Disappointing and Inconsistent Experience at Six Senses Yao Noi
We arrived at Six Senses Yao Noi after a long journey, expecting the level of luxury and care the brand is known for. Unfortunately, our experience fell well short.
We had booked a four bed-villa hideaway for our family Christmas holiday. The accommodation we were shown was dark, cramped, and hidden deep in the jungle. Rather than serene, it felt neglected—poorly lit, overrun with mosquitoes, and with frogs jumping at you as you entered. The space lacked comfort, warmth, and ANY sense of luxury.
Despite booking four villas, there was no comfortable communal area for a family stay. The only shared space was a single table fully exposed to the elements, making it unusable due to mosquitoes and wildlife. The best place to hang in the evening was in our bed under the mosquito net that contained holes!
That first evening was handled poorly. I asked to speak to the manager three times and was told he was “busy.” He never came. No apology, acknowledgment, or small gesture was offered to ease the situation. When we asked to move rooms, we were initially told there was no availability, only to later be told a room had been “found,” making the earlier response feel misleading.
The following day, my parents were moved to a different villa that was light-filled, beautiful, and exactly what one expects from Six Senses—highlighting how much the room allocation defines the experience here. In contrast, much of the hotel feels tired and firmly on the wrong side of “shabby chic.”
The staff were generally pleasant, and once settled, we were well looked after. However, the sour first impression never fully lifted, and notably, we never met the manager.
The food was mixed but overall good, the Thai being the winner…
The beach is underwhelming and poorly serviced, lacking the small thoughtful touches expected at this level. The main pool is visually stunning, with a sensational view, but overcrowded and insufficient for the number of guests so we could barely hang out there.
If you are seeking a true jungle experience, the type you find when you are a Gap year student, the hideaway villas may suit you. Otherwise, check your room category very carefully—because at Six Senses Yao Noi, the difference between exceptional and unacceptable is significant.