Best Six Senses resorts and hotels in the world - The Points Guy (2024)

Six Senses hotels and resorts provide a casual, friendly style of luxury that encourages guests to relax and rejuvenate. Six Senses properties usually offer high-quality spas, thoughtful sustainability initiatives, impressive kids programs and personalized service from dedicated guest-experience managers.

The core values of the Six Senses brand — summed up as pioneering wellness, responsible and caring, crafted experiences, fun and quirky, global sensibility, emotional hospitality and local sensitivity — describe the brand perfectly. And while many brands have stated core values, Six Senses lives up to its based on my experiences at Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives and Six Senses Yao Noi in Thailand.

IHG Hotels & Resorts bought Six Senses in 2019. But although IHG has integrated some Six Senses resorts into its IHG One Rewards loyalty program, not all Six Senses resorts currently participate. So you can only earn and redeem IHG points at select Six Senses resorts, and you'll only enjoy IHG One Rewards elite benefits and InterContinental Ambassador perks at select properties.

We note below whether each Six Senses resort we highlight participates in the IHG One Rewards program. But, although the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card earns 10 points per dollar spent on qualifying purchases at hotels participating in IHG One Rewards, you may want to use one of the best cards for general travel spending for purchases at Six Senses resorts instead to ensure you get bonus earnings.

Related: The best IHG hotels in the world

Six Senses Laamu is an alluringly rustic property with 97 villas on the Laamu Atoll in the southern Maldives. If you love marine life, sustainability, active vacations and authentic service — and think spending your vacation barefoot on an island sounds wonderful — you'll likely fall in love with Six Senses Laamu as much as I did.

You'll be invited to take your shoes off on the boat to the resort from the atoll's airstrip. And most guests don't put their shoes back on until their return trip to the airport. You can enjoy various complimentary activities, including morning snorkeling sessions with a marine biologist on the house reef, a weekly meet-and-greet with staff and educational seminars. But I also highly recommend snorkeling off the beach near the spa, as you'll often encounter sea turtles there.

Six Senses Laamu features various villa types, including beachfront, over-water and pool villas. But even the 1,160-square-foot base-tier Lagoon Water Villa category you can book with IHG points is incredible. These villas include an outdoor bathroom with a glass bathtub, direct access to the ocean, an upper treehouse-style deck, an air-conditioned bedroom and a deck with sun loungers and a glass-bottom table.

There are several dining venues and bars. You can eat breakfast and enjoy themed buffet dinners at Longitude, while Zen offers Japanese cuisine and Leaf serves Mediterranean fare. You can enjoy drinks at Chill Bar near the house reef or Sip Sip near the pool — and yes, there are happy hours at both. You can also enjoy 48 ice cream and sorbet flavors at the Ice & Chocolate Studio for no additional cost throughout most of the day.

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You'll need to take a domestic flight from Male and then a speedboat to the property — a journey that will currently set you back $931 per person round-trip, including tax and service charges, for shared service. But keep an eye on the Six Senses Laamu offers page, as you can occasionally book packages that discount the transfer and include half-board meals.

Rates at Six Senses Laamu start at $1,195 or 187,000 IHG One Rewards points per night, although a three-night minimum stay is usually required.

Related: The best ways to get to the Maldives on points and miles

Six Senses Zighy Bay is in southern Oman on the Musandam Peninsula. It's a family-friendly resort designed like a traditional Omani village, with shaded pathways for walking and biking.

This resort has 82 villas, each with a private pool, air-conditioned interiors and ceiling fans. The base-tier villa is 883 square feet with an outdoor shower and a 230-square-foot infinity-edge pool as well as plenty of space for outdoor lounging. Six Senses Zighy Bay doesn't currently participate in the IHG One Rewards program, but keep an eye out for rates that include half-board meals.

The spa has nine treatment rooms, two Arabian-style hammams, an ice cave and a scenic yoga pavilion. And while most Six Senses resorts offer kids clubs, this resort also offers a teens club. If you want to relax at the hotel, you can enjoy its 1-mile beach, saltwater pool, freshwater pool, cooking classes and sustainability-focused activities. Or, if you want to explore away from the resort, potential excursions include a visit to the Grand Canyon of the Musandam, a jaunt in a microlight plane, trekking through the mountains, snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking.

