GLOW Elixir Koh Yao Yai

The GLOW is a fairly small scale resort with a quiet vibe that's tailor-made for relaxing -- the prime sport, it seems, on sleepy Koh Yao Yai. While most hotels on the southern of Koh Yao's two islands are simple, small affairs, this property has just a touch more modern polish to complement its rustic look. The hotel's lobby has a traditionally Thai feel, with a vaulted pagoda ceiling, wooden chairs and benches with deep red cushions, and dark wooden beams and columns with lanterns attached to them. Coffee tables have small vases of colorful fresh flowers, and there are large potted plants dotted around too. Couples, including many honeymooners, make up the majority of guests, but some families stay here as well. Guests are mainly drawn by the picturesque beachfront location and the stunning sunsets that it offers. The resort is likely to be too quiet for those wanting an action-packed break, and generally appeals to those wanting total relaxation and a vacation spent unwinding by the pool or on stunning Phang Nga Bay.

The hotel is set on the small island of Koh Yao Yai, the southernmost island of the two-island Koh Yao archipelago that's just off the Phuket coast. There's not much to see or do in the area -- part of its charm for many guests -- and the hotel sits on a small plot of land next to the forest, directly on the beach. Like most beaches on the island, the one at the hotel is prone to extreme tidal shifts, though they are less dramatic here than elsewhere. When the tide is low, large swaths of underwater flats are exposed, making swimming a challenge at these times. Still, when the tide is in, the waters are crystal blue and stunning. There are lovely views of Phuket and Kai Islands, and on most mornings guests can see monkeys eating seafood on the beach. 

Most inhabitants of the island make a living from fishing, rice farming, and rubber tree plantations. It’s fairly unspoiled and a lot less touristy than Phuket. It takes 25 to 45 minutes to reach the resort beach by speedboat from Phuket, depending on the departure pier, weather conditions, tide level, and boat type. If it’s not possible to land directly on the beach due to the tide or weather, guests are taken to one of the three nearby piers instead. Hotel staff will then drive guests to the resort, which can take anywhere from three to 40 minutes, depending on the pier. Those traveling from Krabi can reach the resort in around an hour by speedboat, which is about 30 minutes from the Krabi airport by road.

Rooms at GLOW Elixir Koh Yao Yai consist of 40 bungalow-style villas. These are available in a range of categories including Superior Villas, Beachfront Villas, and Two-Bedroom Villas. Decor is a mix of simple, modern styling and traditional Thai touches. Guests can expect to see plain white walls, dark wood floors and furniture, and wooden vaulted ceilings. There are splashes of color in the soft furnishings, such as hot pink or orange cushions, and the beds are often decorated with fresh flowers. Dark hardwood furniture complements the rustic woven sconces on the walls, and a bit of beach-themed art completes the look. 

The villas are surrounded by the hotel’s tropical gardens, and many have stunning views of Phang Nga Bay from furnished balconies or terraces. Some have their own private pool. All are equipped with air-conditioning, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, free mineral water, safes, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, DVD players, and free Wi-Fi. The beach bag is an additional thoughtful touch. Bathrooms are open-air and have rainfall showers. Many include charming details like pottery that holds bath products and porcelain vessel sinks with lovely paintings inside and out. Fixtures are all contemporary, and some include separate showers and tubs. A hairdryer and toiletries are provided. 

Like most hotels in this part of Thailand, it's all about relaxing by the water at GLOW.  The property has a small rectangular outdoor swimming pool which is surrounded by wooden decking, sun loungers and parasols, and palm trees and other tropical foliage. There's also a swim up bar and views over the beach and sea. Unlike most hotels on the island, the beach here is usable and swimmable for most of the day. Yes, it is prone to tidal shifts -- which reveal tons of fascinating sea life in the tidal flats -- but has plenty of sand when the tide is in. 

The hotel has its own restaurant, Lalin, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It serves Thai specialties, freshly barbecued seafood, and European dishes. The restaurant is set on the beach and guests can dine in or outside, with panoramic views of the Andaman Sea. There's also a Sunset Dining Deck where guests can eat dinner while overlooking the private beach. A pool bar is open all day and serves a wide range of fresh fruit juices and cocktails. The air-conditioned beachside Elixir Bar also has a variety of drinks available and there's a pool table and dart board too. 

Guests can use the small fitness center which has treadmills, weights, and a ping-pong table. Massages can be booked and taken by the pool or within the villas. The hotel can also arrange for guests to take part in a wide range of activities including scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, yoga, cooking classes, and bike, ATV, and walking tours. There’s a computer station in the lobby, a reading corner, movie library, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Transfers to the property are not included in rates.