Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, is expanding its Thailand footprint with the addition of Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort slated to open in December 2022.
One of Thailand’s last untouched islands, Koh Yao Yai is located in the middle of Phang Nga Bay halfway between Phuket and Krabi. On the quiet but characterful Koh Yao Yai island, where the pace of life is slow and relaxed, guests can enjoy traditional Thai culture, southern culinary delights and beaches lined with coconut and palm trees.
In addition to island-hopping, snorkelling and diving in waters rich in coral and marine life, guests can observe the native hornbill birds, enjoy a short boat trip to Birds Nest Island or enjoy a tuk-tuk tour of the coconut and rubber plantations, and local fishing villages — the backbone of the island’s economy.
Occupying a tranquil space on the water’s edge, the 148-key Anantara Koh Yao Yai offers a pristine island getaway. The resort’s one kilometre of white sandy beach is set against a backdrop of the towering limestone formations that rise out of the waters of Phang Nga Bay, with one- and two-bedroom beachfront pool villas sitting right on the beach.
Spacious suites housed in four low-rise buildings, all with ocean views, overlook a freeform swimming pool, start at 90 sq m, with signature Deluxe Seaview Suites promising deep relaxation with a colour palette of soft indigo, muted ultramarine and sandy tones.
Eight 366-sq-m Seaview Pool Penthouses offer two floors of ultimate luxury with one also housing a stunning glass bottom swimming pool. Each penthouse has a large outdoor entertainment area perfect for dining or private gatherings of family or friends all with stunning views of the surrounding islands.
In the bright and airy Grand Seaview Family Suites, the youngest guests will find a thrilling playground inside the room with their very own slide and play area, as well as two-tiered bunk beds. Meanwhile, nestled amid blooming gardens are 170-sq-m Lagoon Pool Villas that come with a private plunge pool, wooden sundeck, outdoor dining area and a host of luxury amenities.
Dining options will include an ocean-facing dining restaurant serving produce-driven Thai/Asian dishes, an all-day lobby restaurant and bar with an international menu that will evolve with the seasons and a pool bar. For families, a vibrant space with popsicles, sodas and pizza, and a sophisticated spot to while away the hours with a chilled sundowner for adults. An organic farm onsite provides the restaurants with daily fresh fruit, vegetables and spices.
When completed, Anantara Koh Yao Yai’s recreational facilities will include a family pool with a kids-only splash area and a large indoor-outdoor kids’ club, intimate meeting spaces, a state of the art fitness centre and a water sports centre. In addition to extensive wet facilities such as a hydro pool and hammam.
“The announcement of this latest addition to our Thailand collection of resorts, developed in partnership with Soraya Development, sends a clear signal about our commitment to the industry,” said Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels.
“With travel and hospitality sectors in Thailand and elsewhere set for a rebound, destinations like Koh Yao Yai that combine seclusion, easy access to pristine nature and authentic local experiences, are destined to benefit from a surge in demand with global travelers.”
“We are extremely excited to partner with Minor Hotels and to launch the first Anantara in the Phang Nga Bay area,” commented Sornkom Kitprasan, President, Soraya Development Company Limited.
“This project was created with passion. I have given consideration to each detail of each workpiece since its inception. There was overwhelming interest from experienced operators vying to acquire the right to manage this unique project, but we chose Anantara Hotels and Resorts due to its stellar reputation and experience as a five-star luxury global hospitality brand.”
Phuket International Airport is the closest aviation hub to Anantara Koh Yao Yai and can be reached by a combination of speedboat and car rides. The resort will also have its own private jetty allowing easy access for guests transfers from Phuket or Krabi airport.
