I stayed at SS Yao Noi for 3 nights and it was for me a memorable stay : the view of Phang Nga was phenomenal. Facing to the view, you don’t need to do anything, just take a deep breath and relax, it is a pure happiness. Once in a lifetime, you have to stay here for the amazing view.
Full disclosure we love Six Senses in Samui. It is near our home and we are regular visitors. We have stayed there when building two houses and enjoyed many (probably hundreds of) delicious meals there so we know the brand well and have preconceptions.
When we tripped across to Phuket we wondered if we should risk Six Senses as, at literally nearly three times the price of Samui, with what is quite obviously from pictures almost identical rooms and architecture. It was hard to justify. The lowered rates for residents running during Covid were the only reason we went and even at that I would say it is a bit of a stretch.
The slightly challenging transfer from the main island to Koh Yao Noi was our next issue as we are coming by car rather than the more usual plane. There was a small mix up in communication regarding this but we persisted and got there.
From arrival things were perfect. Lovely staff to greet us at the pier. Our GEM Natty was a delight. We were upgraded which was appreciated. Room was ready early which - while expected while things are so quiet - was nice.
You are either a Six Sense person or not. The rustic chic is arguably taken to extremes. Health and safety is also not a big consideration with lots of opportunities for the unwary to trip and stumble. But that to some extent is the brand and we are aware – just so you are!
The view. Well this is 90% of what the hotel is about. Simply stunning. Have about 500 photos to edit for the one that might possibly do it justice.
We also took a little tour of Koh Yao Noi as we are unlikely to be back and were charmed. The difference in the landscape from Samui and Phuket was refreshing with cows (amazing haven’t seen a real one for 10 months), wallowing buffalo, hornbills, rubber plantations, rice paddies and a lovely smiley community. Just great.
The spa in the hotel was expensive – even with a discount – but perfect as you might expect.
Food was very good but we are a bit hotel fooded out so maybe not the most appreciative audience. Kat was an absolute delight in the restaurant.
Breakfast was a little hit and miss. We are not huge fans of having to walk to get juice, toast etc. particularly when there are stairs. I’m sure they would have been brought had we asked but don’t like to be a pain!
There is a construction site next door which was not consistently noisy but a little bit of a sword of Damocles. Hopefully by the time you go this will be complete.
Sixsense Yaonoi is where I fell in love at first sight and dreams of visiting once. Finally I got! I were so happy at there.
The highlight here is the stunning view and natural.
The staff have nice service mind.
Anyway I am a little disappointed with breakfast, too few options and even though the hotel close with the sea, there was no seafood at all in breakfast menu.
Dear Yhing59,
Thank you for choosing Six Senses and for your great review of Yao Noi!
We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us and that it was truly memorable. The team and I are very much looking forward to seeing you again very soon.
Best Wishes,
Alicia Denning
Resort manager - Six Senses Yao Noi
I stayed for 2 nights and It is extremmely beautiful, price is expensive $1000/night. Nothing to complain about this beautiful landscape.
They have ice-cream room and you can eat anytime for free
At night time, Resort prepares a cinema on the beach
Food is so stasty, just expensive . There are severals restaurant, and I tried each place every time
Strongly recommended for couples or honeymoons.
We booked 3 nights in the Ocean Retreat for our family of 3 generations (60s-70s/30s/kids 5 and below).
The room, the Ocean Retreat - which is the highest category is arguably the best room at the property. The layout is a split level down 5 levels to the sea (Entrance//second bedroom&Living room//master bedroom&pool/garden&terrace/then beach).
Room Interior - has strong Six Senses footprints just like one could see at other SS properties. it is the vista that make this property stand out - arguably the same as that of the Hilltop where everyone has breakfast at. Sunrise view can't get any better than that. Spacious living room where the family can dine in-villa comfortably.
