You've probably seen the photos. Those long, curving stretches of white sand and the kind of turquoise water that looks like it’s been through a heavy Lightroom filter. Usually, when a resort like Anantara Koh Yao Yai opens up, it gets buried in a mountain of PR fluff about "serenity" and "luxury." But if you’re actually planning a trip to Thailand, you need to know if it’s worth the logistics of getting to an island that isn't Phuket or Krabi.
The short answer? It’s complicated.
Koh Yao Yai isn't a new discovery. Locals have been farming coconuts and fishing these waters for generations. However, this specific resort changed the gravity of the island when it launched. It’s built on what used to be a coconut plantation, sitting on the island’s mid-eastern shore. It faces the famous karst formations of Phang Nga Bay. You know the ones—the giant limestone rocks sticking out of the ocean like jagged teeth. That view is the primary reason you'd book a room here.
The Reality of Getting to Koh Yao Yai
Let’s talk about the boat. You don't just "arrive" at Anantara Koh Yao Yai.
Most people fly into Phuket International (HKT). From there, you’re looking at a 20-minute drive to the pier and then a 45-minute speedboat ride. If the Andaman Sea is choppy, you’re going to feel it. It’s not a grueling journey, but it’s enough of a barrier that the resort feels isolated. That’s the point, I guess. You’re trading the convenience of Patong’s chaos for a place where the loudest sound is a cicada or a long-tail boat engine in the distance.
Honestly, the arrival is pretty slick. The resort has its own private jetty. No wading through knee-deep water with your suitcase over your head.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Standard hotel rooms are boring. At this property, they went big. Even the entry-level suites are over 90 square meters. That is massive.
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If you’re traveling with kids, the "Family Suites" are probably the best-designed ones I’ve seen in Southeast Asia. They have built-in bunk beds and slides. Yes, actual slides inside the room. It’s a bit gimmicky, sure, but if it keeps a toddler occupied for twenty minutes while you drink a coffee, it’s worth every penny.
The Beachfront Pool Villas are the real heavy hitters. They sit right on the sand. You wake up, walk ten feet, and you're in the ocean. The design is "Tropical Minimalism." Think lots of light wood, high ceilings, and stone finishes. It doesn't feel like a stuffy old-world hotel. It feels like a very expensive beach house.
One thing people often overlook is the noise. Because the resort is spread out, you might end up a long walk from the main lobby. They have golf buggies to ferry you around, but sometimes waiting for one takes five minutes. If you’re a "walk everywhere" person, wear flip-flops that won't give you blisters. The heat is no joke.
Eating and Drinking (And the Price Tag)
Food in Thailand is usually cheap. Food at Anantara Koh Yao Yai is not.
You’re on a private resort on a relatively quiet island. You are a captive audience. You’ve got Beach Restaurant, which does the standard Mediterranean and seafood grill thing. It’s good. The fish is fresh, obviously. But you’ll pay ten times what you’d pay at a shack down the road.
If you want something better, go to Tomyam. They do Thai food, but it’s refined. They use local spices from the island.
Then there’s the Japanese spot, Dining by Design. It’s fine, but honestly, why are you eating sushi on a Thai island? Stick to the local flavors. Pro tip: head outside the resort gates. There are a handful of local mom-and-pop restaurants within a 10-minute scooter ride. They will serve you better Pad Krapow for a fraction of the cost, and the beer is colder because they don't care about "presentation."
The Spa and the Wellness "Angle"
Every luxury resort claims to have a world-class spa. This one actually has a hydrotherapy pool that’s worth mentioning. It’s not just a hot tub. It has different stations for different muscle groups. If you’ve spent 12 hours on a plane to get to Thailand, thirty minutes in there will make you feel like a human being again.
They also have a Moroccan Hammam. It’s a bit of an odd choice for a Thai island, but it’s incredibly well-executed.
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Is the Beach Any Good?
This is where people get disappointed if they haven't done their research.
The beach at the resort is beautiful to look at, but it’s highly tidal. At high tide, it’s a postcard. At low tide, the water retreats... a lot. You’re left with a long stretch of muddy sand and seagrass. This isn't a flaw of the resort; it’s just the geography of Phang Nga Bay. If you want a beach where you can swim 24/7, you might want to look at the Gulf of Thailand (like Koh Samui) or certain parts of Phuket.
But if you want to kayak through the mangroves or take a boat to the nearby "Hong Islands," this is the perfect base. The resort offers excursions to Maya Bay (from The Beach fame), but my advice is to skip it. It’s crowded. Ask the concierge to take you to the smaller, unnamed sandbanks nearby. That’s the real magic.
Sustainability: Marketing or Real?
Anantara talks a lot about being green. On Koh Yao Yai, they actually have to be. The island’s infrastructure is limited. They have their own water bottling plant to cut down on plastic. They try to source ingredients from the island’s farmers.
Is it 100% sustainable? No. No resort with air conditioning and speedboats is. But they are doing more than the average "eco-resort" that just puts a card on your bed asking you to reuse your towel.
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The Service Culture
Thai hospitality is famous for a reason. Here, it’s polished. The staff know your name. They remember how you like your eggs.
However, because the resort is still relatively new (it opened in 2023), you might encounter occasional "island time" delays. Things move slower here. If you’re the type of person who gets stressed when a club sandwich takes 25 minutes instead of 15, you need to take a deep breath and look at the ocean. You’re on holiday.
Comparing Koh Yao Yai to the Neighbors
Should you stay here or at the Six Senses Yao Noi?
Six Senses is "rustic luxury." It’s more expensive, more famous, and feels a bit more like a jungle treehouse. Anantara is more "modern luxury." It’s sleeker, better for families, and generally has more "stuff" to do on-site.
If you’re a couple on a honeymoon and want to disappear, Six Senses might win. If you’re a family or a group of friends who want a massive pool and multiple dining options, Anantara is the better call.
The Verdict on Anantara Koh Yao Yai
This place is a powerhouse. It has managed to take a quiet corner of a quiet island and turn it into a destination.
It isn't for everyone. If you want nightlife, bars, and shopping, stay in Phuket. If you want total, rugged isolation with no amenities, go to a smaller island with a bungalow. But if you want that sweet spot—high-end comfort, incredible views, and enough distance from the "real world" to actually relax—this is it.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Book the Boat Early: Don't rely on public ferries if you can afford the resort’s private transfer. It saves hours of waiting in the heat.
- Check the Tide Tables: Download a tide app. Plan your "ocean swims" for high tide and your "spa/pool time" for low tide.
- Rent a Scooter: The island is safe and quiet. Rent a bike for 300-400 Baht and explore the local villages. It’s the only way to see the "real" Koh Yao Yai.
- Visit the Mangroves: Take a kayak out during the mid-tide. It’s eerily quiet and one of the best ways to see the local birdlife.
- Pack Bug Spray: The island is lush. Lush means mosquitoes. The resort provides some, but bring your favorite brand if you have sensitive skin.
- Request a High Floor: If you’re staying in a suite, ask for one on a higher level. The views of the limestone karsts are significantly better when you're above the palm line.
The reality is that Anantara Koh Yao Yai is one of the most impressive openings in Thailand in the last five years. It’s a massive investment in a stunning location. Just go in with your eyes open about the tides and the prices, and you’ll have the time of your life.