The Six Senses Yao Noi sits in a postcard perfect and somewhat surreal setting. The hillside villas on this island resort are designed to make the most of panoramic views of tropical gardens and a glorious bay interspersed with limestone karsts. There are just 56 of them, and each enjoys a private pool, spacious decks for lounging and private dining, and butler service.
Inside, all is airy, with fine local fabric furnishings, and teak and mango wood incorporated into the sleek design under roofs woven from palm fronds. Outside showers, in addition to the en suite, make the most of the surroundings, as do the sitting rooms that open onto teak terraces and wonderful ocean views.
It’s the main infinity pool, however, that has perhaps the most stunning view of all, and is a gorgeous spot to while away a sunny hour or two, although there’s so much more to do here. Every sort of water sport is on offer, as are fishing trips, boat and bicycle tours, hiking and climbing, cookery classes and even wine tastings.
Dining is a huge part of the pleasure, with everything from barbeques to champagne breakfasts just a butler request away. And, there are some wonderful restaurants, too. A waterfall forms centre spot and a creek runs under the glass floor of The Dining Room, where sophisticated Med-style dishes dominate. The beachside Living Room is a daylong delight with big breakfast buffets to small plate snacks and Thai specials such as spicy chicken in young coconut soup with galangal and lime. As the name suggests, the Hilltop Reserve is the highest of them all, available for exclusive meals and an almost exclusive, certainly exquisite, view of the bay.
The spa is almost as well known as the view, famous for signature Thai massages, in a lovely longhouse building, in your own villa or on the beach under the light of the moon.