Review: Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas, a Family-Friendly Island Retreat in Thailand

Koh Yao Yai still feels like a secret. Traditional island life hums quietly in the background, with accompanying dreamy sunsets and beachside vibes. And none of that tourist rush. 

Set on this pristine patch of coastline is Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas, a 27-acre retreat that doesn’t try to compete with Phuket or Krabi, and is all the better for it. Here, soft sand meets Bali-like greenery, and suites open to the breathtaking splendour of the ocean. The size of the resort means you can just as easily find quiet corners to lull yourself into beachside calm or join squealing kids at the pool’s quartet of waterslides.

So, is Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas worth the trip? Below, you will find a full review of our stay, plus a few notes on how to make the most of your time on Koh Yao Yai.

Getting to Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas

Tucked between Phuket and Krabi in the calm waters of Phang Nga Bay, Anantara Koh Yao Yai fronts a kilometre of quiet golden sand and uninterrupted ocean views. The journey is very much a part of the experience. From Phuket International Airport, it’s a 20-minute drive to the resort’s private lounge at Laem Sai Pier, complete with snacks, drinks and a beautiful resting area. This is followed by a 35-minute shared speedboat ride straight to the hotel’s private jetty. If you’re coming from Krabi, the transfer is just as smooth, where a 30-minute boat ride from Thalane Pier drops you right at the resort. 

148 Suites and Villas to Fit Every Type of Travel Group

After your idyllic arrival, a buggy whisks guests to the lounge for check-in, where flower bracelets and welcome drinks set the tone before you continue to your own luxurious haven.

With 148 rooms spread across suites, penthouses and villas, the resort offers a mix of comfort and space that caters to couples, solo travellers, and multi-gen families. Entry-level Deluxe Suites start at 90 square metres and come with garden or sea views, twin vanities and oversized tubs. Want to splurge? The Sea View Pool Penthouses are absolute showpieces with 366 square metres of understated luxury, complete with rooftop decks, infinity pools and daybeds made for long, lazy afternoons.

For those travelling with children, the Grand Family Sea View Suite is everything you need on a beach holiday. At 190 square metres, this cleverly zoned space features a kids’ corner with bunk beds and a mini slide, a spacious king-sized bed for the adults, and a balcony that frames sweeping views of the Andaman. The bathroom features a separate jacuzzi tub and rain shower, and there's even a separate smaller powder room, a definite bonus for larger groups. 

This indulgently massive layout gives everyone room to spread out, while thoughtful extras like a stocked snack pantry, family-friendly in-room dining, and easy pool access make it feel like more than just a hotel room. You'll enjoy playful inclusions too, mini ride-on toys, robes for the whole family, and slippers perfect for beach excursions.

Dining Across Thai, Japanese and International Cuisine

When it comes to mealtimes at Anantara Koh Yao Yai, these are anything but routine. The resort offers a range of thoughtful menus and relaxed venues, each bringing its own take on island dining. 

Pakarang, the all-day dining venue, begins the day with an extensive breakfast buffet of Asian and international fare. Live stations offer made-to-order favourites like shakshuka, alongside tropical fruit platters and detox juices spiked with ginger, celery and cucumber. And while you can choose from the wide options at the charcuterie and cheese bar or dimsums at the Asian corner, we recommend trying the Signature Koh Yao Rice Sourdough, made with locally grown rice and cashew nuts. 

If there’s still room for lunch, The Pool Bar brings a more casual rhythm. Think crispy fish and chips, pizzas hot from the oven, or summer rolls for something lighter. A cocktail or fresh coconut feels almost mandatory. 

Alternatively, consider The Beach Restaurant, designed for slow lunches and breezy feasts alongside chargrilled seafood and meat, Thai curry and cocktails. Enjoy authentic Thai staples or those with a twist, such as Laab moo tod arancini: fried rice ball “arancini” stuffed with northeast style ‘laab’. 

For dinner, head to TOMI, a sleek Japanese outpost in collaboration with Bangkok’s Tomi Sushi, delivering precision and elegance across its menu of tempura, sushi and seasonal mains. Choose a seat outdoors with expansive island views or pull up to the chef’s table to watch the action unfold. The Matcha Tiramisu with Sake Jelly deserves a moment of its own. Matcha-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, sake jelly and edible gold flakes come together in a dessert that feels both theatrical and equally indulgent.

For something more intimate, Designer Dining offers bespoke experiences such as a private lobster dinner under the stars or a picnic on a sandbank. If you’re in the mood to cook, the Spice Spoons class held in the resort’s herb garden is a hands-on way to connect with the island’s freshest ingredients while learning how to work with the bold, layered flavours of Thai cuisine.

And for the kids? Each venue serves a kids' menu designed for little tummies, and generous enough to feed hungry pre-teens.

Wellness at The Anantara Spa

As with everything else, wellness at The Anantara Spa is a thought-through affair. Earthy tones accompany quiet corners and fragrant oils alongside a full-scale hammam, hydrotherapy pool, with Ayurvedic treatments anchoring the menu. Unlike your usual spa, there’s a certain depth to the offering: from sound bath sessions and pao ya fire therapy to wellness-focused villas complete with private decks and leafy lagoon views. 

