Six Senses Yao Noi – Thailand
With its paradisical island setting, amongst the limestone pinnacles of Phang Nga Bay, it’s hard to imagine anywhere more idyllic. And it is without doubt, one of the most beautiful places to stay in Thailand. Tucked into jungle clad hillside, and barely visible, it also enjoys one of the most tranquil spots in the country. The surrounding jungle is teeming with colourful birdlife and butterflies, and the resort is filled with organic gardens, babbling streams and lotus ponds.
This is the place to come to get away from it all and enjoy pampering Thai hospitality. Your villa comes with a Guest Experience Maker who will arrange anything from a dinner reservation, to an island cruise or a Spa booking – it really is that easy.
At A Glance
Luxury Family Hotel
Why We Love It:
For its private pool villas overlooking Phang Nga Bay, laid-back barefoot luxury, and deep sense of wellness and sustainability woven into every detail.Style:
Garden of Eden chic.Location:
On the island of Koh Yao Noi in Phang Nga Bay - a 30 minute drive from Phuket airport, then a 45 minute boat ride.Rooms:
Exquisite thatched villas with private pools and unbelievable views.Swimming:
A fabulous hilltop infinity pool, and the warm waters of the Andaman Sea.Children:
A tiny slice of heaven for families of all ages.Accessibility:
One of the villas is adapted for guests with mobility issues. However, the steep hillside setting may be difficult.Price:
Available on requestrooms
There are just 56 tropical hideaway villas here, all tucked into the hillside – most looking out over the stunning stacks in the bay, some with direct beach access, and some even deeper into the jungle. All teak and bamboo, they come with enormous decks complete with shady cabanas and private pools, beds and soaking tubs looking out over the Andaman Sea and a Guest Experience Maker to take care of your every need. Some have honeymoon written all over them, whilst the two and four bedroom villas make an ideal family haven.
food
Each of the resort’s restaurants celebrate the seasons and flavours of Thailand and beyond. Much of the produce is homegrown and the flavours are sensational. Dine al fresco and all day at The Living Room or with the best vantage point around at The Hilltop – the resort’s most exclusive restaurant. Watch the chefs at work at Nithan and Chef’s Table, where you can also take a cookery class during your stay. Private in-villa dining is easily arranged and comes with your own chef and waiter. The resort also has a very extensive wine cellar.
activities
Land based or on the water; a little bit of exertion or not lifting a finger – the menu of activities at Yao Noi has something for absolutely everyone. No stay here is complete without at least one cruise out into the bay. There are local island hopping tours on a traditional longboat, visiting secluded coves and empty beaches; trips to the Phi Phi Islands, with snorkeling and a day cruise taking in the floating fishing village of Koh Panyi, and caves filled with prehistoric painting.
Charter a private yacht or indulge in a castaway excursion, where you’ll enjoy total island seclusion, apart from your private chef. The resort has a fleet of kayaks guests can take out to explore the local bay, the mangroves, or further around the limestone karsts of Phang Nga. The Dive Centre runs certified courses and organises trips out into the bay, where you’ll find some of the most beautiful underwater scenes and marine life in the entire region. Back on land, learn the art of Muay Thai (boxing) or tour the island of Koh Yao Noi, taking in a batik centre, rice paddies and a rubber plantation. And then or course, is the Spa – the most sublime oasis for rebalancing, resetting and unwinding.
family
There is no kids’ club at Yao Noi, but there are plenty of activities for their younger guests. One of the most popular is a visit to the resort’s farm, feeding the animals, collecting eggs, and a nature tour, spotting some of the island’s native and colourful flora and fauna. The farm has a “workshop” where they can make all sorts of things from pizzas to candles and body scrubs.
Down on the beach, the very gentle waters make for a perfect place to spend more than a day or two – especially when you add in free ice cream all day!
sustainability
Environmental and social responsibility is a strong raison d’être of the Six Senses brand – each resort has an Earth Lab dedicated to benefitting its local environment and community. Here at Yao Noi, all water comes from the resort’s own reservoir, with drinking water supplied in glass bottles, and grey water used for irrigation. There are very close ties to the local community, not only with employment but in educating and eliminating single use plastics. The resort also has its own farm, thereby keeping food mileage to a minimum.
Location
Six Senses Yao Noi
On the island of Koh Yao Noi in Phang Nga Bay - a 30 minute drive from Phuket airport, then a 45 minute boat ride.
