Koyao Island Resort, Koyao Island, Thailand - Explore & Book

"The island of Yao Noi is a world away from the built up tourism of Phuket, just 35 minutes away by speedboat. Small beachside restaurants, a friendly fishing community and an interior of rice fields, palm trees and rubber plantations give the island a charmingly laid-back, unspoilt vibe. On the east coast is stunning Koyao, a rustic-chic, back-to-nature resort that is encircled by exotic greenery and run by staff so calm and kind that you’ll feel instantly relaxed. The 15 open-sided villas are situated seconds from the beach. Inside they are large and luxurious, with beautiful rattan four-poster beds and plenty of space for families. Meanwhile, 10 luxe tented villas with private pools set up on the hillside occupy the perfect spot for couples to cocoon.The stylish aquamarine infinity swimming pool and the powder-soft beach strung with hammocks mean that there are innumerable opportunities to soak up one of the best views in Thailand. If the moment takes you, cycle to a local batik community, pick your own coconut in the plantations or get up close to the extraordinary marine panorama with a longtail trip to discover islands inhabited by monkeys and lizards, where you can swim through caves and stumble upon deserted coves perfect for moonlit picnics. Highs The intimate, friendly feel and the ever-smiling staffThai scenery of your dreams, with sensational panoramas of craggy limestone karsts in the Phang Nga archipelagoComfort and space for everyone, from the open-sided family beach villas to couples-only hillside luxury tents with poolsMagical evening walks through lantern-lit gardens to enjoy the seafood platter at the excellent restaurantThe spirit of generosity: kayaks, bikes and snorkelling equipment are free to borrow Lows A bit of a journey from Phuket or Krabi airport (30-40 mins by taxi and then a boat ride), but that's half the funThe spa is not particularly lavish or well-equipped but treatment prices are reasonableDue to currents, the sea’s visibility can vary, and some days it’s quite cloudyMosquitos can be pervasive, but the resort puts great effort into keeping them at bay. Bring plenty of repellent and cover up in the evenings" - Harriet Whiting