You'll eat well at Six Senses Zighy Bay, too. Spice Market serves buffets for breakfast and dinner each day, with some nights featuring themed buffets. Meanwhile, Summer House serves bistro-style dishes for lunch and dinner, and Shua Shack offers beachside snacks during the day and hosts a Bedouin dining experience on select nights. You can also enjoy an Asian-inspired chef's table experience for dinner high above the desert floor at Sense On The Edge and order drinks and tapas at Zighy Bar.

You can reach Six Senses Zighy Bay from Dubai via a four-wheel-drive limousine for $255 per car per way for a maximum of three guests. But you can add a speedboat ($80 per guest per way) or paraglide arrival ($195 per guest) for part of the journey if you desire. If you opt to self-drive, you'll need to transfer to a resort four-wheel-drive vehicle for the last 4.7 miles due to the resort's mountainous terrain.

Rates at Six Senses Zighy Bay start at $990 per night.

Related: How to get to (and stay in) Dubai using points and miles

Six Senses Fiji is in the Mamanuca Islands, just 16 miles from Nadi International Airport (NAN). This resort — home to 39 Fijian crested iguanas, a critically endangered species with less than 5,000 remaining worldwide — features 24 villas and a collection of residences with two to five bedrooms.

All the villas and residences at Six Senses Fiji offer a private pool. The base-tier Hideaway Pool Villa that you can book with IHG points is 1,200 square feet and features an air-conditioned bedroom and sitting area as well as a deck with a plunge pool, dining area and two sun beds.

Six Senses Fiji offers many activities, including snorkeling at the house reef, back-of-house tours and cultural activities. And like most Six Senses resorts, Six Senses Fiji has multiple sustainability initiatives. For example, the resort has a beehive and houses 100 hens and roosters. What's more, the resort and its desalination plant are run on 100% solar power.

As for dining, guests can enjoy Pacific Islands delights at Tovolea, pizza at Teitei Pizzeria and themed meals at Rara Restaurant & Bar. Plus, be sure to visit the Ice Creamery for homemade ice cream. And if you're in the mood for a picnic or in-room snacks, visit the Gourmet Deli for grab-and-go options.

Six Senses Fiji is relatively close to Nadi, the city served by most international flights to and from Fiji. You can book a shared 10-minute helicopter transfer from Nadi or Denarau for 670 Fijian dollars (about $302) per way per adult or a shared 35-minute speedboat transfer from Port Denarau for FJ$365 ($165) per way per adult.

Rates at Six Senses Fiji start at $860 or 174,000 IHG One Rewards points per night, although there's often a two- or five-night minimum stay requirement.

Six Senses Yao Noi is a short speedboat ride from phu*ket, Thailand, but it feels worlds away. The resort is located on Koh Yao Noi, with beautiful views overlooking the limestone cliffs and rock formations of Phang Nga Bay. And if you're feeling energetic, you can borrow bikes to explore the rest of the island.

The base-tier Hideaway Pool Villa that you can book with IHG points is 1,658 square feet and features a deck with a private infinity-edge pool, sun beds, a relaxing corner and a dining area. Inside, you'll find an air-conditioned bedroom and bathroom with a bathtub and both indoor and outdoor showers.

Six Senses Yao Noi offers many activities and amenities to make your stay great. You can book complimentary guided activities like morning yoga or kayaking through a nearby mangrove forest. You'll see hornbills on-site and can visit the farm to select fresh eggs for your breakfast. And the infinity pool at The Hilltop venue is beautiful anytime, but it's particularly stunning just after sunrise.

Speaking of The Hilltop, you can also eat dinner poolside or enjoy drinks at this area of the resort. The Living Room is open for most meals — you can also get complimentary ice cream and sorbet here most of the day — and you can enjoy themed dinners or dine at the Chef's Table in the Dining Room. Finally, The Den offers snacks and co*cktails near a delightful pond with frogs.

Six Senses Yao Noi is a short drive and speedboat from phu*ket International Airport (HKT) or Krabi International Airport (KBV), although only private transfers are available for Krabi. A shared scheduled land-and-water transfer from phu*ket starts at 3,200 Thai baht (about $93) per guest.

Rates at Six Senses Yao Noi start at $639 or 106,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Related: The best hotels in phu*ket, Thailand

If you've ever dreamed of sleeping in a fort, consider a stay at Six Senses Fort Barwara in India, which is located within a 14th-century fort once owned by the Rajasthani royal family.

