Tag Archives: resort

Six Senses Yao Noi, Thailand

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If you’ve never been to Thailand you probably imagine it to be a remote paradise of relaxed luxury and stunning scenery, Six Senses Yao Noi makes this dreamworld a reality.

After a five sticky days in Phuket we were off to the island of Yao Noi, a trip highlight we had been excitedly anticipating since landing in Asia. As instructed we made our way to Ao Po Grand Marina where the Six Senses staff scoop you up and look after your every need until you arrive back at the marina at the end of your stay. After a refreshing cocktail, we boarded the branded speedboat and set off into the azure distance, to Yao Noi Island, in the middle of Phang Nga Bay.

The unusual rock formations in the sea surrounding Yao Noi are a familiar sight which define this beautiful resort. Approaching the hilly islands, we noticed the Eco villas nestled amongst the greenery. Reaching the harbour, guests are greeted by smiling staff and buggies with chalkboards marking your name, which swiftly deliver you to your villa. At this point your GEM (Guest Experience Maker) will meet you and help establish your itinerary. Our GEM, Mink, seemed eager to get to know us and assist with every detail, it was a great relief to let her organise us, which she did thoughtfully and efficiently.

The villas, and indeed the whole resort, have a strong sustainable focus – the property is built on a former rubber plantation with local trees planted to attract wildlife; the barefoot luxury ethos is evident throughout. Stressful and stiff hotel etiquette is replaced with a relaxed attitude. We were in villa number 1, a beachfront pool suite, centrally located in the resort. It was bliss, with two huts to enjoy, a private infinity pool and a garden, enough space for a whole family. The natural design is homely, comfort takes precedence over grandeur, nothing is flash and showy but instead quietly indulgent.

A huge bed dominates the bedroom, with a view looking out towards the beach. The bathroom reminded me of a mini spa with big sinks, a sunken bath and sofa. Other facilities are endless: indoor and outdoor showers; decking, sofas and sun loungers on the terrace; and a games room, which doubles up as a second bedroom with its own ensuite bathroom. The colour scheme is organic and earthy, using warm yellows, oranges and reds, especially lovely in the twilight.

In the mornings we chose to try yoga with Dorelal on the hilltop platform, which cleared my mind and energised my body ready for the day ahead. In the evenings guests can unwind on the beach whilst watching a classic film, ‘movies with the stars’. It is these unique offerings which make a stay at Six Senses so memorable. I personally loved the ice-cream cabin which serves complimentary homemade ice-creams from 7am to 7pm, particularly popular with the younger visitors! We also relished the chance to see the sleepy island, which is possible with the hotel bikes.

You can eat whatever you want whenever you want at the resort, most impressively at the Hilltop Reserve which showcases the very best views of the awe-inspiring limestone pinnacles. Here we enjoyed authentic Thai dishes at lunchtime, the signature Wagyu beef Massaman curry was our favourite, using local ingredients from the Six Senses gardens and the highest quality of beef. On Saturday nights this restaurant hosts the Seafood BBQ, offering fine fish and wine. Other food options include the renowned Dining Room, where chef Jim creates wondrous organic European dishes. For something lighter, The Den is a great choice for tapas bites and exotic cocktails.

Breakfast is a feast for all the senses… an array of foodie delights that seems to go on forever. The pastry parlour displays fresh baked delicacies that would rival even the poshest of Parisian hotels, the deli room has an extensive range of cold meats and cheeses whilst out in the open air, hot dishes are made to order. Health physician Elke Wollschon was wandering round with a tray of green smoothies, they looked strange but tasted divine, and are apparently incredibly good for you!

Relaxation and pampering are what Six Senses does best, the spas are world-famous, so of course I couldn’t leave without sampling a stunning tropical spa treatment. The rainforest spa is serene and calm, here they grow lemongrass and aloe vera to use in the treatments. Wanting to experience something special, I opted for the silk facial which uses natural silk cocoons to massage and invigorate the skin. It was cleansing and refreshing, and left my skin glowing and soft.

