On an untouched island in the middle of Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay lies the newly opened Anantara Koh Yao Yai. The secluded hideaway recreates a private island experience on what was once a coconut palm plantation. The hotel is wedged between a wooded hill and a turquoise bay dotted with jungle-clad limestone islets. Unfolding over a kilometre of golden beach, the resort is a 45-minute boat ride from Phuket and 20 minutes from Krabi.
The 148 suites, villas and penthouses are classically designed, with a layer of Thai heritage adding depth and local charm. Couples will enjoy the secluded luxury of one- and two-bedroom villas hugging the shoreline and offering private butler services, complimentary bicycles and direct beach access. Suites designed for families are one part for adults and another for kids, complete with bunk beds, in-room slides and hidden play areas. The resort’s eight butler-attended Sea View Pool Penthouses are cocoons of luxury that prioritise outdoor living.
Set apart from the rest of the resort, Wellness Lagoon Pool Villas offer yoga and meditation on a private pool deck to workouts with a personal trainer, and private in-villa spa areas. The resort offers a range of dining options, from international cuisine to Thai and Japanese and guests can also craft a bespoke experience with Anantara’s signature private dining concept ‘Dining by Design’. Immersive experiences and activities include tie-dye classes, island-hopping, mountain climbing, scuba diving and vintage sidecar tours to a rubber plantation.