Six Senses Fort Barwara has 48 suites, including base-tier Sanctuary Suites you can book with IHG points. These Sanctuary Suites are 872 square feet and include a separate living room, outdoor shower and private garden. Fort Suites are smaller at just 753 square feet, but provide better views. Keep an eye out for special offers, as you'll occasionally find rates that include full-board dining options.

The resort offers daily fitness classes, group activities and wellness programs. You can also enjoy the 30,000-square-foot spa, shop for local handicrafts, go on a heritage walk and attend sustainability workshops without leaving the resort. But if you want to explore outside the resort, you can go on a safari in Ranthambore National Park, take a cultural walk to a nearby village, enjoy a mountain-biking tour or go on a local market tour with a chef.

The Cortile restaurant is open all day with various cuisines available, set in a leafy courtyard. Meanwhile, the Rajawat Room serves light snacks and co*cktails near the lobby, and the Rani Bagh poolside grill offers finger food and light lunches. Finally, the Viewing Gallery wine bar is the perfect place for a wine tasting with the resort's sommelier or pre-dinner co*cktails.

Six Senses Fort Barwara can arrange transfers from various points in India, but flying to Jaipur or taking a train to Sawai Madhopur are likely the most comfortable options. It's a 2 1/2-hour drive from Jaipur to the resort and a 25-to-30-minute drive from Sawai Madhopur.

Rates at Six Senses Fort Barwara start at $571 or 88,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Related: This 232-year-old fort is part of Hyatt's luxury Alila brand: Here's why I loved my stay

Six Senses Krabey Island is located on a 30-acre private island off the south coast of Cambodia. The resort offers 40 one- and two-bedroom pool villas. Most offer sea views, but at a spacious 1,290 square feet even the least expensive Hideaway Pool Villa Suite should satisfy discerning travelers. Besides having a plunge pool, this villa offers floor-to-ceiling glass windows and air conditioning in the bedroom and living areas.

Six Senses Krabey Island doesn't currently participate in the IHG One Rewards program. However, the resort offers a private beach, ocean boardwalk, sky observatory, butterfly conservation program, 21,500-square-foot spa and various activities. For example, you can snorkel with bioluminescent phytoplankton, relax in the resort's meditation cave or take a complimentary sustainability tour.

AHA Restaurant lets you enjoy international and pan-Asian flavors all day. Meanwhile, Tree Restaurant offers seafood and Khmer cuisine for dinner. The Sunset Bar offers drinks and views over the Gulf of Thailand, while the Double-Dip Hangout provides light bites, drinks and housemade gelatos and sorbets next to the resort's main pool.

You can fly to Sihanouk International Airport (KOS) and then take a 10-minute drive to the resort's mainland jetty. Or, you can travel by car for about two hours from Phnom Penh to the jetty. Either way, a Six Senses boat will transport you from the jetty to Krabey Island in about 10 minutes. A shared scheduled boat transfer costs $20 plus taxes and fees per person per way, but the resort can also help arrange transportation to the jetty upon request.

Rates at Six Senses Krabey Island start at $752 per night.

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Six Senses Zil Pasyon is the only resort on Felicite Island in the Seychelles. Occupying just under a third of the island, the resort is working to eradicate the invasive coco plum while using indigenous or endemic plants, shrubs and trees for its landscaping.

Six Senses Zil Pasyon has 28 one- and two-bedroom pool villas as well as some three- and four-bedroom residences. You can book a 2,150-square-foot Panorama Pool Villa with IHG points, but you can often reserve a 1,880-square-foot Hideaway Pool Villa for less if you're looking to book a paid rate and don't care about having an ocean view. Each villa offers individually controlled air conditioning and ceiling fans.

The spa contains five villas for holistic, local- and African-inspired treatments. You can also spend time snorkeling the house reef, kayaking to nearby Coco Island to see more marine life or enjoying a sunset cruise. If you prefer land-based activities, you can try the three-hour round-trip sunrise hike to the top of Felicite Island, take a tour of the resort's organic garden and herb nursery or visit the resort's water-bottling plant.

The primary dining venue at Six Senses Zil Pasyon is the Island Cafe, which offers all-day dining that proudly uses Seychellian spices. You can also get lunch and dinner at the Ocean Kitchen, which features seafood caught sustainably by local fishermen. Meanwhile, Lakanbiz serves rum, punch and Cuban cigars, while Koko Bar offers a selection of co*cktails and snacks throughout the day at the pool. You can also enjoy complimentary homemade ice cream near the pool.

