Recently my partner and I were invited to stay as guests at Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas as part of their 25th year anniversary celebrations, something we readily and gladly accepted. On learning of recent accolades the venue had been awarded, including TIME World’s Greatest Places 2025, TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards 2026, and member of ‘The Leading Hotels of The World’, our anticipation levels were only further piqued with enthusiasm.
After checking in at the private lounge facility at Laem Sai Pier in Phuket, a short, scenic speedboat road takes us across Phang Nga bay to the resort. As the iconic limestone cliffs begin to appear increasingly frequently we start to feel that we are nearing somewhere special, somewhere magical perhaps. Passing the pristine sandbar of Laem Haad Beach, our excitement levels heighten before we arrive at the resort’s pier to be greeted by wonderfully welcoming staff.
Entering the resort’s grounds by buggy we are immediately drawn in by the breathtaking setting of spacious, lush greenery and immaculately tended lawns that carry down to a pristine beach and ocean, creating an instant notion of nothing but peace and tranquility. We are greeted at the resort lobby by a staff member sounding a huge gong three times, the sound vibrating through our bodies symbolic of welcoming peace.
The resort caters for everyone across a total of 148 suites, including beachfront pool villas that melt into the landscape, luxury penthouses or premium family suites. Receiving a full tour of the property we are able to view each of the options and all are incredibly impressive, offering unique views out onto Bird’s Nest Island and the wider splendours of Phang Nga Bay. Of note is the level of privacy each room offers, while still being incredibly spacious. The penthouse is perfect for couples while the family suite is ingeniously designed with hybrid bunkbeds that offer an attached slide and play area for the children in a space adjacent to the master bed.
Awe-inspiring
To say we are delighted to be staying in one of the penthouse suites is an understatement! We have encountered only a few experiences over the years that literally take your breath away with their awe-inspiring splendour and walking into the penthouse suite at the Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas is now one of them. The entire area encompassing lounge, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom is generously spaced and adorned with floor-to-ceiling glass, affording spectacular views out onto the bay. However, venturing up onto the rooftop pool area elevates things to an even more impressive level, with a panoramic view that I would challenge is impossible to ever tire of.
If merely switching off the phone and relaxing in paradise isn’t your thing then there are an array of engaging activities on offer that all are welcome to enjoy; from early morning kayaking, to fishing, to bike hire and exploring the wider charms of the island; indulging in local pastimes such as batik art experience and coconut leaf handicrafts; getting up close and personal with resident buffaloes Chok Dee and Boon Ma or taking a sidecar tour through lush rubber plantations; wellness activities include sunrise yoga, singing sound bowl sessions, meditation and massage, while a range of activities for children offer scavenger hunts, arts and crafts and the largest Kid’s Club in southern Thailand with four water slides at the family pool.
The food and beverage offerings throughout our stay are exquisite. The Beach restaurant is an open, welcoming venue that offers an array of delicious dishes covering a wide range of local and international cuisine – highlights during our stay included a delicious chicken satay dish, a delightful smoked burrata dressed with hazelnut and pear, a refreshing pomelo salad with crispy fish, a mouth-watering chicken saltimbocca, a delectable Pa-nang nuea curry, a succulent tenderloin steak cooked to perfection and one of the best burgers I have ever had the pleasure to indulge in.
Meanwhile, signature restaurant TOMI serves up some of the finest Japanese dishes this side of Tokyo, while the Food Truck offers convenient light bites and comfort food to poolside diners. The breakfast buffet is the most extensive I have ever experienced with literally every palette catered for and an especially welcome healthy option that provides some fantastic choices to start the day the right way.
‘Without end’
There is absolutely no doubting that the setting, rooms, ambiance, cuisine and range of activities are all perfect. However, what sets the experience apart for us is the staff and service throughout. The attention to every last detail is incredible and does not go unnoticed – take, for example, at lunch one day when a staff member, unrequested, redirected a fan to fend off an annoyingly persistent fly hovering around us. Might sound trivial but it is the finer points of attention like this that stand out and make you feel the staff are genuinely happy to make you happy and your experience a thoroughly pleasant one. Furthermore, constant greetings from staff while roaming the property make you feel very welcome and comfortable, as if you are a familiar guest returning home.
A special mention must also go to the resort’s robust approach to sustainability via its eco-friendly architecture, wildlife and habitat conservation, renewable energy and efficiency, local sourcing and gastronomy, and cultural immersion, which has resulted in being awarded the Green Growth 2050 Platinum Certification. A particularly nice touch is the resort operating as a dedicated steward of the island’s coastline and actively highlighting the protection of resident horn-eyed ghost crabs from environmental disturbances.
It really is quite difficult to summarise exactly how special time spent at the Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas is. It offers genuine luxury and indulgence at the highest level and has something for everyone. While there I was told that Anantara is inspired by the Sanskrit word meaning ‘without end’ and the resort believes every journey should leave a lasting impression. There is no doubt at all that our stay at this wonderful place did exactly that. The fact we simply did not want to leave as we boarded the boat back to Phuket and were waved off by the wonderful staff spoke volumes.
We made a short video for keepsake and just cannot wait to return...
Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas
88/8 Moo 4, Koh Yao Yai Subdistrict, Koh Yao District, Phang Nga 82160
+66 76 675 888 or +66 76 619 909 (Reservations Team)
Website: www.anantara.com/en/koh-yao-yai-phuket
Facebook: www.facebook.com/anantarakohyaoyai