Dubai

–––––––– Koh Yao Noi, Thailand ––––––––

Six Senses Yao Noi

There is a distinct feel of the ‘Jungle Book’ meets ‘Castaway’ about Six Senses Yao Noi and if Mowgli were all grown-up, and looking for a luxurious, sensuous retreat, this is most definitely where he would come! Resting in the ocean halfway between Phuket and Krabi, amongst the iconic limestone shards of Phang Nga Bay, getting there is all part of the experience. It’s just a 45 minute boat transfer from Phuket or 20 minutes by speedboat from Krabi.

The views are quite simply ‘larger than life’ and it is one of the most idyllic retreats we have ever found. Just 56 private pool villas are dotted throughout the resort, all very similar in style but each with a different perspective. Hideaway Villas have a true jungle outlook, but for those mind-blowing views you need to be heading for the Ocean and Beachfront Villas. Rustic, simple and barefoot is the order of the day here – lots of natural wood, bamboo and fresh white linens. Shady day beds, plunge pools, indoor and outdoor rain showers and sunken bathtubs come as the norm, whilst your 24 hour butler will attend to your every whim and desire. Want sundowners served in the privacy of your terrace or need midnight nibbles after a moonlit dip? Your wish is their command.

For the ultimate romantic escape choose ‘The View’, a huge one-of-a-kind villa with epic views from the infinity edge pool, sunken dining area and mezzanine floor. It boasts its own private cinema and a glass floor at the end of the king-size bed offers views of the waterfall cascading through the jungle beneath. An ideal choice for celebrating a special occasion or honeymoon.

There are numerous bars and restaurants to tempt the palate from authentic Thai to organic Mediterranean and from tapas to Champagne breakfasts, beach picnics and in-villa dining. We particularly like the wowmoment views from the exclusive Hilltop Reserve but also the very mellow vibe of the ultra-chilled bar, The Den, and don’t miss Cinema Paradiso, a fantastic outdoor cinema by the beach.

To miss a treatment at the signature Six Senses Spa could be compared to eating hot toast without butter, it is soul restoring and pampering decadence on an epic scale. Using pure, natural spa products, balance your senses on a journey through the four essential elements of water, air, earth and fire.

Romantic Moments

♥ Be whisked away to a quiet island where your personal chef will prepare an exquisite meal as the sun sets

–––––––– Khao Lak, Thailand ––––––––

The Sarojin

This truly elegant, Thai-style resort is a secluded tropical retreat, offering undisturbed privacy and a very warm welcome on a pristine swathe of beach.

On the upper floors of the low-rise buildings you will find the new Jacuzzi Pool Suites, stylish and spacious with separate living and sleeping areas with four-poster beds and a pretty terrace complete with private 2.2 metre jacuzzi pool (perfect for stargazing). Garden Residences are on the lower floors and are peaceful and harmonious spaces with garden-fringed terraces which spill out to a private Thai lounge Sala. Pool Residences sit on each corner with gardens and a good-sized private pool.

Food is a highlight of the resort with both restaurants enjoying renowned reputations. Dine at The Edge for breezy, beach-chic; take a seat under the stars on the sand or beneath the open-air timber pavilion. Ficus is tucked under the tangle of hanging roots and canopy of an ancient ficus tree – refined and elegant. A la carte breakfast here is a real treat and can be taken any time of the day, complete with sparkling wine – no setting alarm clocks here! We particularly love The Sarojin’s ethos of no restrictions so if you want to dine by the side of a jungle waterfall or pick gourmet breakfast treats from a picnic hamper on a deserted white beach, The Sarojin can make it happen.

Managing to offer the best of both worlds, this secluded resort is perfect for a relaxing, tropical beach escape but also incredibly well located for exploration. The Sarojin has a team of ‘Imagineerers’ armed with all manner of unique ideas to create memorable moments just for you. Want to take to the high seas aboard the Lady Sarojin to a world-class dive spot, or trek through the rainforest to find chilled Champagne waiting for you at the end? Or perhaps your very own Robinson Crusoe moment dining by candlelight on a deserted island? From gentle escapades to white knuckle thrills, the old saying is very true – you are only limited by your imagination!

Romantic Moments

♥ Play pirate with a private candlelit dinner on a sand cay

♥ Reconnect with a couple’s spa menu in the privacy of a private spa pavilion – lunch is included plus a re-toxifying glass of something cold and bubbly!

Beyond the Beach

An ideal combination with Elephant Hills in Khao Sok National Park.

–––––––– Krabi, Thailand ––––––––

Rayavadee

If your expectation of a beach escape in Thailand involves giant sun-kissed limestone karsts rising majestically from the ocean and white sand beaches encircling jungle clad hillsides, then Rayavadee might just be the place for you. Although theoretically located on the mainland, the resort is dotted across a beautiful peninsula and only accessible by boat.

This is a truly breathtaking property in a dazzling location with a wonderful sense of traditional Thailand. A recent refurbishment ensures rooms are fresh and stylish and jam-packed with every creature comfort. 94 charming twostorey pavilions are duplex style with bedrooms and bathrooms on the first floor and living space on the ground floor. Deluxe Pavilions are spacious and open out to the jungle gardens, whilst the Terrace Pavilions are more contemporary with an open-plan ground floor living area which flows onto a breezy outdoor terrace and lounge. Pool Pavilions come with an outdoor private swimming pool in a walled garden. You can expect highly polished wood, rich fabrics and a unique circular design to all pavilions. For even more space stay in one of the seven luxurious villas.

There are three beautiful beaches, which, although not private, do give access to a choice of local restaurants and bars on the beach. In-house Krua Phranang is best for yummy Thai classics. Raitalay Terrace is the place for daytime nibbles and laid-back evening meals, and The Grotto is a spectacular limestone cavern perfect for sundowners.

Beyond the resort there is an extensive menu of activities including scuba diving, kayaking, snorkelling and island adventures around Phang Nga Bay. For those seeking relaxation, indulge in an authentic Thai treatment at the spa.

Romantic Moments

♥ How about a candlelit dinner in a cave at The Grotto where you can lose yourself in the perfect sunset

♥ Enjoy a private speedboat journey to a blissfully peaceful beach, see the sun set with a pitcher of ice-cold sangria and a platter of delicious canapés

Beyond the Beach

Rayavadee is the perfect twin with its sister hotels in Chiang Mai. Tamarind Village is a charming Lanna-style boutique hotel tucked away in the old walled city. Or, try Raya Heritage by the Ping River, where modern style is married with delicate traditional touches deeply rooted in Thai culture.