To culminate our brief island life in Thailand, we spent a day of luxury at Santhiya Koh Yao Yai.
Koh Yao Yai is an unspoiled and the largest island of Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and the Krabi mainland. If you are not a big fan of large crowd, I suggest that you make your way to this island.
Getting There
Shared speed boat (surcharge apply) makes daily trip from a private pier called Ao Po Grand Marina in Phuket at these times; 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. While departure times from the resort are 8am, 10am, 12nn, 2pm and 4pm.
Upon arrival we were greeted by the beautiful staff playing local instruments. And while waiting to be checked in, a 10-minute head and shoulder massage was on its way. The next thing we knew we were embarking into a wooden car to our room.
Santhiya Koh Yao Yai is a 5-star beach resort that attracts a more serene type of traveler (like me), the one looking for romantic escape, and the one seeking for a quiet beach holiday. Pool villas and deluxe rooms are situated on this mountainous resort, most of them with breathtaking view of the Andaman Sea. Very noticeable are the teakwood and the beautifully carved decors around the resort. Free wifi connection in public areas and in rooms is provided. The place is stunning and definitely luxurious.
Accommodation
I will share our experience of staying in a pool villa at the side of the hill. The villa has two floors but we occupied the upper level only. It was actually an upgrade (giggles) as we originally booked for a deluxe room. I know. What a great surprise!
We have managed to lounge around on every area from the time we arrived until we left. Hahahah!
I remember haven’t gotten close encounter with the monkeys at the Monkey Beach. Look who paid us a visit! He was very peaceful. He did not bother us in any way.
Dining
For dinner, we had buffet at Chaitara Restaurant. The food was an eclectic combination of Thai and western cuisine.
We had another buffet meal, breakfast at Saaitara Restaurant that did not only offer great food but also a panoramic view of the Andaman Sea.
Enough of unlimited food, but definitely we could not get enough of the scenery. We had al fresco lunch at The Titan Grill. It offered flame-grilled burgers, chicken, seafood and some traditional Thai dish.
We had an amazing stay! I wish we could have added an extra day. If you are going to Thailand, make sure to plan a stay in Santhiya Koh Yao Yai.
Suggestion
Stay at least two nights or even more. Explore the resort’s huge waterfall swimming pool, infinity pool overlooking the Andaman Sea, spa, salon, and fitness centre. Kayaking, paddle boarding, island hopping and other activities within the resort are available. There are also other dining options that are equally impressive. Or you may even delve into the island itself. Definitely, you will not run out of things to do in Santhiya Ko Yao Yai.
Thank you for reading!
With love,
Sugar
If you have enjoyed reading this post, you may also be interested in Apulit Island.
