For years, Koh Yao Yai has remained southern Thailand’s best-kept secret, despite being located just a 20-minute speedboat ride away from Phuket’s well-trodden beaches. This elongated island floats quietly in the Andaman Sea alongside its slightly more popular twin, Koh Yao Noi.
With virtually no nightlife and a coastline that remains largely untouched and crowd-free, the island is the ideal setting for romantics who prefer unwinding to undisturbed sunset views, taking long walks along hidden beaches, and exploring the local island life at their own pace – a welcome respite from bar-hopping adventures and jam-packed itineraries.
The Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort and Spa – which reflects the slow, unhurried character of Koh Yao Yai while treating guests to island-style luxury – is the perfect getaway to enjoy all of this, and more.
Hotel As our speedboat tore through the bay’s limpid waters and approached the resort’s pier, we caught a glimpse of the marvellous wood-carved villas peeking out from amid the viridian 38-acre sprawl.
Carved from teakwood in traditional Thai-style architecture, these unique villas are the standout feature of the Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort and Spa, blending stunningly with their rainforest surrounds.
Studded along a forested hillside in the heart of Phang Nga Bay, the resort exemplifies island life at its finest – its White Lotus-esque setting adding to its charm.
The eco-luxury property features 56 lavish teak wood villas and 170 deluxe rooms, each offering panoramic vistas of the bay and ocean from its sweeping balconies.
On our arrival, we spotted the glazed stretch of Loh Pared Beach unfurl before us, its rows of sunbeds already beckoning.
Inside the resort, we were ushered into the welcome lounge, where we were offered a refreshing array of traditional Thai snacks and drinks before being whisked away in wooden carts to our hilltop room – as snatches of the ocean flashed past us.
Room Rooms and villas combine wood-carved luxury with rustic warmth Rooms and villas at the Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort and Spa combine wood-carved luxury with rustic warmth, and are woven with thoughtful amenities that elevate the stay.
The oceanfront villas are some of the property’s most coveted accommodations, offering spectacular views of the Andaman Sea and its lush hillsides from their open-air patios.
Some villas also feature private seawater pools overlooking the ocean, where guests can soak in healing waters while watching the skies transform at sundown.
Some of the larger villas feature spacious living rooms and outdoor bathrooms for an experience rooted in rustic indulgence.
We stayed in a supreme deluxe bay view room located at the resort’s eastern tip – perfect for spotting the sun rise over emerald hills.
Enveloped in earthy teakwood from floor to ceiling and carved with exquisite details, the room resembled an opulent wooden chalet that balanced grandeur with warmth.
The room accommodated a king-sized cabana bed, a sofa set, and a comfortable daybed tucked into a cosy nook. Sliding doors gave way to a large balcony, kitted out with a seating area and a Jacuzzi overlooking a crescent-shaped bay.
A small alcove featuring a kitchen sink, pantry, and crockery was a thoughtful addition, perfect for fixing drinks or enjoying in-room dining.
Food and drink Guests can enjoy authentic Thai fare – from Massaman Curry to hearty seafood specialities – alongside international cuisine, at Chantara Restaurant Guests are never too far from enviable turquoise bay views at the Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort and Spa – not even while dining. While many of the resort’s restaurants line the pristine beachfront of Loh Pared Beach, the Saaitara Restaurant sits higher up the hillside.
Breakfast was served here during our stay, consisting of a lavish spread of Thai, Western, and Indian dishes, alongside cold cuts, cheeses, and salads – all enjoyed with front-row vistas of the Phang Nga Bay.
After a swim at the beach, we stopped for mid-day snacks and coffee at By The Sea Restaurant and Bar, with rows of woven lanterns swaying above us in the salty ocean breeze. An hour before sunset, we stretched out on the resort’s open-air pier-side lounge – cocktail in hand – waiting to watch the sun begin its descent.
For dinner, guests can enjoy authentic Thai fare – from Massaman curry to hearty seafood specialities – alongside international cuisine, at Chantara Restaurant.
The resort also arranges in-room dining and private beachside dinners for those who prefer a more intimate and romantic setting.
To do The outdoor pool is popular with families and features a rocky faux waterfall and longtail boat-themed sunbeds You won’t find a long list of sightseeing attractions to check off your list in Koh Yao Yai, nor crowded beaches to party at – but that’s its greatest charm. However, guests can rent a sidecar from the hotel to explore fishing piers, cliffside beaches, and the breath-taking sandbar at the Laem Haad Beach.
Alternatively, one can sign up for island-hopping tours to Phi Phi Don to Koh Tapu (James Bond Island). Adventurous guests can set off on a fishing expedition aboard the resort’s private longtail boat with a local guide.
There are plenty of activities to keep guests occupied within the resort, from kayaking to paddle boarding and thrilling luge rides across the resort’s 145-metre scenic track.
Those looking for indoor activities can participate in a Thai cooking class, learn the basics of Thailand’s classical dance, or sign up for an exciting round of Muay Thai boxing.
The resort also has an on-site library, a mini farm for kids, and a yoga class. Guests with families especially love the outdoor pool, replete with a rocky faux waterfall and longtail boat-themed sunbeds. Another, smaller saltwater infinity pool adjacent to the Saitaara restaurant offers a quieter spot to swim with views of the bay.
In a nutshell What I loved most about the Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort and Spa was its quiet, slow-paced atmosphere, which mirrored the vibe of the island itself. Its lush, forested setting, where you can spot majestic hornbills perched on treetops and Black Giant squirrels dart about, invites the island in and keeps you connected to nature – even as you bask in luxury.
The sea views are constant, the staff are courteous, and the sunsets sublime – making this an unmissable accommodation for anyone seeking an unforgettable escape in Koh Yao Yai.
Factbox Address: 88 Moo 7, Prunai, Koh Yao, Phangnga, Thailand 83000 Phone: +66 (0) 7659 2888, +66 (0)9 0919 6969 Email: info.syy@santhiya.com, kohyaoyai@santhiya.com Website: santhiya.com/kohyaoyai
Photography courtesy of Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort and Spa.