There are four treatment suites designed for solo guests, couples and families, each one inviting you to slow down and reset. The highlight here is the marble-clad hammam, where guests can choose between Moroccan and Turkish-style rituals. Treatments include black eucalyptus soap cleansing, exfoliation with a kessa mitt, a detoxifying Rhassoul clay wrap, full-body massage and facial.

For muscle recovery, the hydrotherapy pool offers tiered jet massages and power showers that alternate between invigorating and restorative. Guests can also unwind in the sauna, steam room or the tranquil meditation space between treatments. 

That same energy extends to the resort’s gym, one of the most well-designed hotel fitness spaces you’ll come across in Asia. Look forward to Technogym equipment, an aerial yoga studio, and a dedicated corner for protein shakes and healthy snacks. There’s a rotating Monthly Discoveries calendar with group classes such as circuit training, abs and glutes, and Muay Thai held at the Fitness Centre. Activities also spill well beyond the gym. Guests can sign up for cocktail making, while kids can try their hand at making pizza or ravioli, join a grilled marshmallow party, or go all in during a game of giant snakes and ladders. 

Kids at Play - One of the Largest Kids’ Clubs in Thailand

Anantara Koh Yao Yai’s family offering is impressively thorough, and you’ll notice this at every touch point. Starting with The Kids’ Club, one of the largest in Thailand, it features separate toddler and tween zones, hands-on creative workshops, and a whole roster of activities, including guided walks through the island’s landscape.

The family pool is a sprawling stretch of turquoise, fitted with waterslides that range from gentle swoops to full-speed thrills, so everyone from toddlers to teens can join in. Right next to it is the Family Pool Bar for easy drinks and ice cream breaks, which also transforms into an open-air cinema by night.

Family-friendly room categories, like the Family Sea View Suite and Family Pool Access Suite, are designed to keep kids close to the action. Terraces open directly onto the pool, and interiors are fitted with bunk beds, play zones and everything you need to keep younger travellers happy.

For a uniquely local experience, try the Buffalo Care activity — squeals guaranteed! Set in the resort’s Organic Garden, it’s where children(and grown-ups) can meet Chokdee and Boonma, the resident water buffaloes. From feeding to gentle bathing rituals, it’s a rare chance to engage with Thai rural traditions in a way that’s immersive, educational, and just the right amount of muddy.

Things to do on Koh Yao Yai

If the idea of an island escape sounds too quiet, Koh Yao Yai has just the right mix of activity to keep things interesting. One to book early is the Sunset Classic Car experience, where guests drive through the resort in a super-stylish electric vintage ride. Each car seats two, so if the kids are coming along (and they should), be prepared to divide and conquer.

For those wanting to explore further, there’s snorkelling and diving directly off the beach, or you can try your hand at local fishing techniques passed down through generations. The excursions menu also includes coconut leaf weaving, sunset longtail cruises and guided jungle treks, so you’ll never be short on things to do between naps and pool dunks.

Our favourite? The Koh Yao Yai Village Tour offers a slower pace, but one that’s deeply rewarding. This half-day excursion gives guests a glimpse into local life, from trying your hand at batik printing and exploring quiet beaches, to discovering the island’s traditions with the help of a friendly Anantara guide. You can opt for a car or jeep, though we’d suggest upping the fun with a sidecar instead.

Tips for Your Stay at Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas

Getting There - The resort’s private lounge at Laem Sai Pier is a welcome start to your journey, complete with hot snacks, cold drinks and spotless bathrooms. It’s worth checking in with the staff about the weather before you set off. On a clear day, there’s nothing quite like this stunning boat ride, but if it’s overcast or windy, and you're travelling with little ones, anti-nausea meds might be necessary.

Choosing a Room - Every room here is generously sized and beautifully designed, even by regional standards, so you’re in good hands regardless of category. That said, the suites give you extra breathing room and always feel like a bit of a treat. If you're staying with family or simply like having more space, they’re well worth the extra splurge.

Dining - As with many island resorts, dining revolves around the hotel’s restaurants. There’s plenty to enjoy, but if your kids have favourite snacks or go-to treats, it’s a good idea to pick those up at a 7-Eleven in Phuket before leaving for the Laem Sai Pier.

Essentials and Emergencies - Pack any key medications you or your children may need, but rest easy knowing there’s an on-site clinic for anything unexpected.

Mosquitoes, Insects and Sun Protection - Thailand’s bugs don’t mess around, so bring insect repellent and apply it liberally. And when the sun is out, it really shows up. The resort grounds get strong, direct sunlight throughout the day. Sunscreen is a must, and thankfully, there’s a thoughtful after-sun lotion in your room to help cool things down after.

Book Direct - Booking directly with the resort comes with a whole host of perks. These include complimentary transfers, resort credit, discounts and kids dining free. Terms and conditions apply. 

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas

A stay at Anantara Koh Yao Yai is a chance to experience Thailand’s last unspoiled island. It is luxurious without the formality, spacious without being overwhelming. Your pace here is entirely your own: unhurried, activity-filled, or somewhere in between. If you're after a destination where nature leads the way and the days unfold as you wish, this island makes the perfect escape for families and couples alike. 

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas. 88/8 Moo 4, Koh Yao Yai Subdistrict, Koh Yao District, Phang Nga 82160. Phone (+66) 76 675 888 or (+66) 76 619 909 (Reservations Team). Book your stay here. 

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