Here’s Why Six Senses Yao Noi Is My Favourite Hotel In Thailand

Tucked away in one of Thailand’s most beautiful and quietly preserved corners, Six Senses Yao Noi feels like a rare find: it offers a kind of barefoot luxury that is both refined and deeply responsible.

In March, I spent three weeks travelling through southern Thailand, moving between Krabi, Railay Bay, Koh Lanta and Yao Noi. It was my first time back in the region in more than 20 years – since my backpacking days – and I was curious to see how it had evolved. This time, however, I was looking for something very specific: a hotel that truly prioritised sustainability in an authentic way, without sacrificing comfort, design or overall experience.

Of the four hotels I stayed in, Six Senses Yao Noi stood out immediately – and by quite some margin. From Phuket airport, it’s a 30-minute drive to Ao Por Marina, followed by a 45-minute scenic speedboat ride across the emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay. As the dramatic limestone karsts began to rise, I knew I was arriving somewhere special.

Set on Koh Yao Noi, a still largely untouched island positioned between Phuket and Krabi, the resort feels worlds away from the crowds. It’s so seamlessly woven into the jungle-covered hillside that it’s almost invisible at first glance, hidden amongst towering coconut palms, banyan trees and oversized tropical leaves. The setting is alive with wildlife: butterflies, metallic dragonflies, and tropical birds, including the rare oriental pied hornbills, which the resort actively supports by building nesting boxes throughout the property.

My villa was perched high on the hillside, offering uninterrupted panoramic views across Phang Nga Bay – views that genuinely take your breath away, no matter how many times you see them. Sleeping with the blinds open and waking to the soft glow of sunrise over my private infinity pool quickly became a daily ritual, and one of the highlights of the entire trip.

The villa itself strikes a perfect balance between rustic charm and refined luxury. Dark wood, natural textures and warm orange tones create an inviting, organic feel, while the open-plan design blurs the boundary between indoors and outdoors. The bathroom was particularly memorable, with double sinks, an oversized bathtub and an outdoor shower surrounded by lush greenery.

What I appreciated most, though, were the thoughtful sustainability touches woven throughout, without letting anything feel like a compromise. Glass bottles replaced plastic entirely, and natural mosquito repellent, made from herbs grown on-site, was provided (and very necessary). Many of the products available at the resort, including traditional remedies, are handmade by members of staff, some of whom have been there since the resort opened over 17 years ago. Make sure you take a trip to the spa to speak to Mr White about his legendary tiger balm.

Turn-down service brought another layer of thoughtful charm, with small, sustainable gifts left each evening – coin purses crafted from old curtains, coconut oil, body scrubs, lavender balms – all made from by-products or recycled materials.

Days at Six Senses Yao Noi naturally fall into a slower, relaxed rhythm. For me, mornings often began with tennis – best played early before the heat becomes too intense – followed by long, relaxed breakfasts and time spent at the extraordinary hilltop infinity pool.

This pool is, without question, one of the most spectacular I’ve ever experienced. As the large wooden doors open, you’re met with a sweeping 180-degree panoramic view across the bay, dotted with limestone islands and stretching towards Krabi in the distance. At sunrise, the reflection across the water creates an almost surreal, dreamlike effect, as if you’re floating above the landscape.

Beyond the resort, I loved exploring the island itself. A tuk-tuk tour offered insight into local life, from rubber tree farms and water buffalo to fishing villages and small community workshops. Visiting the local school, where the resort has installed water tanks to provide fresh water, was particularly inspiring, as was spending time at a women’s workshop trying tie-dye techniques. I couldn’t resist purchasing a few sarongs to take away with me.

Back at the resort, there’s an abundance of activities to enjoy. We joined beach clean-ups and learned about the resort’s waste management and water conservation systems. Feeding the resident goats – Silly and Billy, the newest additions – was a surprisingly joyful highlight, as was visiting the chicken coop, where you can collect eggs for your breakfast the next morning. The organic garden is another must-see, offering a tangible connection to the food you’re eating throughout your stay.

For those wanting to stay active, there’s cycling (though be warned the hills are steep if you take the wrong turn), kayaking, snorkelling, and even Muay Thai training by the beach. There’s also a fully equipped gym, making it easy to balance out the incredible food.

The spa at Six Senses Yao Noi is one of the most memorable aspects of the entire experience. Set deep within the jungle, it feels completely immersed in nature: quiet, grounding and designed to slow you down from the moment you arrive.

I opted for a traditional Thai massage with hot stones, and it was exceptional. The treatment itself was both deeply therapeutic and relaxing, combining traditional techniques with a more holistic, wellness-led approach.

What sets the spa apart, however, is its strong connection to sustainability and education. Many of the treatments use natural, locally sourced ingredients, and there’s an emphasis on teaching guests simple rituals they can take home. I loved learning how to create my own body scrubs using ingredients you’d typically find in your kitchen, as well as working with coconut oil, a product that features heavily across the resort.

The spa also offers a wide range of wellness experiences, from yoga and meditation to face yoga classes, which are said to visibly rejuvenate the skin. For those looking for something more immersive, multi-day wellness programmes are available, combining treatments, nutrition and movement.

Dining at Six Senses Yao Noi offers another true reflection of the resort’s sustainability ethos. Much of the produce is sourced directly from the on-site organic gardens, meaning menus are seasonal, fresh and constantly evolving curated by head chef Braden Reardon.

Breakfast is served at The Living Room, overlooking the beach, and is both generous and relaxed. Guests can help themselves to tropical fruits, freshly squeezed juices, pastries (make sure you sample the red velvet croissants) cheeses & cold cuts, while also being able to order from an à la carte menu that includes everything from avocado toast to Phuket noodles with onsen egg.

Evenings begin at The Den, where sunken seating surrounded by lotus ponds creates the perfect setting for pre-dinner drinks. From there you can choose from three restaurants or the fisherman’s banquet on selected evenings where you can meet the fisherman as he pulls up onto the beach with his catch of the day.

Nithan showcases southern Thai cuisine at its best – refined, flavourful and deeply rooted in the region, the presentation of these dishes is something not to be missed, each telling its own story. 

The Living room offers a more casual dining area with an array of international all-day dining. while the Hill Top offers a more contemporary western fusion with an international flavour as well as a spectacular setting for moonlit private dining. If you have a sweet tooth like myself make sure you try their take on the traditional smore’s you won’t be disappointed.  

The Last Word

Returning to this part of Thailand after so long felt both nostalgic and eye-opening. While much of the region has evolved, this island remains authentic, unspoilt and deeply connected to its surroundings, offering not just a place to stay, but a place to truly disconnect.

Six Senses Yao Noi offers a rare kind of luxury, but what stayed with me most was how effortless it all felt. Sustainability isn’t something that’s highlighted for effect – it’s simply embedded into every aspect of the experience. The result is a stay that feels more meaningful, more connected, and ultimately more memorable.

It’s somewhere that restores you – physically, mentally and emotionally – and one I would return to without hesitation.

Book

Low season rates at Six Senses Yao Noi start from THB25,000 (approx. £550) per night, based on two sharing a Hideaway Pool Villa on a B&B basis. sixsenses.com