24 Moo 4, Ko Yao Noi, Thailand | (951) 228-0643
Quiet and secluded resort at the north end of Koh Yao Noi
Has a private beach and beachside pool
Rooms have open-air living areas and chic rustic decor
Some villas have private plunge pools with stunning Phang Nga Bay views
Activities like yoga, painting, and cooking classes are available on-site
Elegant open-air spa offers a range of treatments
Beach and pool bars for drinks
Two restaurants serving Mediterranean, Thai, and Western cuisine
Wi-Fi is free throughout the property
There’s no fitness center on-site
The location may be too quiet and remote for some
Extreme tidal fluctuations make beach unswimmable at times
There are 69 rooms at this four-pearl property set on the northern coast of Koh Yao Noi. It’s a quiet and unspoiled spot, and will suit those wanting to do nothing but recharge their batteries. Rooms are chic and spacious -- with lovely rustic details -- and have free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, open-air living areas, and gorgeous sea and landscape views. The Hilltop Villa is especially lovely, with a pool and stunning Phang Nga Bay views. The hotel has a good range of low-key activities on-site, from painting classes to kayaking. There are two restaurants and two bars to try, and a spa and pool. Those wanting a more traditional Thai feel in their rooms may prefer Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa, on the neighboring Koh Yao Yai.
Scene
Serene and secluded resort with stunning Phang Nga Bay views
Opened in 2010, Paradise KohYao offers a restful and relaxing escape for those wanting a quiet break to unwind. It's not always the case that a resort lives up to its own name, but that actually happens here. The property has a natural and tranquil feel from the moment guests arrive in the open-air lobby. Its chic decor matches that of the guest rooms, with a traditional thatched roof and furniture made from bamboo and untreated timber. There's a computer station and a small library in the lobby which guests are welcome to use. Comfortable chairs overlook the pool and there are driftwood sculptures and fresh flowers placed around the room. Throughout the resort are glimpses of Phang Nga Bay -- a stunning collection of karst islands in tranquil turquoise waters. Guests are primarily European, and mainly consist of couples and honeymooners, although some families stay here too.
Location
In a peaceful and secluded part of Koh Yao Noi, on a private beach
Paradise KohYao is set on the northern tip of Koh Yao Noi (meaning Little Long Island). It’s an unspoiled, peaceful island with little tourism and a sleepy pace of life. Visitors will find little to do or visit here, other than completely relax and unwind. The property is located on a cliff with tropical forest on one side, and the sea on the other. Many points throughout the resort have fantastic views over the islands in Phang Nga Bay, and the hotel also has its own private beach. Keep in mind that tides in this part of Thailand can be extreme, and at low tide the sea is unswimmable with large expanses of exposed underwater flats. It’s quiet and secluded and there’s plenty of shade provided by the coconut palms and other native trees. Those wanting to explore the island's laid-back charms will want to rent a moped to zip around. From Phuket, the resort can be reached via a 50-minute boat ride and a 15-minute drive; it takes a bit longer to reach the airport in Krabi.
Rooms
Chic, spacious rooms with rustic style and excellent amenities, some with private pools
The 69 rooms and villas at the resort are either set on the beach, in the garden, or on the hillside overlooking the bay. Decor includes contemporary furnishings with hints of Asian-styling. The rooms have a cool and fresh, almost shabby-chic feel, with a pale blue-and-white color scheme, whitewashed timber furniture and use of natural materials like driftwood and bamboo. Expect to see tile or hardwood floors, and most rooms have gauzy canopies over the beds. They're all equipped with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, safes, minibars, CD/DVD players and music systems, electric kettles, and high-end coffeemakers. The open-air living areas make for a nice extension of the sleeping area. Free mineral water, fruit, and flowers are also provided. Higher category rooms have a hot tub or private plunge pool, and the Villas have private pools and bars. Some also have kitchens. The Hilltop Villa, in particular, has excellent views of the islands in Phang Nga Bay. The bathrooms have a semi-outdoor shower, plus indoor vanities with vessel sinks -- hairdryers and bathrobes are also provided.
Features
Two restaurants and bars, spa, pool, and lots of activities
Despite its relatively small size, there are a number of quality features at this resort, which is helpful as there's not much to see or do in the immediate area.The hotel’s main restaurant is the Seafood Terrace. It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and serves Thai and Western cuisine. It’s set right on the beachfront and surrounded by shady trees. The other restaurant, Al Fresco, is just open for dinner and has a Mediterranean menu including a range of pasta dishes plus authentic gelato. It’s also set right on the beach. There are two bars on-site, the Beach Club pool bar and the Sundowners beach bar. Treatments are available at the outdoor spa, and there’s a lovely pool right next to the beach. The beach has lounge chairs and even a rope swing strung between palm trees. The hotel puts on entertainment two evenings a week, such as theme nights and barbecues. There are a wide range of activities available on-site for guests staying at the property, from diving and cycling to table tennis and painting. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort.