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Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas Opens in Thailand

A secluded hideaway recreates a private island experience for couples and families alike
Heather Mikesell

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The Sea View Pool Penthouse at Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort provides epic views of the water from stunning picture windows.

Nestled on an unspoiled island in Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay, Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas recently made its debut as a wellness sanctuary. Surrounded by lush jungles, pristine beaches, and captivating sea life, this 27-acre haven offers a tranquil escape for couples and families alike.

Formerly a coconut palm plantation, the resort is situated between a serene, wooded hill and a turquoise bay, framed by jungle-clad limestone islets that provide a respite for a variety of birds. Just a 45-minute boat ride from Phuket and 20 minutes from Krabi, it offers an exclusive and private setting from the moment guests set foot onto the resort’s private jetty.

Accommodations

Thoughtfully designed, the 148 suites, villas, and penthouses feature a touch of Thai heritage. The one- and two-bedroom villas hug the shoreline, and each comes with private butler services, complimentary bikes, and direct beach access. The resort’s largest offering, the 3,229-square-foot Two-Bedroom Beachfront Pool Villa, features a central living area, a kitchen and dining room, two ensuite bedrooms, and a pool terrace with an outdoor rain shower.

For families, the Family Pool Access Suites offer beechwood furniture, bunk beds for the little ones, and a terrace that opens directly onto the resort’s family pool. The Family Sea View Suites provide the ideal setup for family togetherness with beautiful views of the sea.

For those seeking seclusion, the Wellness Lagoon Pool Villas are nestled amid serene landscaping with lagoon views. These villas offer a range of wellness experiences, from private yoga and meditation on a personal pool deck to workouts with a personal trainer. Guests can also take advantage of private in-villa spa and wellness areas.

Spa & Fitness

Guests can indulge in the serenity of Anantara Koh Yao Yai, designed for immersive wellness experiences. At Anantara Spa, the path to healing unfolds with an extensive spa menu featuring a host of ancient wellness practices, massages, and rituals crafted to detoxify, harmonize, and revitalize the mind, body, and spirit. The spa has five treatment rooms, including both single and double suites, as well as an expansive hydropool and an inviting hammam.

Kids and teens are also invited to take part with a menu all their own. From gentle massages and fruity scrubs to soothing facials and coconut hair treatments, there’s something for everyone.

The resort also sports a free-form swimming pool perfect for laps. A state-of-the-art fitness center is equipped with the latest cardio and strength-building equipment. But wellness isn’t confined to the walls of the spa and fitness center. Nature itself is a sanctuary. Guests can meet at the beach pavilion for scheduled sunrise hatha sessions, yoga, and meditation.

Dining

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas is home to a variety of dining experiences, including the signature Beach Restaurant. In the open-air dining space, guests enjoy an array of culinary delights, including fresh seafood, dry-aged steaks, and specialty sushi. At Pakarang, contemporary Thai dishes are served along with international breakfast favorites. There is also the Japanese Restaurant for omakase fans. For special occasions, guests can also create a bespoke experience with Anantara’s signature private dining concept, Dining by Design. With only a private chef and butler on hand, guests can enjoy a gourmet picnic on an island sandbank or a romantic dinner cruise.

Activities

The resort offers an enriching journey for foodies, nature lovers, yogis, marine enthusiasts, and more. With a host of inspirational excursions, guests can enjoy vintage sidecar tours, batik-making, tie-dye classes, island hopping, mountain climbing, and scuba diving. Onsite activities include stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking, nature walks, and more.

About The Author
Heather-Mikesell-author-1

Heather, co-founder of Well Defined and the former editor-in-chief of American Spa, is an award-winning journalist and content strategist, skilled in writing, copyediting, and media relations. She is also a freelance writer and has contributed to Elite Traveler, Islands, Kiwi, Luxury Travel Advisor, Organic Spa, Porthole Cruise, Travel Agent, abcnews.com, jetsetter.com, outside.com, and wellandgood.com, in addition to various custom publications. She is frequently called upon to comment on various spa and wellness trends for various media outlets.