Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas, One of Thailand’s Newest Island Luxury Resorts

Journey started on Japan Airlines flight from Honolulu to Tokyo Haneda then a short domestic flight to on Japan Airlines again to Osaka, a first for me. The Osaka airport was a nice change and very nice in its unique blue and orange colors while taking the escalators up to the international departure areas. As time flew after walking around the shops and eateries, it was already time to board another enjoyable flight on Japan Airlines to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Arrived in Bangkok late in the evening and made it to my accommodations at the new Kimpton Mai-Lai Bangkok, one of the top resorts/hotels to stay in Bangkok as rated in Conde Nast Traveler. It was a lovely stay and I enjoyed the in room dining and the design and grounds of the property that seemed tranquil amidst how busy Bangkok can be.

Early next morning I was off to catch the next Air Asia flight from Don Mueang Airport to Phuket. I met up with my wife and kids and mother-in-law and caught our designated shuttle to the Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas. Anantara had been heavily advertising this newly opened resort in magazines that it had caught my eye to give this property a try. It was finally happening and we were whisked away and quickly arrived the resort’s private jetty. We had some time to have some light refreshments, play some jenga before we boarded the boat. The weather was perfect for the boat ride and the views of the islands and blue ocean totally set the mood. Upon arrival, we were amazed with the service and the wonderfully landscaped roads along the way to the resort. Once we arrive at the grounds of the resort the lush greenery that was intertwined with the buildings had that calming tropical modern design that makes resorts of SE Asia, particularly in Thailand on another level compared to other places in the world. I loved how each floor of the buildings had layers of greenery and the water falls and the main lobby was a spectacular design. We waited to be checked in and once things were ready we took a buggy tour around the resort and saw how amazing Anantara Koh Yao Yai is. After the quick tour we were taken to one of our rooms that my Mother-in-Law and kids would be staying which was the Family Suite Pool Access. It was well appreciated by the kids who especially like the bunk bed set up and the youngest who just liked having the pool access. My wife and I finally got checked into our room that was in another building but on the top floor with a view of the ocean. We were impressed. However, we had to hurry as we wanted to go to the beach and try to kayak before it was late.

Thankfully, we made it in time to get the kayak and really paddle far towards another island in the distance and along the coast. We came back to the other kids already headed back to the room and mom and the youngest waiting at the beach. We took our time heading back as the youngest wanted to swim in the pool.

We made our way to find dinner and decided to go to the The Beach Restaurant. It was great food and excellent service. We had more of a western menu and it was something different. We headed back and the kids came to see our room.

The next morning we scheduled a ride to the picturesque Laem Had Beach. We got up nice and early to got on a truck that took us through the local village on the island that was more developed than what we had expected. There were local stores and restaurants and a 7/11 that seemed out of place but I guess every Thai Community needs a 7/11 for an easy one stop shop. The beach was pretty much to ourselves as we saw a person already leaving but saw a local man who was going to do some fishing. We got some amazing drone footage. We headed back to the resort for breakfast and I was able to go to the beach and fly the drone to the islands in the distance.

After a quick shower and packing up our luggage again, we were ready to check out and get back to Phuket for our next agenda. Thanks Anantara Koh Yao Yai Reseort & Villas for the wonderful experience. We loved our stay.


Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resorts & Villas
https://www.anantara.com/en/koh-yao-y...

Japan Airlines
https://www.jal.co.jp/jp/en/inter/

Kimpton Mai Lai
https://www.kimptonmaalaibangkok.com/

Air Asia Thailand
https://www.airasia.com/flights/thailand

Canva
https://www.canva.com

Epidemic Sound
https://www.epidemicsound.com
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