Six Senses is adamant that every guest’s holiday should be tailored specifically to their needs and desires, and the excursions team excel at creating bespoke trips for even the most regular travellers. On our final morning we awoke at 5.30 to embark on a private sunrise cruise, it was filmic and fantastic. Lying on the back of a mattress-lined long tail boat we drifted towards the burning orange sun. Stopping at a secluded shore our guide set up breakfast while we spotted wildlife and admired the view. It was a once in a lifetime moment that I will never ever forget.

Six Senses aims to stimulate and soothe all your senses (sound, see, smell, touch and taste) helping you find a balanced and happy equilibrium. The idyllic and isolated Yao Noi island is the perfect location for this purpose, relaxing even the most stressed of visitors. As we waved goodbye to the staff at the harbour, I felt we were leaving our new family. Six Senses is not just a hotel it is a way of life, the results of which can be felt long after you return home.

More information and book a stay here.

The Pavilions, Phuket

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The Pavilions Hotel in Phuket is the ultimate romantic destination. This quiet, secluded adults-only resort was our first stop in Phuket. The blissful and beautiful location conveyed an idyllic impression of Thailand’s largest island, little did I know of the tourist invaded streets a short car ride away.

Found at one of Phuket’s highest points, the Pavilions’ villas nestle amongst the lush greenery looking out towards the azure Andaman Sea. After a twenty minute air-conditioned drive, the smart hotel pick-up service delivered us efficiently at the main reception. The staff seemed excited to see us, chiming the ceremonial gong and greeting us with sweetly scented flowers and a refreshing, tangy welcome drink.

Thankfully nippy buggies escort guests around the resort which is rather hilly. There are a variety of luxury villas on offer for couples to choose from. We experienced two types, first the grand and indulgent ocean-view pool suite. This huge apartment showed an obvious Chinese influence, with a deep red and glossy black colour theme. I ran around frantically discovering new details, it was impossible to choose a favourite room.

A few features stood out: the super-sized sofa plumped up with cushions, the sleek bar complete with golden Buddha and the stunning private terrace and shimmering infinity pool. The modern amenities were disguised discreetly amongst the décor, though a giant flatscreen TV was particularly decadent in the main room. The bedroom was one of a kind, with an uber-comfortable big bed, topped with a retro ‘amore’ pillow and a brilliant bright red rose carpet on the floor.

I was pleased to notice characterful and intriguing artwork and artefacts adorning the suite. The bathroom had a beautiful black and white print on the wall, while other rooms had more colourful graphic pictures by Christiam Develter on the walls. Spacious and airy, the bathroom was like a salon or spa in itself, with enough floor space to hold a small yoga class! Marble surfaces, a duo of sinks and piles of soft towels and regal maroon dressing gowns completed the luxury.

For our second night at Pavilions, we were lucky enough to try a Spa Pavilion featuring its own private spa and steam room, a facility I have never seen in a hotel room before! Equally attractive but with differing features and less vibrant interior design, this was a lovely variation illustrating the versatility of the resort. Pavilions is known for its exemplary spa and its talented therapists. The massage was faultless, a ritualistic treatment that began with a relaxing foot massage before the balancing oil body massage, it was all enjoyed in the comfort of our own villa. For spa-keen couples it really is an unmissable feature.

Food and drink can be enjoyed in the resort, or guests may choose to sample the nearby traditional Thai restaurants, which come highly recommended. I loved beach eatery Som, where you dine on Asian delicacies with your feet in the sand. For sundowners the cocktails at 360 Bar in the hotel cannot be beaten. Try the fruity love potions while admiring the view and picking at flavoursome tapas snacks. Breakfast is immaculate too, with the flakiest croissants, delicious coffee and a very tasty hot French toast from the a la carte menu. I found the staff particularly endearing here too, so smiley and keen to chat about English football! It is worth noting too how efficient and practical the concierge staff at Pavilions are, eager to help plan an excursion or to help you navigate your way to the nearby Layan beach, which can be reached by the hotel’s complimentary open air ‘songthaew’ shuttle.