The most direct way to reach Six Senses Zil Pasyon is via a 20-minute helicopter ride from Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), which will set you back 1,122 euros (about $1,200) each way and can only carry up to 325 kilograms (about 715 pounds) of luggage and guests. Alternatively, you could get yourself to Praslin or La Digue island and then take a private boat to the resort, which starts at 125 euros ($134) per person each way.

Rates at Six Senses Zil Pasyon start at $1,612 or 322,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

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Six Senses Con Dao offers a secluded haven just a short flight from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. The resort comprises 50 villas, each with an infinity pool. You can choose a one-bedroom single-level villa or a duplex, but the resort also offers three- and four-bedroom options.

However, beware that while bedrooms are air-conditioned at Six Senses Con Dao, living areas and bathrooms use "natural ventilation." And know that the duplex villas have an outdoor staircase between the lower-floor bathroom and upper-floor bedroom (although the upstairs bedroom does have an en suite toilet and sink).

Six Senses Con Dao doesn't currently participate in the IHG One Rewards program. But there's still plenty to love about the resort, including its private 1-mile beach, snorkeling and diving trips to several nearby protected marine areas, fishing trips with a local fisherman and seasonal turtle hatchling releases. You can also practice your golf swing by hitting EcoBioBalls into the ocean or try your hand at low-tide clam collecting. And you can borrow a bike or rent a motorbike to explore the island outside the resort.

You'll have multiple dining options, even if you don't leave the resort. The By The Beach restaurant offers all-day international dining, including a breakfast buffet with a Vietnamese street food section. Meanwhile, By The Market serves traditional Vietnamese cuisine, and Splash Bar slings drinks and snacks by the pool. Finally, Elephant Bar proffers casual dining and an East-meets-West co*cktail menu.

To reach Six Senses Con Dao, fly to Con Dao Airport (VCS) and take a 10-minute shared minivan transfer to the resort (complimentary upon request when you provide your flight details in advance). Alternatively, let the resort arrange your domestic flights or a high-speed boat from Can Tho or Vung Tau at an additional cost.

Rates at Six Senses Con Dao start at $1,005 per night.

Related: The best ways to use airline miles to fly to Vietnam

Six Senses Shaharut is said to be the nicest property in Israel, according to various Israelis TPG's Clint Henderson talked to while visiting the country in 2022. And based on his review of the quiet, 46-acre haven in the Negev Desert, we believe it.

However, the journey to Six Senses Shaharut shouldn't be underestimated. The resort is a three-hour drive from Petra, Jordan, or about a 3 1/2-hour drive from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. However, you can shorten your drive to 45 minutes if you fly to Ramon Airport (ETM). Or you can arrange a helicopter flight to the resort if you're up for the splurge.

Six Senses Shaharut fields 60 accommodations that are available as one-bedroom suites, one- and two-bedroom pool villas and a three-bedroom Private Reserve. Each has air-conditioned indoor spaces and a private outdoor terrace. The base-tier Six Senses Suite that you can book with IHG points is 645 square feet and offers a small outdoor patio and an indoor bedroom, living area and bathroom.

You can book various off-resort experiences, including desert hikes, electric mountain-bike tours, off-road desert adventures and full-day excursions to Petra and the Dead Sea. But if you don't want to leave the resort, you can enjoy visiting the Earth Lab, visiting camels in their stables at the farm and swimming in the outdoor pool. If you're a spa person, you'll be thrilled to know the facilities here include three single and three double treatment rooms, male and female sauna and steam rooms, a fitness center, a yoga studio and a nail bar.

Six Senses Shaharut isn't kosher-certified but serves local, seasonal produce and avoids pork and shellfish. The resort's main restaurant, Midian, dishes out cuisine with Mediterranean and Israeli influences for breakfast and dinner. Casual outdoor eatery Edom View offers Middle Eastern-style mezze with various snacks and tea for lunch (the venue is also occasionally open for pop-up dinners). Meanwhile, the Pool Bar offers snacks, homemade ice cream, smoothies and co*cktails. And Jamillah plays a relaxing soundtrack to complement its light bites, afternoon tea and craft co*cktails.

