Tag Archives: island

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.

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/

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/