Food is overall good - especially the off-the-menu Thai food. Free ice-cream all day long at Hilltop the only food outlet available at the time. So it's either in-villa dining vs Hilltop same table for the whole stay. Price is on a slightly high side compare to Bangkok standard (3600 THB++ per 7-color Lobster), but we think is reasonable when you factor in the running operational costs behind. There is a pre-check in credit offer that give extra 1500 THB credit for each 3000 THB credit purchase. (33% off for qualified incidentals)
GEM is a hit or miss. Despite his perfect attitude and politeness, our GEM was not quite capable to meet our high expectation which we had built around reading these glowing reviews from other TA reviewers all along. And that made all the differences for us. We did not feel the availability and existence when we need our GEM the most.
We later learned that our GEM was servicing 5 other groups during the period of our stay. That said, it could have been better if he can anticipate and preempt our basic needs ahead of time (what/when/where to eat for dinner, for example). Or be punctual for breakfast delivery (30 mins late despite promise made the night before) on the morning that we had to leave for islands trip early.
Turn down was below standard. Nespresso was left unrefilled, which I found out also when I needed the most, which was 5.30am in the morning. Sunrise view without coffee. Phew. Dishes were used was put so obvious at the dining table in villa and I had to literally asked for it to be cleaned when the turn down staff came to clean/turn down/ and about to leave. There many other properties (even 4-star ones) that we visited in the past who handled these 'small things' much better.
Boat excursion (paid extra) and mangrove kayak (complimentary) was perfect. Staff who attended K Kee and K Yard were among those who we recall their friendliness and professional. The beach at hotel are passable but nowhere near exciting.
In-room jacuzzi had dirty muddy water that couldn't be fixed despite several technician visits. So we couldn't "sip a nice Champagne in it at night while watching these vista under the starry sky." One of our to-do list. Not happening.
Khun Grant the GM offered to compensate the whole bill, which we declined but asked for other complimentary services instead.
Chef Table dinner - one of the better experience we had in a while. Yes, we have been to many 3* around many places before but the experience here feel original, creative, and truly delicious. Make us fall in love and want to rewrite our own book for Thai food.
Spa - hands down one of the best. Therapists are first class and on par with those better ones around Bangkok's MO, Grand Hyatt I.Sawan, for example. For us, the price was fair at 2,600THB nett per hour, after discount.
Kids - no real kid club here but they can enroll your kid at their kid's eco-warrior program that revolving around sustainability.
Will we go back? - Likely, but not until all facilities, food outlets, and common area are normalized to its pre-COVID heyday.
Because, for this visit, we just didn't quite feel the Sixth one.
Until we meet again.
Dear Khun Suppachark,
Thank you for taking the time to provide us with such detailed feedback on your recent stay here at Six Senses Yao Noi.
We truly appreciate your honest and constructive comments and our sincere apologies for not meeting your full expectations in some areas throughout your stay. We pride ourselves in the five star service we offer our guests and during these difficult times we are continually evolving and therefore your feedback allows us to continue to grow and address any shortfalls.
It is wonderful to read your feedback about our Thai menu and of course our sensational excursions and spa hosts!
We look forward to welcoming you all back to Six Senses Yao Noi again very soon.
Kind regards
Alicia Denning
Resort Manager
This is the time to visit. Based on deals being offered to local residents used this opportunity to book a 2 night stay. Booked a hideaway villa and was upgraded to ocean view villa.Right from the initial enquiry the communication was clear and concise.
We booked our own transfers and was well coordinated by the resort on pick up and drop off at the pier.
The views are best i have come across any hotel stay around the world. The staff are extremely hospitable. The rooms are spotless and the facilities like buggy transfer, spa are of the highest standard.
The hilltop area is amazing at sunrise and sunset with the pool in the middle. The menu options were limited due to covid.
Had a great time photographing birds specially the hornbills all around
One of the most memorable stays. A big thanks to all the team at six senses yao noi
Dear Khun Indranu,
Thank you for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear you had a great time with us and that you found our truly wonderful hosts so friendly, and of course our favourite local visitors flying high in the sky, the beautiful hornbills!
We are all looking forward to you returning soon for another exceptional holiday and many more photos to add to your collection.
Kind regards,
Alicia Denning
Resort Manager
