nyxhit Dreaming of a getaway that perfectly balances excitement, relaxation, and a touch of luxury? The fabulous Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort is your ideal escape.
Picture this: a thrilling speedboat ride across azure waters, palm-fringed shores, and luxurious hospitality that makes you feel like royalty. Ko Yao Yai is a Thai island in the Andaman Sea, halfway between Phuket and Krabi. It has a secluded charm that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle, yet every moment here is filled with life, color, and vibrant culture. From start to finish, our stay at Anantara Koh Yao Yai was an unforgettable adventure.
Anantara Koh Yao Yai
Getting There: A Journey by Speedboat
Our journey to Koh Yao Yai began with an exhilarating speedboat transfer arranged by Anantara. We booked the airport transfer from Phuket Airport to Laem Sai Pier followed by exhilarating 40-minute boat ride to the island.The ride itself felt like an adventure, cutting across the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. Luckily, the sea was calm that day and we could see clear blue sky in October. With each wave we crested, the excitement built; it was a blend of thrill and awe as we sailed past lush islets, glimmering under the bright Thai sun.
Upon arrival at the island’s pier, we were warmly greeted by the Anantara staff, who were ready with refreshments and friendly smiles, making the transition from the adventure at sea to our paradise on land seamless. I would strongly recommend booking sea transfer from Anantara – it might feel expensive but trust me you will feel safe, comfortable and relaxed.
Speedboat Ride
Welcome Drink with Coconut pancake
View from room
First Impressions of Anantara Koh Yao Yai
Nestled within the natural beauty of Koh Yao Yai, Anantara’s architecture immediately blends with the surroundings. The property is expansive, yet it feels intimate, with every corner meticulously crafted to showcase the natural beauty around. A quick look around reveals lush greenery, traditional yet modern Thai influences in the decor, and a sense of harmony that instantly lifts up your spirit. We stayed in the family suite for 5 days and it came with a King bed and bunk bed for kids. Trust me, I have stayed in some of the most incredible resorts but Anantara is the only property that offers a huge room space to relax and rewind. The accommodations were absolutely stunning—modern and luxurious with private balconies and a breathtaking view of the sea.
Culinary Experience
Dining at Anantara Koh Yao Yai is a journey in itself. Their culinary offerings, rooted in local Thai flavors with a modern twist, are as vibrant and authentic as the island itself. The breakfast spread was a delightful mix of international and Thai dishes, complete with tropical fruits, freshly baked pastries, and even the option to have made-to-order eggs. I must tell you that I had the best Americano here – strong, dark and refreshing. They also had Indian breakfast options that was a plus as I am a vegetarian and it felt great to see the authentic Indian dishes.
There were multiple dining options at the resort. From authentic Thai cuisine at Pakarang, Japanese dining experience at Tomi Sushi Bar to offering signature beachfront grill at Beach Bar, there was something to tickle your senses.
For dinner, we dined at Pakarang that offers authentic Thai, Indian and Continental cuisine. They also serve seafood buffet for dinner at the restaurant and I was told (my husband and daughter) it was mouth-watering. Our daily meals were at the Beach Bar where we enjoyed Italian cuisine with delicious cocktails and desserts—not a true island experience but I am glad they had the best pizzas and pastas.
Anantara’s pool bar also deserves a shout-out; sipping a tropical cocktail while watching the sun dip below the horizon was pure bliss. And they also served chilled coconut water with Anantara Koh Yao Yai engraved on it. (We literally shifted our loyalties from cocktails to refreshing coconut water.)
Anantara’s Hospitality
I have stayed in Anantara The Palm, Dubai and I was expecting the same level of hospitality and warmth from the staff here. And guess what!! I was not even a bit disappointed. The staff at Anantara Koh Yao Yai elevated our stay beyond anything we could have expected. Attentive without being intrusive, the staff seemed genuinely invested in making our experience memorable.
From arranging transportation to explore the island to remembering our dining preferences, they were consistently thoughtful and professional. We felt not just welcomed, but celebrated! Their kindness and readiness to assist with any request—from booking island tours to suggesting the best spots for sunset—made us feel pampered and at ease. They not only remembered our room number but also our food preferences – the personalized approach of the staff makes this place truly special.
Post Dinner Night View
Activities
Koh Yao Yai has plenty to offer, and Anantara helps you explore it all! They allow you to explore both on land and at sea adventure through various activities. We opted for sidecar adventure to explore the island at our own pace and borrowed vintage electric car to drive around the resort. You can get multiple insta-worthy photos to capture the beauty of the island.
Vintage Electric Car Ride
Back at the resort, we indulged in a spa session that redefined relaxation. The expert therapists, combined with the calming sound of the waves, made it a truly unforgettable experience. We left our daughter at the Kids club and she truly enjoyed her time reading books, getting kid-friendly manicure and hopping at the jumping pits. We also tried a Thai cooking class, where the chef taught us how to make a traditional Pad Thai, which added an educational and delicious element to our adventure.
Kids Area
View from Spa
Mirror Selfie Before Spa
Final Thoughts
Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort is the ultimate family resort that allows you to rewind, relax and refresh from the everyday stress. From the warm hospitality and unforgettable food to the luxurious rooms and thoughtful activities, Anantara has mastered the art of island living.
While exploring various resort options in Phuket, we unexpectedly discovered a stunning property that caught our eye. Within just five minutes, we secured our booking at the enchanting Anantara Koh Yao Yai resort. This hidden gem promised an immersive experience of genuine Thai culture, offering a serene retreat far removed from bustling crowds and typical tourist hotspots.
If you’re looking for an escape that combines adventure, luxury, and heartwarming hospitality, this is the destination. The memories we’ve taken from our stay at Anantara Koh Yao Yai will linger long after we’ve left, a reminder that paradise does exist, and it’s only a speedboat ride away. I highly recommend Anantara Koh Yao Yai!
Hope you enjoyed sneaking into memories folder of my phone.
Read these travel tips for your next travel adventure – Easy Packing Tips: Pack Like A Pro For Stress-Free Travel
Lots of love,
xoxo
