Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort and Villas

I’ve had the privilege of staying in resorts in Thailand and around the world, and I have never left critical reviews but our experience here was far below expectations, especially given the exorbitant prices. From the start, service was inconsistent at best and often non-existent. Calls to housekeeping went unanswered, and even the emergency line rang out the first time. Staff were polite but ineffective—“certainly” seemed to be the default response regardless of the request, often followed by no action. We had confirmed three adjacent rooms a week prior, yet on arrival, this was not arranged. After over 45 minutes at the front desk with no resolution, we were offered to move rooms halfway through our stay. Despite being assured the move would be smooth and handled for us, it was anything but—confusing, awkward, and poorly managed. The kids club was closed without any notice, later explained to be due to Thai New Year—something that could easily have been communicated in advance. Dietary needs were another recurring issue. Staff were unsure of ingredients and rarely followed up with the kitchen, unlike the local restaurants nearby, which handled requests with ease and clarity. The worst part: the prices. A 60-minute massage is 5,900 baht—compared to 350 baht at excellent local spas. Pad Thai was 590 baht for a small portion, while larger, tastier versions can be delivered from nearby spots for 180 baht. Resort pricing is expected, but this mark-up is frankly offensive, especially given the subpar quality and lack of service follow-through. A dinner reservation made in advance still had us waiting 20 minutes to be seated, and we were still without drinks 45 minutes later—despite being seated outside in the heat. To be fair, the facilities are stunningly beautiful and the setting is idyllic. But this is not a 5-star experience. The service lacks coordination, training, and care. Unfortunately, it feels like a resort relying on its aesthetic appeal while delivering a guest experience that doesn’t come close to matching the price tag.

We had the absolute pleasure of spending a few days at Anantara Koh Yao Yai – and we can honestly say: we were beyond impressed and completely satisfied with every single aspect of our stay. The experience was perfect from the very beginning: we were warmly welcomed at the private Anantara lounge at the Phuket pier before being transferred by the resort’s own speedboat – a smooth and scenic ride that set the tone for what was to come. Upon arrival at the resort, we were greeted with the warmest hospitality, making us feel right at home immediately. Our pool villa was an absolute dream – beautifully designed, extremely private, and with its own pool, it offered the perfect space to relax and unwind. The entire resort is stunning, incredibly well maintained, and truly luxurious, all while blending naturally into its serene surroundings. A special mention and heartfelt thanks go to Boom, the hotel manager, and his assistant Louise. Their dedication, kindness, and professionalism were truly exceptional. They went above and beyond to ensure every wish was fulfilled and made us feel genuinely cared for throughout our stay. The island itself is also something very special. Koh Yao Yai is still very untouched and peaceful – something we deeply appreciated. It’s the perfect place to relax, recharge, and enjoy the natural beauty of Thailand far from the hustle and bustle. Exploring the island by scooter was one of our favorite experiences – quiet beaches, friendly locals, and stunning landscapes at every turn. Anantara Koh Yao Yai is a true paradise – a place we will definitely return to. If you’re looking for tranquility, luxury, nature, and impeccable service, this is the place to be. Thank you for an unforgettable time!

Beautifully designed hotel and really feels like you have arrived in paradise with the boat transfer. The best luxury resort in Thailand for kids (amazing kids clubs / staff there are fantastic ) and with four water slides at one of the pools our boys were kept entertained. Resort also still caters well for adults - all restaurants food quality very high and great breakfast which is always important for us! Gym was very modern and beach was also excellent. Our butler Joe was outstanding and couldn’t do enough to assist but as were all the staff. General manager and f&b manager always checked on us - the only feedback is they probably need a little more staff. Hard to fault we had a fantastic family break and one of the few resorts we said would come back to as we usually like to mix it up

We had a wonderful stay at Anantara. Everything from the service to the surroundings was top-notch. The staff were warm and attentive, and the atmosphere made it easy to relax and enjoy every moment. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a luxurious and peaceful getaway.

One of the most stunning locations we have been. The pick up at the airport and boat to the island was seamless and just an amazing arrival all organised by the hotel. The hotel itself is so pretty overlooking stunning Thai island and a beautiful unspoilt beach. We booked a family pool access suite. Our children are 11 and 8 and they just adored the water slides in the evening time. The food at the hotel is excellent, great choice and selection. We booked two of the themed nights the food was out of this world. The gym is really good, brand new , really spacious and very good machines. Handy tips There’s a handy pool bar in the family block for drinks/ food. There’s a local shop at the gate (about 10 min walk) you can buy drinks and snacks. There’s a fridge in your room.