From the moment you step onto the soft wooden polished floors, without your shoes, you feel a difference in this resort. Tucked into the jungle on Phang Nga Bay – above Phuket and across from Krabi- the resort’s vibration is serenity. One hears water flowing, smells the flowers, feels the breezes, and sees lush green all around. It is a small resort, only 50 Villas, but unless you are in one of their restaurants, pools or public places, you feel comfortably private. Hilltop, at the top of the property, is the main pool and lunch cafe. Drop dead views from there.
The main focus of Six Senses is a holistic way of life for the traveler. Organic beautifully prepared meals, spa services that are beyond excellent all work together to give the traveler a sense of serenity. Yao Noi seems to convey the idea of making their guests healthy and more conscious of their surroundings at every turn. They have organic gardens placed all over the resort, three gorgeous restaurants, and 3 bars. A nice touch is the espresso machine in the room. Among the special details is a homemade ice cream bar that is open all day. Ice cream and cookies are free to all guests. 30 selections- we had passion fruit.
Activities include movies, under the stars on the beach after dinner, yoga classes, cooking classes, meditation classes,rubber tree demonstration, Thai massage lessons, mango tours, sailing lessons, kayaking, windsurfing, island tours- on and on.
The breakfast bar is one the most extensive I have seen. It rivals the Oriental in Bangkok. They have an American buffet, a Chinese buffet, a whole room of yogurt and fruit choices and another room for pastries and jellies. Of course all jams and jellies are made on property.
We had the distinct pleasure of dining with the resort manager, Fernando Arroyo, and I see why this resort is running so well. We also had the pleasure of meeting the head chef, Anthony Reynolds and his brilliant co chef Sebastiaan Seegers. Five star chefs anywhere! The passion they display is a pleasure to encounter. Our biggest regret is not having time to do one of their cooking classes. They are fun as well as brilliant.
The most obvious asset of Yao Noi is the staff. Their enthusiasm is seen and heard everywhere. From the gardeners, the restaurant and bar staff, to our butler, Alice. Their greetings and efforts to please make the experience an unforgettable pleasure.
A very special destination, Yao Noi.