KOYAO ISLANDS RESORT – KO YAO NOI | THAILAND

The South of Thailand is well known for it’s beautiful islands and white sandy beaches. The only problem is that many of these islands and beaches are simply TOO well known and consequently packed with people.

BUT there are still some gems out there!

The amazing island of Koh Yao Noi is one such gem, and better yet it is craaaazy easy to get to from Phuket!
Check out the video below for a taste of the stunning Koyao Island Resort where we spent a magical few days in paradise.

Koyao Island Resort – The perfect getaway island escape.

Koyao Island Resort has its very own stunning white sand beach, and unlike large, international chain hotels that are flooded with tourists, this resort has a limited number of guests.  This means all that sweet beach action is all yours without tripping over busloads of tourists.

We didn’t only enjoy the beautiful, secluded private beach at the resort; we also were stunned by the panoramic view of Phang Nga Bay.  Phang Nga is a province close to both Krabi and Phuket and it’s bay lies right between Phuket and Krabi.  Out of the 572 islands in the Andaman Ocean, 42 sit in the territory of Phang Nga Bay.  There is no better place to enjoy the majestic view of Phang Nga Bay than from the East Cost of Koh Yao Noi, where this resort happens to be situated.

Koyao Island Resort | Mesmerising sunset on the secluded beachfront.

PANORAMIC POOL TENT VILLA 

We thought safari-style tented camps were only in Africa, but clearly we were wrong.  Koyao Island Resort recently launched it’s new luxurious tented safari suites and butler station, all nestled on “Nine Hornbill”, it’s very own hillside site.  It is located within walking distance from the main resort area (also with a shuttle service available on call 24/7) and boasts breath-taking panoramic views of the famous limestone islands of the Koh Hong archipelago.

With a total footprint of 108 sq.m., each tent offers a separate sleeping area, a bathroom with a classic bathtub, an indoor living room, an alfresco dining deck, a private infinity pool, as well as a garden.  While staying in a tent may give the image of a spartan experience, the tents still offer all the modern conveniences with air-con, fiber-optic cables and Wi-Fi to ensure comfort and also connection in the remote, yet accessible suites.

Being on the beachfront is a dream, but staying in a safari tent lodge is also a truly unique experience, especially when you can wake up to a spectacular view of Phang Nga Bay like this!

BEACH VILLA SUITE

Especially designed for couples, the 110 sq.m. Beach Villa Suite features a spacious outdoor living area, garden shower area, an oversized bath tub for two and a walk-in dressing room.  It’s only a few steps away from the ocean, and it has its own designated sun beds and a beach umbrella at the beachfront.

This villa suite is fully equipped with Wifi, air-conditioner, ceiling and standing fans, a Nespresso coffee machine as well as a private bar.

BREAKFAST WITH A VIEW

Koyao Island Resort – Private and peaceful breakfast complete with a stunning view.

Breakfast at Koyao Island Resort is served fresh every morning at “Pum Pui” their in-house restaurant (Pum Pui means Fatty in Thai!).  There is a Continental Buffet section which has all one would expect: a selection of bread, pastries, muesli, yoghurt, cheese fresh fruit, etc.  On top of that, guests also get to choose their “Mains”.  While Pum Pui restaurants offers pancakes, omelettes, egg benedicts and the usual eggciting breakfast, more exotic and local options are available.  We personally loved the Vegetarian Breakfast: Sautéed curry potatoes with onions, roti, peanut dip and wok stir-fried vegetables with cashew nuts. YUMMMMMMM!!!!

DELICIOUS LUNCH & DINNER AT PUMPUI RESTAURANT

Koyao Island Resort serves daily scrumptious lunches & dinners at “Pum Pui” too.  Being vegetarians we only tried the non meat dishes — and they were absolutely delicious.  A mango salad wrap and stir-fried vegetables were quite straight forward, but you could really tell how amazingly fresh the ingredients were.  Our meal was finished off with the classic Thai Mango Sticky Rice with Coconut Milk dessert.  It was a good decision!

Koyao Island Resort | Dinner by the beach at Pum Pui Restaurant.

FLIRTY COCKTAILS AT GECKO BAR

Before we arrived at Koh Yao Noi, we researched online for the best places on the island for sunset cocktails and actually came across many reviews saying Koyao Island Resort in-house “Gecko Bar” does the best cocktails on the island!  And as luck would have it Gecko Bar does have a happy hour!!!

So why order 1 to get 2 when you can have 4 for price of 2?

And why have a normal Pina Colada when you can have a Coco Colada?

And why did we end up so drunk before dinner…??? =)

Top class cocktails!

Mountain Biking – Complementary bike rental.  A great way to explore around the island… The hotel also offers guided mountain bike tours (Not FOC).

Kayaking – Complementary kayaks are available just waiting to be taken out for a spin. HIGHLY recommend a sunrise paddle!!

Excursion / Island Tours – A few different options to get out and amongst those stunning limestone karsts and get a closer look.

Daily Complimentary Activities – Arranged by the hotel.  Eg. Yoga in the garden, 8am island sightseeing boat tours, etc.  Check the schedule by the reception for what is on offer.

All in all what a perfect location to find your own piece of Thai Island paradise without the throngs of tourists.
We certainly will return!

Check Koyao Island Resort rates and availability here

Koyao Island Resort Official Website: http://www.koyao.com/

Koyao Island Resort Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/KoyaoIslandResort/