We Are Together Again As We Enter A New Year / Anantara’s New Island Resort Opens In Southern Thailand / By Belinda Craigie / luxurytravelmag

Serenely set in Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay, Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas is the latest property to open from the global luxury hospitality brand.

The 148-key resort has been constructed on a former coconut palm plantation on Koh Yao Yai Island, spanning 27 acres fronted by lush beachfront and backed by a wooded hill. It can be reached via a 20-minute boat ride from Krabi, or 45-minute boat ride from Phuket.

Accommodations have been designed for both couples and families, with one- and two-bedroom villas that come with private butler service, complimentary bicycles, and direct beach access. Family Pool Access Suites have bunk beds for the little ones and a terrace opening directly onto the resort’s family pool; while Family Sea View Suites have bunk beds with in-room slides and hidden play areas.

Those seeking solace and rejuvenation may wish to check into a Wellness Lagoon Pool Villa, which are set apart from the rest of the resort and feature private pools decks and private wellness areas within the villa.

When it comes to dining, the resort has created experiences that encompass a range of cuisines and atmospheres — from seafood, steak, and sushi in an open-air dining space at Beach Restaurant, to contemporary Thai at Pakarang. A Japanese restaurant offers omakase menus with ocean views, while casual daytime fare can be ordered at the swim-up pool bar.

At the spa, guests can indulge in Thai massage treatments and rituals designed to relax and reinvigorate, while facilities include a hydro pool and hammam.

Experiences

The resort’s remote island surroundings provide nature and water enthusiasts with plenty to explore — experiences include vintage sidecar tours to a rubber plantation, batik-making, tie-dye classes, island-hopping, mountain climbing and scuba diving.

Those travelling with kids can make use of the resort’s impressive kids’ club, which is among the largest in the country and home to a bubble pool with a fountain ball shower, water slide, and dance studio. Supervised activities include recycling projects, mangrove seedling planting, cooking classes, and nature walks.

Room rates start from about AUD$856 per night.

anantara.com