Thailand’s Ultimate Hidden Getaway: A Stylish Resort Surrounded by Unspoiled Beaches

While Bangkok and Phuket may garner a spot in every travel agent’s portfolio, Koh Yao Yai delivers the uncrowded white-sand beaches and taste of castaway luxury that so many Thai destinations promise but few deliver. And it’s home to Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas, a 5-star retreat so elegant it rivals the most over-the-top luxury resorts that are worth the splurge.

Only a 30-minute speedboat ride from Phuket, Koh Yao Yai’s idyllic shores have remained untouched and undiscovered. As you approach the resort’s private jetty, swaying palm trees and vast expanses of pristine sand come into view. Opened in 2023, the resort spreads out over 27 oceanfront acres with lush mountains on one side and Phang Nga Bay’s azure waters on the other. Unlike Phuket, one of the most overcrowded destinations in the world, space doesn’t come at a premium, and lazy paths wind between tropical gardens, infinity pools, and massive lawns.

For discerning travelers who appreciate exceptional hospitality and high-end amenities against a backdrop of picturesque tropical scenery, Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas is an ideal choice. Although the surroundings may satisfy all your castaway fantasies, the design is entirely modern with blonde wood accents and a marine-inspired color palette. Break a sweat in the state-of-the-art fitness center or laze in a day bed overlooking the beachfront pool. In terms of dining, guests are spoiled for choice with three restaurants, including Pakarang, a beautifully appointed Thai restaurant serving cuisine from across the kingdom.

Of Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas’ 148 room options, every villa comes with a private pool. Yogis and those seeking serenity in nature can’t miss the Wellness Lagoon Pool Villas. Measuring 1,829 square feet, each wellness villa boasts a spa treatment room and space overlooking the pool for exercising or meditating. Engineered into the landscape, the one- and two-bedroom Beachfront Pool Villas resemble “hobbit houses” if The Shire resided on a golden-sand beach. These premium villas boast lawn-covered roofs, direct beach access, and butler service. 

However, the penthouses deliver the most impressive views at the resort. Spread over two pristine levels, the Crystal Sea View Penthouse showcases dramatic views of the bay dotted with small islands. The upper level features a glass-bottom infinity pool, allowing guests to swim laps over the living room. Other amenities include the spacious sundeck and shabby-chic cabana, jacuzzi bathtub overlooking the sea, pantry, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and butler service. 

Although there’s no shortage of romantic accommodations, the resort also caters to families with children. For instance, choose from three different family suites with bunkbeds, including the Family Suite Pool Access, which provides direct access to the Family Pool. Parents can enjoy room service while watching their children play on the waterslides from the comfort of the private terrace. The resort is also home to the largest kids’ club in Southern Thailand and offers family-friendly movie nights on the beach.