Six Senses Samui Review

Perched above the shimmering Gulf of Thailand, this idyllic haven is a symphony of lush landscapes and endless horizons. Meandering through its secluded villas and fragrant gardens, every moment feels like a love letter to serenity and understated luxury.

Much like the gentle unraveling of a perfect sunset, Six Senses Samui reveals itself slowly, drawing you into its world with an effortless grace. The journey here feels like shedding the weight of everyday life, as the chaos fades into the rhythm of waves and the soft rustle of palm fronds. By the time I arrived, the air—scented with sea salt and frangipani—had already worked its magic, carrying with it the promise of serenity. And as the horizon stretched endlessly before me, painted in hues of sapphire and gold, I knew I had found a place where luxury and nature whispered in unison, creating a story I would carry long after I left.

Setting the Scene

Perched on a secluded hillside overlooking the turquoise expanse of the Gulf of Thailand, the property feels like a retreat from reality itself. The resort sits harmoniously within its 20-acre natural setting, where lush greenery spills into the sparkling waters below. Arriving here feels like a journey into a secret world—one where time slows, and the only measures of the day are the golden arc of the sun and the gentle pull of the tide.

Each step through the resort reveals a poetic rhythm to its design. The villas are discreetly nestled into the landscape, allowing the vibrant foliage to take centre stage. Six Senses Samui’s design philosophy is understated yet impactful—natural materials like wood and bamboo are paired with elegant, contemporary touches. Teak wood furniture and polished concrete floors created an atmosphere of understated elegance, while the mosquito-net-draped bed added a whimsical touch. The bathroom was a private oasis, complete with an outdoor shower and a deep soaking tub set under the open sky. Featuring a private deck with its plush loungers and infinity pool, it is impossible not to feel connected to the natural world here. Every detail, from the eco-friendly architecture to the infinity-edge pools that seemingly merge with the horizon, reflects a deep respect for the environment. 

Arrivals and First Impressions

The journey to Six Senses Samui began with a smooth transfer from Samui Airport, winding through lush landscapes and quiet villages before arriving at the secluded resort perched atop the island’s northern tip. As the car pulled up to the open-air lobby, the scene before me was nothing short of breathtaking: an expansive view of the Gulf of Thailand shimmering under the midday sun, framed by swaying palms and vibrant tropical blooms. It was as though the resort had been gently placed within this idyllic setting, seamlessly blending into the natural beauty around it.

The check-in process was effortless and refreshingly personal. I was greeted with a warm smile, a chilled herbal drink, and the kind of hospitality that immediately put me at ease. The staff introduced themselves and shared a brief overview of the property, leaving me excited to explore what lay ahead. Within minutes, I was whisked away in a buggy to my villa, a secluded retreat perched on the hillside with uninterrupted views of the ocean.

As I stepped inside, the villa’s understated elegance and thoughtful details instantly struck me. The blend of natural materials, from bamboo ceilings to teakwood floors, gave it a grounded yet luxurious feel. But it was the private infinity pool on the deck that truly stole my breath. The endless horizon stretched out before me, the sea and sky melting into each other in hues of blue and gold.

That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, I made my way to Drift at the Beach for a relaxed dinner. The sound of the waves crashing softly against the shore created a soothing backdrop as I enjoyed a perfectly grilled seafood platter paired with a crisp glass of white wine. It felt like the world had paused, allowing me to savour the moment fully.

By the time I returned to my villa, the soft glow of the moon reflected on the water, and the sound of cicadas filled the air. My first day at Six Senses Samui had already left an impression: this was a place where the beauty of nature and the warmth of hospitality came together to create something truly magical.

Culinary Journeys

At the property, every meal feels like a celebration of the island’s natural bounty and the resort’s sparkling commitment to sustainability. My culinary adventure began at Dining on the Hill, the resort’s relaxed yet refined eatery overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. The day started with an experience that was both personal and grounding: collecting fresh eggs from the resort’s organic farm, which the chef later transformed into a Thai omelette bursting with flavour. The simplicity of the dish allowed the freshness of the ingredients to shine, reminding me of the joy that comes from eating food made with care and intention.

Lunch took me to Drift at the Beach, a laid-back spot with a menu designed to refresh and invigorate. I chose a dish of seared Wagyu beef paired with a crisp cucumber salad. The flavours were vibrant and perfectly balanced, with every bite reflecting the resort’s dedication to quality and thoughtful preparation. As I dined, the gentle sea breeze and the rhythmic sound of the waves added a sense of calm to the experience, turning a simple meal into a moment of pure relaxation.

