Thailand has steadily been climbing to the top of travel lists everywhere.
Known as a relatively “cheap” destination (once you’re actually there), Thailand has plenty of reasons to be at the top: tropical beaches, modern cities, ancient ruins and temples, and riveting culture, to name a few.
Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani / PC: @jennasingzz
An added bonus? Flights are no longer as outrageous as they used to be. Depending on when and how you travel, the flight itself can actually be quite manageable. (Pro tip: always check ITA Matrix and Google Flights before struggling with airline sites’ location services.) After years of the questionable $1,000+ options, RT flights to Thailand are now as low as $596 in shoulder seasons (September-November) when traveling from the New York area.
These days, the typical Thailand itinerary includes Bangkok (of course), Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Ko Phi Phi. All lovely destinations, all offering adventures aplenty –they’re popular for a reason.
Bangkok / PC: @bkbnbkk
Phuket / PC: @tielandtothailand
Chiang Mai / PC: @thinkingoftravel
Ko Phi Phi / PC: @siljewulff
The true beauty of Thailand is that you can experience the country in extremes: raw natural wonders, bustling cities, and isolated escapes.
But the destination that blends the extremes of natural wonder and isolated escape together effortlessly is Six Senses Yao Noi, a hidden retreat nestled between Phuket and Krabi in Phang Nga Bay.
Yes, we’re talking about a luxury resort. One that’s hidden among the island’s jungle vegetation. Whose villas and suites offer private pools. That are just steps away from one of the world’s most stunning spas.
Why Six Senses?
Because it’s a special place. So damn special.
PC: @carolinne.r
Here, you’re surrounded by mangrove forests, golden beaches, rice fields, fishing villages, hidden lagoons, and rubber plantations. Immersed in nature and privy to stunning seascape views from your villa, you’ll never want to leave.
Perfect for privacy and adventure, Six Senses offers guests the choice of 56 elevated villas scattered throughout 24 acres of tropical gardens, each sporting sweeping vistas of the Bay below.
PC: @sixsensesyaonoi
Accommodations need little to no explanation aside from “villas with a view.” Expect King beds, indoor and outdoor spaces (and showers), loungers on a private terrace, and modern amenities such as a wine fridge, espresso machine, satellite TV, Bose hifi system, etc.
PC: @hotelbossapp
PC: @sixsensesyaonoi
Service goes above and beyond thanks to the resort’s GEMs, Guest Experience Makers. Pick your adjective: seamless, stellar, unrivaled. They’re all true of each and every one of Six Senses’ GEMs.
PC: @2bros1camera
Breakfast, lunch and dinner is organic and inspired by local ingredients. The Dining Room offers more jaw-dropping views alongside decadent breakfast spreads and glass floors, while the Living Room focuses on world cuisine (including Thai, of course).
PC: @marenanita
What you choose to do with your time at Six Senses is entirely up to you. Sunbathe at the beach. Enjoy an open-air evening cinema session. De-stress at the award-winning spa. Ask the concierge for excursion advice. You can’t go wrong.
PC: @gabygotinsta
Amazing amenities aside, one of the best aspects of Six Senses is their respect for the island’s natural beauty. Dedicated to sustainability, Six Senses Yao Noi has embraced the environmental commitment to nature, focusing on values such as energy efficiency, water and waste management, social commitment, and protecting natural surroundings.
See? Told you it was a special place.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.
- Location: 56 Moo 5, Tambol Koh Yao Noi, Amphur Koh Yao, Phang Nga 82160
- Stay: Hideaway Pool or Ocean Pool Villas
- Rates: start at $376
- Currency: the Thai Baht ( ฿, THB)
- Exchange rate: 1 USD = 35.05 THB
- Getting there: fly into Phuket International Airport (HKT) or Krabi Airport (KBV); from there, Six Senses Yao Noi can arrange car or boat transfers
- From Phuket, the trip is approximately 1 hour (20-minute drive to Ao Por Grand Marina, 45-minute speedboat to resort)
- From Krabi, the trip is closer to 1.5 hours (45-minute drive to Thalane Pier, 40-minute speedboat to resort)