely Ten, who mapped out every detail of our itinerary, including mentions of some of the hotel's complimentary offerings, like yoga, kayaking and the outdoor cinema (which, very appropriately, played The Beach as one of its films during our stay).
Although the location is very remote – wonderfully with no tourist traps in sight – there's plenty to do to keep busy on the days. Besides island-hopping excursions, guests are also encouraged to use the bikes to explore the pared-back local scene, walk around the mangroves (or kayak through them), test and acquire Muay Thai skills, enjoy a Thai cooking class, join a beach cleanup and even volunteer at the local school. Community spirit is in Six Senses' DNA, and it's evident upon acknowledging every little detail of the location, accommodation, dining and overarching sustainability-driven ethos.
Sustainability
Six Senses is synonymous with sustainability. The resort has participated in education funding and programming to help 800 local students, 503,030 patients benefit from the group's donations to hospitals, and over 100,000 people now have access to clean drinking water thanks to its ongoing initiative.
Like many of its other properties, Six Senses Yao Noi has multiple farms for fruits and veggies, and guests are invited to collect their chicken or duck eggs in the morning in preparation for breakfast.
Ingredients are locally-sourced and the hotel works with local farmers in addition to their on-site produce.
In case we didn't mention – there's unlimited ice cream too.
Ocean Deluxe Pool Villa
It's all about space and seclusion at Six Senses, and its 56 thatched-roof villa-only concept is fully representative of its cause. The accommodations are sprawled across different levels of the property, and guests can enjoy incredible vistas of jungle and sea at each one. Every villa comes with a private pool, varying in size, and the "smallest" option comes at 1,658 square-foot – unimaginable in some city hotels. The biggest villa, The Ocean Retreat Three-Bedroom is spread across a whopping 7,330 square-foot of space.
We stayed in the gorgeous Ocean Deluxe Pool Villa, which is somewhere in the middle, yet boasts everything you need and more for a honeymoon-worthy stay. At 1,948 square feet, the two-story abode is equipped with fantastic views of the bay which can be admired from the upstairs lounge, the bed, or the private pool – up to you really. There's an outdoor shower, indoor shower, standalone bathtub, bathroom, working desk, bedroom, outdoor patio and outdoor lounge. Evidently, it's all about embracing the jungle life. It's the kind of place you won't have any reason to leave for, and the very definition of hidden sanctuary.
Dining
There are three dining options on the property: The Hilltop, The Den and Living Room. Buffet breakfast is served at Living Room, but it's also got lunch and dinner options. The Den is a quieter affair, offering tapas and cocktails in an intimate setting. The Hilltop is the star of the show though, with its panoramic sea view and gorgeous swimming pool. Here, guests can tuck into traditional Thai and western delicacies – best appreciated over sunset views with a cocktail or two.
Dishes at The Hilltop at Six Senses Yao Noi | Photos: Adam Thompson | CSP Times
Spa and wellness
A trip to any Six Senses property is not complete without booking a spa appointment. Wellness is at the core of the resort's offerings, and guests can expect to have their holistic goals addressed under the care of Thailand's finest spa therapists. There's complimentary yoga in the mornings, and some afternoons. The spa area also has a juice bar for a post-treatment refreshment.
Although, with its intimate setting, Six Senses Yao Noi may seem like a romantic getaway kind of place, that's certainly not the case and it's well-suited for all types of guests. Families come with their children and although there's no kids club, there are numerous activities to keep them occupied.
From its top-of-the-range spa and incredible views alone to its showstopping villas and impeccable service, it's no wonder Six Senses Yao Noi is one of Thailand's most well-kept treasures.
Highlights:
Sundowners at The Hilltop – for the best views on the island
Morning yoga at the open-air pavilion
A cycle around the island – bring swimmers in case you take a dip at the nearby beaches
An outdoor movie at the beach
The accommodation is the best part but don't be afraid to splurge – even the "smallest" villa is huge and comes with its own pool
Pick your own eggs before breakfast – then enjoy it freshly cooked by the chef, however you like them
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Website: sixsenses.com | Phone: +66 76 418 500 | Email: reservations-yaonoi@sixsenses.com | Visit: Six Senses Yao Noi, 56 Moo 5 Tambol Koh Yao Noi, Amphur Koh Yao, Phang Nga 82160, Thailand | Facebook: @SixSensesYaoNoi | Instagram: @SixSensesYaoNoi | Trip Advisor: Six Senses Yao Noi