Bangkok and other big cities are great, but when you really want to get away from it all and experience the real Thailand then there are plenty of delightful options.
Ko Yao Yai is a Thai island in the Andaman Sea, halfway between Phuket and Krabi, that's known for sandy beaches, mangroves, rubber plantations and fishing villages.
Visitors arrive on longtail boats or ferries and the surrounding waters are dotted with dive sites.
If you like some luxury with your tranquillity, the Anantara hotel group - with whom I have had several good experiences - has just opened Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas, which has been added to my "must do" list.
Anantara Koh Yao Yai has 148 suites, villas and penthouses, all reflecting Thai heritage.
The beachfront villas have been designed with eco-friendly grass roofing to blend into the natural surroundings without blocking the views of the beach for other guests.
Of special interest to groups are the family pool access suites with terraces opening directly onto the resort's family pool.
For those who want to splash out, the resort’s eight butler-attended sea view pool penthouses offer Andaman Sea views and outdoor living options. Think a covered cabana for al fresco dining as well as an oversized soaking tub with sea views
Koh Yao Yai is, right now, largely undeveloped and devoid of mass tourism.
Among the excursion options are vintage sidecar tours to a rubber plantation, batik-making, tie-dye classes, island-hopping, mountain climbing and scuba diving.
The resort offers several dining options with the signature Beach Restaurant showcasing local seafood, dry-aged steaks and sushi offerings. At Pakarang, the menu features contemporary Thai dishes, while there is also a Japanese eatery with panoramic ocean views.
The Kids’ Club is promoted as one of Thailand’s largest while Anantara Spa has five treatment rooms split between single and double suites.
For more information see www.anantara.com/en/koh-yao-yai-phuket.
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