"Possibly the best hotel I’ve ever stayed at (and I’ve stayed at some good ones). The room was large, impeccably appointed in a very warm and unique style with dark wood throughout and pops of vibrant color. Ocean views were jaw-dropping and seen from every part of the room. So private and like we had the island to ourselves. Outdoor shower was a special favorite - sunken design made it feel extra private while still being refreshing. Two times daily housekeeping was always unobtrusive but appreciated. The mosquito nets added to the sense of adventure. Facilities were stunning. Gorgeous grounds - jungle terrain immaculately maintained, lit up by lanterns and string lights at night. Beach was beautiful white sand, with lovely temperature blue green water. Views from the hilltop were out of this world, as was the pool and dining / bar area up there. Restaurants, library, gym, spa were all world class spaces. Food was to die for. Breakfast was a particular highlight. Menu breakfast was delicious but buffet was truly five star - featuring incredibly fresh and delicious local fruit, a changing array of Thai delicacies as well as western classics - all executed flawlessly. Genuinely hard to choose from among the many enticing choices. Lunch and dinners were similarly top notch - especially the Thai menus. Special shout out for the chefs table with Chef Jay - she is lovely to speak with and hearing her commentary added a special richness to the food experience of our trip. Pod on the restaurant team is also a lovely human who looked after us all trip. But the real delight was the staff. From the moment we landed all the way until we entered the security line for our return flight, we were taken care of by Six Senses staff with a level of care and attention I’ve never felt at another hotel. By way of example - on our return boat transfer to the mainland I realized (to my horror) that I had accidentally left my precious gold bangle at the gym earlier that morning. We messaged our GEM to let her know - simply hoping to have it mailed to us if found. By some miracle, the team was somehow not only able to locate the bangle but also courier it all the way from the hotel (requiring both a boat and car transfer!) to meet us at the airport before we even had to check in. Sensing my stress while we waited the Six Senses staff member was incredibly calming - providing regular updates on the status of the bangle as it traveled to meet us and reassuring me that it would be ok. When it arrived I couldn’t believe it! That is truly next level service but it epitomized the warmth, care and personalized attentiveness we felt the entire way through our stay - from the various top level management staff who greeted us on arrival, bid us farewell at our departure and mingled with us at the cocktail hour all the way to to the groundskeepers and other staff members who all gave us warm greetings whenever they passed. This is a special place and I can’t wait to return. Things to know - * if you have rambunctious children it may not be for you. It was a very quiet atmosphere and while there were children they were all older and / or incredibly well behaved. We left our 3 young children at home and couldn’t quite imagine them fitting in without disturbing the peace. There is no kids club as such (although there are apparently some periodic kids activities). * the property is set on a hill and depending on where your room, is you may have a long / uphill walk in hot and humid weather. However the buggy service was timely and convenient - and made that virtually a non-issue - there was frequently one waiting right when you needed it (the team anticipating our needs as usual!) and if ever we called for one it was generally there within 2 minutes tops."

"Amazing experience and amazing hospitality."

"Several years ago, I gave Six Senses Yao Noi five stars. I returned expecting nostalgia; instead … I am a regular Six Senses guest because its formula is exactly what I crave after busy London life: nature-led, rustic luxury, traditional wooden villas, private pools and uninterrupted ocean views. The scenery here remains the undisputed star. Phang Nga Bay has aged magnificently. Unfortunately, parts of the resort have not. Rustic can still be polished. This time, the property felt noticeably tired and dated rather than deliberately understated. Our Deluxe Ocean Pool Villa was spacious, secluded and wonderfully atmospheric, with a large deck, outdoor shower and complete privacy. However, basic updates are overdue: ageing power sockets and switches, dated shower heads with slow water pressure and television, and a ceiling fan that the cap appeared to be coming loose. None of these improvements would compromise the resort’s natural character; they would simply restore the “luxury” part of rustic luxury. The arrival experience also felt more like the opening scene of The White Lotus than heartfelt hospitality: management and staff assembled at the jetty, smiles delivered, box ticked. Our assigned GEM—Guest Experience Maker—did not appear, and another employee handled our arrival. Our villa was understandably not ready before the official 3 p.m. check-in, and a day room was provided. However, at 3 p.m., our GEM was occupied elsewhere and again did not appear. A question raised to this staff member during check-in remained unanswered the following day; when we asked our GEM directly, she bluntly said the other staff member would “get back to us.” I thought the entire point of having a GEM was not having to chase the rest of the jewellery box. The general manager greeted us on arrival, then disappeared from the series entirely. A brief presence at breakfast or dinner would have made the welcome feel more genuine and less ceremonial. Food was generally excellent, particularly the Thai cooking. Nithan, the Southern Thai restaurant, was delicious, although it only opens on alternate evenings with The Living Room. The mosquito-repellent incense occasionally overpowered the food while apparently failing its only job as we were still surrounded by flies attracted to the lights. Breakfast remained a highlight, especially the à la carte menu. The buffet selection felt more limited than at other Six Senses resorts, and the noodle soup was rather sweet for my taste. The complimentary all-day ice cream, however, was an excellent touch. Even the spa disappointed, which genuinely surprised me given my consistently good experiences with Six Senses. My massage felt procedural rather than attentive as though each stroke, pressure point and movement was being completed from a checklist rather than delivered with care. Six Senses Yao Noi still occupies one of the most spectacular settings imaginable, but spectacular scenery should not be expected to distract indefinitely from ageing facilities and increasingly mechanical service. The resort needs renewed attention to details and heart felt hospitality - of course not all staff are like that. The restaurant staff are all very friendly and helpful. Thankfully, Phang Nga Bay views remain eternal."