Rates at Six Senses Shaharut start at $1,000 or 181,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Related: How to get to Israel using points and miles

Six Senses Uluwatu, Bali is a 45-minute drive south of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). The resort is located along Bali's southernmost cliffs with inspiring views of the Indian Ocean and Uluwatu Temple.

This property has 28 Sky Suites, 62 one-bedroom villas, seven two-bedroom villas, a four-bedroom Retreat and a four-bedroom Presidential Villa. You can book a 1,160-square-foot one-bedroom Sky Suite with IHG points. The air-conditioned Sky Suites offer views of the Indian Ocean, which you can even enjoy from the bathtub and large outdoor deck.

The resort runs various excursions, including temple visits, diving trips and surfing sessions. Or, you can stay on-site and tour the resort's organic garden, join a cooking class, enjoy a spa treatment or simply take in the views at the resort's three infinity-edge pools.

Six Senses Uluwatu, Bali is also home to several dining venues. Rocka is open all day, serving breakfast, dinner and high tea. The Bar at Rocka tempts guests with drinks and snacks in a laid-back atmosphere. Rocka Edge hosts a Chef's Table where you can enjoy a unique daily dinner menu. Watu Steakhouse is also open for dinner, specializing in premium steaks and Japanese dishes. Finally, if you want to enjoy panoramic views of Uluwatu, head to The Cliff Bar for drinks and snacks at midday, or dinner in the evening.

Rates at Six Senses Uluwatu, Bali start at $718 or 126,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Related: How to maximize redemptions with the IHG One Rewards program

Bhutan made it on TPG's list of the best places to travel in 2023. And although Six Senses Bhutan doesn't currently participate in the IHG One Rewards program, it still made our list of the best Six Senses hotels and resorts. After all, Six Senses' core values are a perfect fit for the trip eco- and culture-conscious travelers crave when visiting Bhutan.

Six Senses Bhutan is actually a collection of lodges located throughout Bhutan: Six Senses Thimphu, with 25 villas and suites; Six Senses Punakha, with 19 villas and suites; Six Senses Paro, with 20 villas and suites; Six Senses Gangtey, with nine villas and suites; and Six Senses Bumthang, with nine villas and suites.

The amenities, accommodations and food vary across the outposts in Bhutan, but the base-tier Lodge Suites are usually 645 square feet to 785 square feet with views of valleys, forests and mountains. And while Six Senses lists sample 4-to-15-night itineraries on its website, Six Senses Bhutan will adjust your itinerary depending on your interests.

You can fly to Paro International Airport (PBH) and let your guest-experience manager guide you to one or more of its lodges during your time in the country. While traveling throughout Bhutan, you'll have the opportunity to sightsee and experience various Buddhist practices and holy sites.

Rates at Six Senses Bhutan start at $1,740 per night.

Related: Everything you need to know about visiting Bhutan

Six Senses Vana in India is different from the other Six Senses properties on our list in that it is a wellness retreat, not a resort. Six Senses Vana offers a blend of Ayurvedic practices, yoga, Tibetan medicine and natural healing therapies.

Stays typically require a three-night minimum. For that reason, you may want to redeem IHG points for a four-night stay instead, as you can get a fourth-night reward if you have an eligible IHG card like the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card. All Six Senses Vana stays include:

• Meals, including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
• Daily retreat activities such as yoga, meditation, workshops and fitness classes.
• Arrival and departure wellness consultations and screening.
• One private treatment or session per night per guest.
• Transfers to and from Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun.
• Clothing, including footwear and accessories, to wear during your stay.

You'll take your meals at Salana or Anayu. Either way, you'll enjoy locally sourced, seasonal, organic foods prepared with minimal oil, salt, processed foods and chilis. At Salana, you can choose from a menu unless you follow a specific program. Meanwhile, Anayu serves three "palettes" at lunch and dinner that are crafted to serve different body types.

Six Senses Vana has 66 rooms and 16 suites overlooking the forest, gardens and orchards. The base-tier Garden King or Garden Twin rooms you can redeem IHG points for are 530 square feet, featuring a balcony, sitting area, high-speed Wi-Fi and wellness teas.

Rates at Six Senses Vana start at $1,003 ($649 for single occupancy) or 100,000 IHG One Rewards points per night, although a three-night minimum stay is often required.

Related: The best ways to fly to India with points and miles