Six Senses Yao Noi

Koh Yao Noi sits in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, roughly equidistant from Phuket and Krabi, and has stayed largely rural — rubber plantations, fishing villages and a single main road. Six Senses occupies a hillside on the island's eastern shore with what is probably the best view in the bay: a scatter of limestone karsts rising out of shallow green water.

The 56 villas are terraced up the slope, each with a private pool and an open-sided living pavilion oriented at the karsts. Buggies handle the gradients. The Hilltop Reserve and larger multi-bedroom villas sit highest, with the most exposed views.

Six Senses' wellness programming is well developed here, covering sleep, detox and yoga, alongside an organic garden that supplies the kitchens. The resort also runs boat trips into the bay's hongs and sea caves, and a long-standing dining-by-design programme that stages meals in unusual spots around the property.