Awe(some) spots

April 7, 2026 - Where the experience runs deeper than the view, Six Senses Laamu earns a spot on TIME’s World’s Greatest Places of 2026. Across the globe, among mangroves and leafy corners, our natural "wow spots" invite joy to bubble up above ground too.

Maldives: TIME recognition

When marine biologists are as integral to your experience as sommeliers and chefs, you notice. At Six Senses Laamu, that connection runs deep. The resort is home to its own marine biology and conservation team, the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI). Their ambitious work, led from the Sea Hub for Environmental Learning in Laamu (SHELL), earned the resort a coveted spot on TIME’s list of the World’s Greatest Places of 2026. As the iconic magazine notes, what makes Six Senses Laamu truly singular is “not just the scale of the science happening on site, but the access to it.”

Into the ocean deep

Step onto your overwater villa deck and gaze in awe at the aquatic world in the lagoon below. Seagrass meadows sway gently beneath the surface, while a daily parade of marine life darts in and out, going about its island rhythms.

A turtle surfaces, unannounced and unbothered, lifting its head as if to check the weather before slipping away again. A ray glides past like a quiet thought, then stirs an underwater sandstorm, wings folding and unfolding in a graceful ballet. Small reef fish weave through the grasses, flashing silver and electric blue. Suddenly a shark cruises the perimeter with calm assurance, perfectly in sync with its patch of ocean.

Slip into the water and join the spectacle through snorkeling and diving experiences. Little VIPs can take part too, joining the MUI team through the much-loved Junior Marine Biology program, taking part in hands-on experiments, exploring the reef, and even creating their own conservation videos.

Thailand: plot your own path

Follow the Awe Map at Six Senses Yao Noi, a dedicated guide to five peaceful locations across the resort, each designed to help you slow down and find your rhythm. From a mangrove forest stirring to life in the morning light to the Waterfall Walk, where jungle calls and birdsong create a moving meditation, every stop offers a moment of quiet delight.

At The Hilltop and Water Sports Beach, pause at ‘san phra phum’ spirit houses to light incense and whisper a hope or blessing. Grounded in Thai culture, these offerings invite reflection and appreciation for the natural world. End at the Meditation Sala, where a QR code leads you into a gentle breathwork session.

Turkey: spot feathered friends

Overlooking the glittering Aegean coast, stroll along our dedicated bird trail at Six Senses Kaplankaya. Alive with birdsong, the path winds past the homes of herons, egrets, warblers, wagtails, and greenfinches, creating a rich and melodic connection to the landscape.

Follow the signs and QR codes to learn more about each species as the trail winds through diverse habitats. From the melodies of songbirds to the soaring flight of raptors, fill your day with vibrant colors and sweet sounds.

Portugal: if you go down (or up) to the woods today

Spanning almost half of Six Senses Douro Valley, the ancient forest of the Vale de Abraão estate is rich in life, home to more than 3,500 species of flora and fauna. Meander along curving paths lined with majestic cedars and oaks, discovering waterfalls, fountains, ponds, and scenic spots, accompanied only by the breeze and birdsong.

Along the trails, dedicated meditation areas offer serene places to pause, with sweeping vistas over the Douro River and surrounding vineyards. These tranquil spaces invite quiet awe, where the hush of the forest meets the expansive openness of the valley.

Find your perfect picnic spot among the trees, with views stretching across the valley, and settle in over local flavors in nature’s own dining room. Or take things higher with our Tree Climbing experience. Ascend the green canopy with our tree-climbing specialists for a view like no other. They provide the gear. All you need to bring is your inner child.

Giving nature a helping hand

At every Six Senses property, a Regenerative Impact Fund comprising 0.5 percent of total hotel revenue supports meaningful local initiatives, many focused on protecting landscapes and wildlife. Find out more on our Sustainability page.