As the gong sounded to mark our departure, I realised how sad I was to be leaving Pavilions behind. This resort ensures every couple visiting has an unforgettable stay, I understand now why their return rate is so high.

More information and book a stay at The Pavilions Phuket here: www.thepavilionsresorts.com/phuket-home/

Sandals Grande, St Lucia

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The Sandals empire is growing thick and fast across the Caribbean, with the newest opening in Grenada just announced. There are three Sandals on the island of St Lucia, each with their own specialities and qualities. We spent the final two nights of our epic Caribbean trip at Sandals Grande St Lucian in the north of the island. Totally relaxing and luxurious, it was the perfect hideaway for our precious last days of sunshine.

Every Sandals destination sits directly on a stunning beach, with impressive stretches of white sand and expanses of clear turquoise water. Grande St Lucian is no exception and in fact is often described as the “closest location to a picture postcard”. As many will already know, Sandals is adults only (there are many alternative family focused resorts) and they offer all-inclusive holidays, so you need not worry about a thing.

The resorts all provide a transfer service to and from the airport so that your holiday can start the moment you step off the plane. We were very excited to be met by a chauffeur driven car with chilled champagne and chocolate ready for us to munch on during the journey to Le Grande.

Moments away from Rodney Bay and Pigeon Island, there is plenty around to entertain visitors, though I can understand why some are reluctant to leave the resort. After a thirty minute drive we arrived at our destination. The three storey lobby provides a very grand entrance, a highly polished and decorated palace, not necessarily to my taste but impressive nonetheless. We were greeted by smiling staff with cold flannels, introduced to our butlers (yes there were two) who escorted us to our living quarters.

We were staying in an Ultra Grande Luxe Rondoval Suite with our own Private Plunge Pool & Whirlpool. After a long tiring journey it was blissful to arrive in this fully equipped mini apartment. Decorated with warm neutral tones and soft comforting furnishings, it is an ultra relaxing suite that we felt instantly at home in. The bed was luxuriously big, soft and bouncy… the kind you immediately sink into. Every additional amenity is available, with fully stocked fridges and unlimited champagne and spirits for thirsty guests. The ‘his and her’ bathroom facilities are lovely and spacious with a gloriously big jacuzzi bath, indoor and outdoor showers. My only complaint concerned the internet, which is not free and is difficult to access from the rooms.

Everything aquatic is available during your Sandals stay, with an alluring dive reef just five minutes away. There are five fresh water pools on offer including the Sandals signature energy pool with swim-up bar and the romantic beachside heart-shaped pool for lovers (a bit schmaltzy). For more adventurous guests a variety of watersports and boating activities are available, many are free of charge and should definitely be taken advantage of.

The dining options are numerous, with eight international restaurants at Le Grande and a further twelve eateries on offer at the other two St Lucia Sandals branches. We were lucky to try some of the best, including the renowned over-the-water Gordon’s and the fine French restaurant La Toc in the other Sandals branch. Whilst eating in the warm evening air, you can enjoy the nightly entertainment which includes live music and performing acts. For lighter meals during the day, beachside grills and pizzerias are available for peckish sunbathers. I found I enjoyed the simpler food at Sandals, where the qualities of the delicious Caribbean produce can really be noticed and appreciated.

Before leaving the resort we were lucky enough to try the spa (see review here). I can recommend this as a truly lovely addition to your holiday with very experienced therapists and individually tailored treatments, it is a refuge of ultimate indulgence.

Anything you could wish for is possible at Sandals where they strive to make every couple’s dreams come true. For many, a ‘once in a lifetime’ holiday becomes a yearly anniversary… the Sandals way of life is certainly addictive, I was very sad to leave.

More information here.

http://www.sandals.co.uk/