Anantara Hotels and Resorts has announced plans to open a new-build resort on the Thai island of Koh Yao Yai.

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort is expected to open in December 2022 in a location that immerses guests in Thai culture and the natural surroundings.

An immersion into the locale

The quiet island of Koh Yao Yai lies within Phang Nga Bay between the popular destinations of Phuket and Krabi. This characterful island is known for its traditional Thai culture and idyllic palm-tree-lined shores.

From here, activities range from island hopping, snorkelling and diving in the marine-life-rich waters to visiting local fishing villages and coconut and rubber plantations.

The 148-key resort will sit on a kilometre of white sand beach looking out to the towering limestone formations that rise out of the waters of Phang Nga Bay.

Commenting on the plans, Dillip Rajakarier, group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels, said: “The announcement of this latest addition to our Thailand collection of resorts, developed in partnership with Soraya Development, sends a clear signal about our commitment to the industry.”

“With travel and hospitality sectors in Thailand and elsewhere set for a rebound, destinations like Koh Yao Yai that combine seclusion, easy access to pristine nature and authentic local experiences, are destined to benefit from a surge in demand with global travellers.”

Mr. Sornkom Kitprasan, president, Soraya Development Company Limited, added: “We are extremely excited to partner with Minor Hotels and to launch the first Anantara in the Phang Nga Bay area. This project was created with passion. I have given consideration to each detail of each workpiece since its inception.”

“There was overwhelming interest from experienced operators vying to acquire the right to manage this unique project, but we chose Anantara Hotels and Resorts due to its stellar reputation and experience as a five-star luxury global hospitality brand.”

A family-friendly retreat

On completion, the resort will comprise a collection of one- and two-bedroom beachfront pool villas, along with spacious ocean-view suites occupying four low-rise buildings that overlook a freeform swimming pool.

The Seaview Pool Penthouses all feature large outdoor areas for entertaining, the Grand Seaview Family Suites each incorporate a playground and the Lagoon Pool Villas come with wooden sundecks, outdoor dining areas and plunge pools.

Guests will be able to dine at an ocean-facing restaurant serving produce-driven Thai and Asian dishes, as well as at the pool bar and in the all-day lobby restaurant and bar offering an international menu. Ingredients are taken from the onsite organic farm.

Other amenities within the resort are to include a family pool with a kids-only splash area, a large indoor-outdoor kids’ club, meeting space, a fitness centre and water sports centre, as well as wellness facilities such as a hydro pool and hammam.

Guests will be able to access the resort, which is to have its own jetty, via car and speedboat from Phuket International Airport.

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