Tag Archives: Thailand

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.

Elephant Hills, Thailand

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I have always been a city girl, most comfortable running around the streets of a crowded metropolis. When in Thailand though, I felt the desire to wander into less certain territory, to explore the less urban Asia and venture into a more exotic environment. London’s most exciting animal sighting is the occasional cheeky fox rustling in the rubbish, whereas Thailand’s wild rainforest is home to snakes, monkeys, bears and the biggest animal of all, the Asian elephant.

It is easy to get mixed up in cruel circus rides and elephant focused tourist traps in Thailand; Elephant Hills is not like that, they offer nature tours and luxury camping experiences with elephants who are nurtured in conditions similar to their natural habitat. Various packages are available, we enjoyed a magical and memorable 3 days and 2 nights, sleeping in the rainforest and on a lake, meeting incredible wildlife whilst appreciating a staggeringly beautiful backdrop of natural landscape. In short, I couldn’t be further away from my busy, cramped London life.

Picked up from our hotel early on Day 1, we had little idea of what to expect. The ‘essentials packing list’ indicated a basic itinerary… mosquito interaction and substantial walking seemed inevitable. Food, towels and water are all provided when you reach the camp. After a sleepy two hour drive we arrived at our destination: the deepest, darkest depths of Khao Sok National Park. The camp surpassed all my expectations, a clean and charming shelter where food is served and activities enjoyed, free wifi is accessible and a bar serves wine and beer. Boards display the array of species that you might be lucky enough to sight. There is a swimming pool for cooling off in free time. Our tent was spacious and breezy, despite the suffocating humidity outside. There was a toilet and a private shower with running water and even a set of complimentary toiletries to use. After a wholesome lunch of noodles, vegetables, curry and fruit, we were off to meet the elephants.

I have only glimpsed elephants from afar at the zoo when I was a child, they seemed smaller and less playful then. At Elephant Hills the great animals are paired with a mahouk each, a trained man who virtually lives with their animal, and speaks a special language to communicate with the creature. Seeing the elephants for the first time I was taken aback by their size, their huge legs and a long squirming trunk. I cowered as the rest of the group timidly greeted these new friends.

Elephants are considered holy animals in Thailand, worshipped throughout the country. At Elephant Hills the animals are respected and adored, visitors help with their daily routine rather than exploiting them. We washed and scrubbed a grubby elephant, much to its delight, then learnt to slice and dice the sugarcane, bananas and pineapples to offer to the greedy trunks. It was soon possible to identify what food each elephant favoured, as they would either guzzle or reject the item immediately… mine was particularly fussy! Meeting baby Haha and mother was a particular highlight, especially watching the interactions between the two elephants. Haha climbed up the fence eager to say hello and sniff out the new visitors.

That evening, after a brief Pad Thai cooking demonstration and a big meal, the camp groups sat down together to watch local school kids in a performance of traditional Thai dance. It was incredibly moving watching these five little girls in brightly coloured dresses and sashes dancing so beautifully, smiling excitedly throughout. Next morning we were off to Cheow Larn Lake, a mesmerising landscape. Here ten luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms are situated in the very centre of the lake, an intimate base for guests to use whilst exploring the tropical rainforest. Powered by both solar and wind energy and using unique waste management systems, Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp is designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible. A three hour trek was a memorable experience, especially the dark and treacherous cave where we encountered spiders, bats and snakes!

The next morning we woke to the sound of monkey calls and bird conversations, it was unlike anything else I have ever known. The sun rose over the lush green canopy. For our final morning we went out in canoes to spot apes. After some frustrating, partial sightings the previous day, I was desperate to see properly these clever animals in their natural habitat. Our guides soon sourced the sounds of a known family of gibbons and within a few minutes we had spotted the rustling leaves and the long elastic limbs swinging from branch to branch. I could have watched for hours. On the way back home I fell asleep in the boat, exhausted and overwhelmed from the trip.

This company is extremely well organised, with friendly and well informed guides, great facilties and wholesome food. The activities ensure every guest has an extraordinary experience. It is lovely to enjoy the beaches and buddhas of Thailand but if you are interested in something spectacular and special, book an adventure with Elephant Hills, I promise it will be the highlight of your trip.

More information and book a trip to Elephant Hills here: www.elephant-hills.com/rainforest_camp.php

Banyan Tree Samui, Thailand

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The archipelago of southern Thailand is a tourist trap and Koh Samui, the third largest island, has been growing rapidly in popularity, attracting foreigners with its pristine beaches and laid back culture.

Initially, as we drove past Chaweng Beach, I wondered where the brochure shots came from… how could the busy strip of tacky shops and vendors be the idyllic paradise to which visitors trekked? I could not imagine the oasis at the other end of the island.

But drive a little further and you reach Banyan Tree Samui, a breathtaking, awe-inspiring property with villas perched on the green hillside. They surround a quiet secluded bay, used exclusively by the hotel guests.

The experience begins at reception where smiling staff welcome you to the view, I felt dizzy looking out… this is the postcard landscape that you will never get used to at Banyan Tree Samui. Cooling coconut water and a flower garland followed then it was all aboard the buggy with a personal butler ‘Summer’, and off to our hill crest villa. The hill grew steeper and steeper until we reached a grand wooden door. More steps led to a three room luxury villa. This elevated structure reflects traditional Thai architecture, spacious with a high ceiling and floor to ceiling windows offering views out over the Gulf of Thailand. Summer chatted away about the immaculate detailing of the facilities, I zoned out as I gawped at the view and wondered, who can I FaceTime first?

The stylish rooms show continuity with dark wood panelling, beige and brown furnishings with a touch of warmth from the burnt orange detailing. Despite the size and space the rooms feel cosy and homely. The huge white bed looks out to the incredible infinity pool which can be accessed from anywhere in your villa, and it is tempting to spend an hour struggling to take ‘selfies’ of yourself from every angle in the pool, my iPhone very nearly drowned.

Through to the bathroom and a giant indulgent bath tub looks ready to relax even the sternest of guests, black granite covers the surfaces. A glass-enclosed power-shower is also provided should you need it. Branded patterned bathrobes and wash bags are yours for the stay or available to buy to take home. We were lucky enough to see the sunrise, a spectacular vision at 6.15 in the morning.

There are numerous ways to occupy yourself whilst staying at Banyan Tree. We took part in coral replantation on the beach, which was both educational and fun, testament to the conservation work the staff do. The spa is renowned throughout Thailand boasting unrivalled facilities and expert staff; with hydrotherapy pools and a rainforest complex, there is a wealth of treatments to try. I can personally vouch for the Rainforest indulgence, a three hour experience which involves a hydro and Thermo circuit followed by a balancing massage. It is a sensory experience not to be missed.

The hotel has three exemplary restaurants: the Edge for breakfast, Saffron for traditional Thai and Sands for casual beachside cuisine. We enjoyed an atmospheric dinner at Saffron, which showcases the finest Thai flavours and cooking techniques. The meal begins with a ritualistic hand cleanse and a flower behind the ear! The food was faultless: sticky sweet pork ribs with honey was a highlight, tender juicy meat with a crisp caramelised edge coated in sweet marinade. Red curry was great too, and it was fun choosing between the four rice varieties that accompany the dish. Sticky rice, mango and coconut ice-cream was made to perfection here also.

Sitting at the highest point of the resort listening to the lyrical local music and gorging on the divine delicacies was unforgettable. I commend Banyan Tree on their beautiful establishment.

More information and book to stay at Banyan Tree Samui here: www.banyantree.com/en/samui/