In a world that often moves too quickly, finding a space that allows you to slow down, connect with nature, and appreciate the simple things in life can be a rare treasure.
At Six Senses Yao Noi in Phuket, Thailand, such a haven exists – and it’s filled with ducks, goats and chickens.
Just 45 minutes from the mainland via speedboat, this luxurious island resort stands as a beacon of sustainability and respect for nature.
The property is set against the ethereal backdrop of Phang Nga Bay, one of the world’s most spectacular seascapes. But the resort’s commitment to nature’s bounty goes beyond just appreciating the view.
Sustainability is more than just a buzzword at Six Senses Yao Noi – it’s a lifestyle, embraced wholeheartedly, evident in every corner of the resort, and particularly, at their Organic Farm.
The journey to the farm begins with a pleasant ride on an electric buggy, which smoothly navigates the verdant edges of the resort.
As you approach, you’re greeted by a harmonious orchestra of sounds: the hectoring squawks of chickens, the peaceful bleating of goats, and the adorable quacking of ducks.
Guided by knowledgeable staff, you’ll learn about the distinct personalities of the animals as you feed them.
You’ll witness the chickens, always eager for food, their insistent squawks filling the air. The goats, in contrast, are serene, the embodiment of tranquility. The ducks, with their ceaseless quacking, add a delightful touch of whimsy.
Despite being an integral part of a luxury resort, the animals here enjoy a life of freedom and respect.
They’re cared for with the utmost respect for their natural behaviors and needs, with a life free from the threat of becoming a meal. When their time comes, they’re given a respectful farewell, their lives celebrated rather than commodified.
The farm visit isn’t just a hands-on interaction with the animals, but an education in sustainable practices. The resort is committed to reducing its environmental impact, evidenced in practices such as bottling its own water, both still and sparkling, to minimize plastic waste.
The principles of sustainability extend beyond the farm. Hornbill nests are dotted around the property, their residents an integral part of the resort’s commitment to protecting local wildlife.
These iconic birds, the numbers of which have been dwindling in recent years, find a safe haven in the hotel’s lush vegetation and specially installed nests.
The resort’s commitment to sustainability extends to the local community too. Working alongside Imagine Thailand, Six Senses Yao Noi has provided clean drinking water systems for multiple locations, including schools, hospitals, parks, and places of worship.
Over 100,000 local community members have daily access to clean drinking water as a result of this partnership.
Education programs, donations of medical equipment to public hospitals, collaborations with hospital authorities, and partnerships for immunization programs all underscore Six Senses Yao Noi’s commitment to the wider community.
A visit to the farm is a refreshing detour from the usual resort activities. It’s a time to pause, to connect with nature, and to witness first-hand the symbiotic relationship that can exist between luxury and sustainability.
It’s not only about the adorable animals. Sustainability seeps into every corner of the resort. They make their own syrups for the bars, reducing the carbon footprint of deliveries and eliminating the use of plastic packaging.
The resort even partners with the Thailand Hornbill Project and the Royal Project, contributing to the preservation and growth of local flora and fauna, while also sharing the knowledge with younger generations.
In an age where sustainability is often merely a claim, Six Senses Yao Noi lives and breathes it. The farm stands as a testament to this commitment, a living, squawking, bleating, quacking embodiment of sustainability that enriches the guest experience.
A visit to the farm at Six Senses Yao Noi is more than just an hour spent with animals.
It’s a deeper understanding of sustainable practices, a respect for the natural world, and an acknowledgement of the resort’s genuine commitment to positive environmental and social impact.
It’s an hour that extends beyond your visit, inspiring you to carry these principles back home. Because, as Six Senses Yao Noi understands well, sustainability has never tasted so good, or felt so inspiring.
It’s Phuket reimagined, it’s luxury redefined, and it’s an experience you’ll remember long after your footprints on the beach have washed away.