The highlight of my culinary journey was an evening at Dining on the Rocks, the resort’s iconic restaurant perched high above the water. Each course of the multi-course menu was a work of craft, showcasing the creativity and skill of the chefs. A standout dish was a delicately plated seafood medley, where local fish and shellfish were paired with tropical fruits and herbs, creating a symphony of flavours that celebrated the island’s natural treasures. Dessert was equally impressive—a chocolate and passionfruit creation that was as visually stunning as it was delicious, leaving me in awe of the culinary artistry on display.

For a more intimate experience, Dining at the Edge offered a secluded, candlelit meal with an unparalleled view of the ocean under a blanket of stars. The ambiance was pure magic, with the sound of waves providing the perfect soundtrack to an exquisite meal. Here, the menu leaned into bold, local flavours, with dishes like wok-tossed Thai basil prawns and aromatic green curry that captured the soul of Thai cuisine. Dining at the Edge felt less like a meal and more like a love letter to the island, its flavours, and its breathtaking beauty.

Adding a hands-on element to my experience, I joined a Garden to Glass cocktail workshop, where I learned to craft drinks using herbs and botanicals grown on-site. Under the guidance of the resort’s F&B director, I created a refreshing cocktail infused with basil and lime—a drink that perfectly embodied the resort’s ethos of sustainability and creativity.

From farm-to-table breakfasts to candlelit dinners under the stars, every meal at Six Senses Samui felt like a heartfelt offering, carefully curated to delight the senses and nourish the soul. 

Wellness and Spa

Every aspect of the resort is designed to nurture your body, mind, and soul, leaving you with a renewed sense of balance and calm. From immersive experiences in nature to indulgent spa treatments, the emphasis is on creating a journey of holistic well-being that stays with you long after you leave.

My wellness journey began with the Sustainability Walk, led by Moon, the resort’s knowledgeable administrative assistant manager. The tour was a window into the heart of Six Senses’ eco-conscious philosophy, showcasing initiatives like organic gardening, waste management, and energy conservation. Walking through the lush grounds, I saw how sustainability and wellness are deeply intertwined—caring for the planet is as essential here as caring for the guests.

Later in the day, I ventured to the Six Senses Spa, a serene sanctuary nestled among tropical gardens. The setting alone was enough to soothe my senses, with tranquil ponds and lush greenery creating a cocoon of calm. I opted for the 60-minute Nuad Thai massage, a traditional treatment designed to release tension and improve circulation. My therapist’s skilled hands worked with precision, combining gentle stretches and deep pressure to melt away every ounce of stress. As I lay on the massage bed, the faint sound of birdsong and the occasional rustle of leaves added to the spa’s meditative atmosphere.

Beyond the treatments, the spa offers a range of wellness activities designed to restore and rejuvenate. Morning yoga sessions overlooking the ocean provided the perfect way to greet the day, while guided meditation sessions helped me find moments of stillness amidst the beauty of the surroundings. Even the spa’s herbal teas, blended with ingredients grown on-site, felt like a small act of nourishment for the soul.

The emphasis on wellness extended far beyond the spa. Meals were crafted with balance and nutrition in mind, and activities like the Farm on the Hill tour offered a chance to reconnect with the simplicity of nature. Every experience seemed to be a gentle reminder to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace a more mindful way of living.

From sunrise to starlight, every dining experience at Six Senses Samui felt like a poetic ode to the island’s soul. Whether it was the delicate simplicity of a farm-to-table breakfast, the vibrant flavours of a beachside lunch, or the intimate magic of a candlelit dinner at the edge of the world, each moment was infused with care, creativity, and a deep connection to the land and sea. By the end of my stay, I didn’t just feel relaxed—I felt lighter, as though a part of me had been quietly reset. Something about the slower pace, the natural beauty, and the thoughtful care in every experience had worked its way deep into my being, leaving me with a sense of clarity and calm I hadn’t realised I needed. Six Senses Samui’s approach to wellness isn’t about fleeting indulgence; it’s about fostering a deeper connection to yourself and the world around you. It’s a kind of luxury that goes beyond comfort, offering something infinitely more valuable: the gift of presence and peace.

Six Senses Samui is included in our guide to the best hotels in Koh Samui