Six Senses Yao Noi

We stayed in November 2024, and I’m only just writing this. I’m torn between a 3 and a 4. The staff, everyone we met, and even our guide on the boat excursion were fantastic, so we really appreciated their kindness and care. Views from the main pool and around the property were one of a kind, and the food was great. Breakfast was especially delicious. The room was where the resort fell short for the price. We didn’t book the highest category, but were disappointed by its condition. Other guests had said the villas were dated, tired, and in need of renovation, and we found that to be true. Gaps in the wood let in lots of mosquitoes. I understand the eco-friendly treatments, but wish the room itself had been better protected. It did have stunning treetop views, and seeing so many hornbills was amazing. This was our first Six Senses stay, and I’m hesitant to book another.

The setting is beautiful, with leafy paths to walk and hornbills to spot. We liked the bikes for exploring beyond the hotel, the friendly and helpful staff, and the lovely shower and body products. It was nice that much of the produce is home grown. The ice cream station was available all day, and the banana ice cream was especially good. Food was generally very good, though I’d have liked more gluten-free options. We stayed four nights and had a great time overall. For the price, the room felt tired in places and could use updating. The TV was dated in size and quality and hanging off the wall. Our mosquito net had holes and was a bit dirty. Service was uneven and sometimes slow, especially at breakfast. The buggy was slow on a couple of evenings, leaving us waiting and getting bitten by mosquitoes. We had to send back a few cocktails because they didn’t taste good. There aren’t enough pool sunbeds, so you need to get up early to claim one.

The views were breathtaking and the service was amazing. It was one of my best hotel stays, and we had a great time. Complimentary bikes let us explore the island, and we also did the mangrove kayak tour and had drinks with management. We ate at two of the three restaurants. The meals were good, though not the best value for money. Breakfast was excellent.

Villa 24 had glorious views across the bay, though the toucan that screamed outside my window at 7am sometimes made me want to punch it. Service was exceptional, as ever. Jeans, my GEM, arranged everything seamlessly, and the staff brought their best. The Living Room and Hilltop teams were excellent, with superb food from both. Martin and the Hilltop team do a great job. The spa was beautiful, and Sadie gave me a fantastic massage. Everything was set up to make the stay as enjoyable as possible. My only negative was the pier situation at Phuket, which was a little less seamless than my previous experiences with Santhiya and Naka Island. That’s a small drawback in an otherwise outstanding experience. The airport fast track, with someone guiding us from check-in to the lounge past the queues, made up for it. Improving the Phuket pier experience would be my one suggestion.