Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa

As one of the most polished and refined resorts on serene Koh Yao Yai, the property imparts the feeling of total serenity as soon as guests enter. The reception area, as with all the other buildings in the resort, is beautifully designed both inside and out, with a traditional Thai pagoda roof and stunning teak wood wall paneling carved with intricate patterns. Lanterns hang down from the vaulted ceiling, and there are small vases of fresh flowers on the reception desk. It’s a large resort spread over a wide area, and has a peaceful, luxurious, and very private feel throughout. It’s a very romantic setting and mainly appeals to couples, especially honeymooners. The property also hosts weddings. 

The Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa is set on the small island of Koh Yao Yai, in utterly gorgeous Phang Nga Bay just off Phuket. The mountainous area surrounding the resort is remote and very peaceful. The property has its own private stretch of beach, which is picture perfect, with clean, white sand and crystal clear water. That being said, most of the beaches on this island are prone to major tidal shifts and at low tide wide expanses of underwater flats become exposed and swimming isn't possible. The majority of the islanders make their living from fishing, rice farming, and rubber tree plantations, and the tourist trade is fairly small. As a result, there are few attractions for guests to visit on the island, and most visitors come for the unspoiled natural beauty and a peaceful, relaxing retreat. Most guests travel to the island from the more touristy Phuket, which takes around 20 minutes by speedboat.

The property has 39 Pool Villas and 60 Deluxe Rooms, though regardless of category, the design and decor is stunning. Both the rooms and villas are extremely spacious and elegantly decorated. Every wall, ceiling, and piece of furniture is covered in decorative patterns crafted from teak wood, and there are beautiful, local fabrics used in the soft furnishings, which have rich, warm colors like orange and gold. There are posh day beds for lounging on and taking in the views -- of the gardens, pool, or sea -- and pieces of local artwork hanging on the walls. While this look could be fusty or drab in the wrong hands, here everything looks  refined, while still having a touch of rustic charm. The Deluxe Rooms are spread across two two-story buildings, and all have large balconies, air-conditioning, tea- and coffee-making facilities, king-size beds, minibars, sitting areas, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, DVD players, safes, desks, free Wi-Fi, and a fruit basket. The villas add separate living rooms, incredible sea views, private infinity pools, and outdoor sunken bathtub on the large-decked terrace. Bathrooms are huge and beautifully decorated too, with more teak carvings and sculptures, patterned vessel sinks, and a separate bathtub and shower. Toiletries, a hairdryer, and bathrobe and slippers are provided. 

As one of the larger resorts on Koh Yao Yai, there are a number of features on-site, which is helpful as there's nothing within an easy walk of the resort. There are five dining options available at the Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa. The fine dining restaurant, Chantara, serves Thai and western food and has views of the Andaman Sea. Sea views can also be had at the Saaitara Restaurant which is set above Phang Nga Bay, and offers a mainly Mediterranean menu. A surf and turf-inspired menu is served at the romantic Jetinn Teppan at Pier, where guests dine right over the water. More casual options are the Titan Grill, which flame-grills burgers, hot dogs, and seafood, and the beachfront By the Sea Restaurant and Bar, which has a snack and drinks menu. Room service and private dining on the beach are also available. The hotel's spa offers treatments including massages, body scrubs, wraps, and facials in open air pavilions with stunning views. There’s a large freeform outdoor swimming pool that has a separate children’s pool, a massaging water jet pool, and a spectacular manmade waterfall. Also on-site is a fitness center that includes a yoga studio, elliptical machine, stationary bike, weight machines, and free weights. There’s a gift shop for souvenirs, a library, kids' club, and a charming wooden car that provides a 24-hour shuttle service around the resort. Excursions can be booked by hotel staff, and activities such as kayaking, Thai boxing, and cooking classes can be arranged too. Bike, motorbike, and car rentals can also be done on-site, and there’s free Wi-Fi throughout the property.