Hotel review: Live your ‘White Lotus’ fantasy at Anantara Koh Yao Yai

We were first escorted into a private charter in Phuket to Laem Sai Pier, where we embarked on a 40-minute long boat ride to the sparkly shores of Koh Yao Yai. For guests staying at the resort for more than three nights, land and sea transport to and fro the compound is complimentary.

Stepping foot onto the island was like entering into a whole new realm where pristine waters and thriving jungles are the norm. Think White Lotus’ second season but in Thailand instead of Taormina.

A buggy ferried us to the lobby of Anantara Koh Yao Yai, where we were welcomed by an infinity pond (yup, you read that right) with scintillating waters that overlooked the resort's pool and the beach. The 11-hectare landscape is clad with thriving greens, like five-year-old coconut trees, imported from different parts of Southern Thailand.

We were greeted with warm hospitality by its staff (be prepared to be met with more than one ‘sawadee krub/ka’ by all of its crew). We were then introduced to our personal butler and warmly ushered into our room—one of the eight majestic Sea View Pool Penthouses.

If we could only use a word to describe the Sea View Pool Penthouse, it’d be “wow”. Located within the four buildings nearer to the beach, the expansive suite spans over 3,938 sq ft across two stories. The lower level houses the living quarters—a spacious living room, a dining table that sits four (although we believe it can sit eight), a kitchenette with a separate entrance for the butler, the main suite that’s coupled with a huge walk-in wardrobe, and a colossal bathroom that stretches across the width of the space.

The upper deck is where the party is at. It comprises a lounge couch, sun beds, an outdoor shower, and the pièce de résistance—a private infinity pool overlooking the resort’s grounds and the Andaman Sea. For those who love a good morning view, you’ll be able to witness the beautiful, pink sunrise over Ko Rang Nok (aka Bird’s Nest Island) as the master suite faces the sea.

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The standard rooms at Anantara Koh Yao Yai do not pale in comparison. Coined Deluxe Sea View Suite, these hideaways are spacious, stunning, and stylish. It comes with an intimate living space and a private balcony (or barricaded open space if you’re on the ground floor). 

Family-friendly suites are situated in the three buildings away from the beach. This was done specifically by Proud Design to ensure that couples on their honeymoon would not be disturbed.

All of its family suites have double-decker beds for your mini-mes. But if we’re to be really honest, the Grand Family Sea View Suite is the cherry on top of the cake. Its bunk beds come with a slide—perfect for the active ones to enjoy.

Other accommodations include: Lagoon Pool Villa, which comes with a private pool that has a garden view; Wellness Lagoon Pool Villa, which is the same as the Lagoon Pool Villa, but is attached with a private spa room; as well as the ‘Hobbit House’-inspired Two Bedroom Beachfront Pool Villa.

You’ll never be bored at Anantara Koh Yao Yai. It’s packed with amenities and activities for you to maximise your stay. Hit the pool for a swim or bask under the sun on its golden beach. Gym-goers, continue your routine at its fitness centre that’s filled with the latest Technogym machines. The resort also provides Muay Thai lessons at the gym.

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You can’t forget about the outdoor odysseys at a nature resort. Hikers, embark on a trek to discover the tranquil pocket beach of Hong Island. Marine enthusiasts, dive into the sea to explore the underwater wonders of Shark Point, Anemone Reef, and King Cruiser wreck. Explorers, hop on board its Sidecar Adventure to survey the wonders of Koh Yao Yai.

Those with families can bring their little ones to the Kids’ Club. They’ll have the best time of their lives in the bubble pool because of its pint-sized slides. Prefer something outdoorsy? Anantara Koh Yao Yai has two kids-friendly pools for them to splash around in. The resort also offers family-friendly activities like nature walks, s’mores roasting on the beach, and mangrove seedling planting that’ll keep the young naturalists’ hearts alive.

Don’t forget to grab some me-time at the Anantara Spa afterwards. With four rooms and an extensive menu of relaxing treatments and wellness practices, its massages, facials, and therapeutic activities will get you recharged, revitalised, and rejuvenated in no time. Our personal favourite? The Anantara Signature Massage, a 60- or 90-minute treatment that starts off with a foot bath, followed by a full body oil massage.

Gastronomes, Anantara Koh Yao Yai’s three restaurants would satiate even the fussiest eaters.

Its main dining hall, Pakarang, serves authentic Thai cuisine from day to night. Its Kai Jiew Poo (crab meat Thai omelette) is fluffy and fragrant, while its Som Tum Thai Goong Yang (green papaya salad with giant grilled prawns) is fresh and flavourful. Meat lovers shouldn’t miss out on its Larb Moo (spicy minced pork), Gang Phed Ped Yang (red curry with roasted duck), and Chicken Khao Had (fried rice).

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International delights are offered at Beach Restaurant, a stone’s throw away from the lobby. Favourites from all around the world, like the Tuna Tartare, Poke Bowl, and Australian Black Angus Steak, are made from the freshest produce. Don’t forget to treat yourself to its grilled delights from its Catch of the Day selection, where seafood like sea bass and lobsters are trawled daily by local fishermen.

Lastly, its yet-to-be-named Japanese Restaurant has an excellent array of sushi and sashimi. Anantara Koh Yao Yai has plans to transform this space into an omakase haven.

For something more intimate, request its private dining concept Dining by Design. This service extends a private chef and a butler for exclusive dining experiences such as a cosy picnic on the beach, and a romantic dinner on a cruise.

Anantara Koh Yao Yai is the place to be for your next summer escapade if you frequent the three Bs (Bali, Batam, and Bintan). Whether you’d enjoy a lazy day by the pool, or fancy kayaking along its mangroves, there’s a lot for you to do at Anantara Koh Yao Yai. Our recommendation? Go for its Sidecar Adventure and hop around the island to visit its local hotspots.

With the Sidecar Adventure, you’ll be able to explore and learn more about the wonders of Koh Yao Yai. Fun fact that we picked up from our driver/tour guide: the majority of the residents living in Koh Yao Yai are Muslims. Another fun fact: the owner of Anantara Hotels donated to both the construction of a neighbouring mosque and school.

This experience made us appreciate the little things in life. Cheery fauna, like water buffalos, cats, and lambs, are roaming freely throughout the island. Venturing to the different sandy shores, like the Klongson Beach and Sandbank Beach, is commonplace, especially for tourists. Witnessing how local fishermen work tirelessly under the hot sun for a catch at its various piers made us comprehend how privileged we are.

You can also stop by the local boutiques and get your hands dirty with batik, tie-dye, and eco-painting workshops.

But if you’re at the resort for a couple’s retreat, choose either to stroll along the beach or to explore the compound on bicycles (FYI: they are complimentary at the reception). Okay, correction. Why not do both? That way, you’ll be living your ‘White Lotus’ fantasy to the fullest.

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