We spent 3 nights and my 40th birthday at Six Senses Koh Yao Noi in a 1 bedroom Ocean view bungalow. We decided to splurge as a family on Six Senses but decided to utilize their 3 person occupancy to save some money. This resort upon arrival is very inviting our GEM (Guest Experience Manager) was at the dock to greet us and take us via golf cart on a tour of the resort. At first the tour was daunting, I didn't think I was going to be able to navigate from the beach (where breakfast is served) back to the room, and then up to the Hilltop for a dip in the pool. After a few hours you start to get the hang of the shortcuts up and down the hills (there are cutaway stairs that take you up the levels instead of walking the footpath). Something to note is that if you walk the path, it is also the path the golf carts use so be aware when walking that you might run into someone on one. There are signs at intersections to guide you to all the areas: Mushroom Hut, Chicken/Duck Coop, Goats, Library, Spa, Hilltop and even the Bungalows that are numbered. If Anything I recommend just taking the first day to familiarize and you will figure out the areas you prefer to hang out in.
ROOM-
Upon arrival we were greeted with a HAPPY BIRTHDAY sign made by our GEM with two little elephant gifts, a wooden Happy Birthday message was also hanging over the bed and birthday treats in the fridge. Such a special touch.
The rooms are beautiful, however there are steps EVERYWHERE. There are steps down into the suite, up into the outdoor patio, down to our dining area. The actually room has tiered steps to the sofa/bed, down into the toilet, and tub. At night it got a little dangerous trying to navigate to the restroom, a couple times one of us missed the step and almost went through the window so this resort is definitely not for accident prone.
There is a walk in closet, two sinks, a sofa in front of the deep relaxation tub with views of Phang Nga Bay. Other than the toilet and the closet every area of this room had a view. You have the option to open all the windows to create an open concept if you prefer to keep cool with airflow instead of AC. the rooms are provided mosquito nets over the beds if you prefer.
BEACH-
The beach area is small and secluded, we went into the water a couple of times and were greeted by juvenile archer fish that were using the beach as a nursery. There are tons of urchins in the rocks so it was recommended that we wear water shoes and keep away from the rocks. The water and tide is very gentle so it's great to wade or kayak in if you prefer taking a kayak out. There are also loungers nearby.
RESTAURANTS-
Nithan, The Den and Living Room are all in the same area (very close to the beach and Outdoor Movie area).
Every Thursday Six Senses has a social hour with staff and guests at The Den. The drinks are free as well as assortment of delicious appetizers (we were all like piranhas and ate/drank everything quickly so I suggest you arrive promptly if you wish to partake). It was lovely to get to know different staff within the company and their recommendations for food and experiences within the resorts. They shared their conservation with the native Hornbills on the Island which was a cool bit of information to share as we had noticed several Hornbill couples living in the trees.
Nithan (traditional Thai cuisine) was lovely. We chose an assortment of dishes including the appetizer sampler which had a few dishes I had never tried before. Their spice levels were fantastic and they made sure they didn't under or overspill the dish based off of our preferences.
The Living Room is where our morning breakfast buffet was hosted. There was a menu you could order from or enter the bakery/cured meats/cheeses/dairy, they also had a dim sum assortment, omelet/egg bar, various noodle dishes, curries and a "make your own noodle dish" bar. If you got up early enough before breakfast, you can walk down to the main road, off the main Six Senses property next to their tennis courts and pick your own duck or chicken eggs for breakfast. You can either go into the coup to pick the eggs from under the hens or select them from a small little egg box at the entrance to the coup. Each room comes with a cute little egg basket for morning trips to the coup if you want fresh eggs. If you don't with to walk all the way there (I admit I got lost the first time) they do have fresh eggs from that morning sitting at the egg/omelet bar for you to choose from. Overall there was food for everyone and all food sensitivities. In the evening they even offer ice cream in the cold storage room for a night treat...my favorite was the passion fruit and the Thai tea.
Hilltop was my least favorite when it came to food. The menu assortment is more Western/America dishes. I will say the night we ate dinner at Hilltop I was disappointed. We had booked Nithan as it was for my 40th birthday however they reached out a week before to let us know that Nithan would be closed and the Hilltop was our option for the night. The produce is fresh which is the positive for the restaurant however their food is not cheap for what it is so I would recommend you dine at Hilltop or the Hilltop Bar when you are at the pool and just want a quick bite and drink. The lower level restaurants are better. But of course Hilltop has the view.
SPA -
Thursday two of the masseuses were giving 5 minutes massages so we could sample their massage techniques. That was enough for use to book a massage. I had a medium pressure deep tissue and I can honestly say it was the firmest pressure I've ever experienced, Im glad I didn't request firm, I don't think I would have survived it. The spa has several areas to relax an meditate, enjoy a tea, make custom bath salts, yoga....my masseuse recommended I utilize their compression leg massagers after my massage and it was wonderful to also receive that come down treatment.
SERVICE -
Everyone was lovely and attentive. If we ever needed a golf cart to take us up or own the hill, someone was there within 5 minutes. Our GEM checked in with us at every meal to make sure we were enjoying ourself and to make sure there wasn't anything more we needed assistance with.
Spaces were very clean, the only areas that got a little iffy were the paths that cut through, they were usually full of decomposing leaves which could pose a slipping hazard if you aren't careful.
Upon check out we were gifted wooden Six Senses tags with our names on each one, a sweet little keepsake to remember our stay. Overall the stay was sweet, quiet, straightforward perfect for winding down and just taking in the views of Phang Nga Bay and the sounds of nature. Koh Yao Noi is a much quieter island and I think is meant for that kind of experience.
