Our Stay at Santhiya Koh Yao Yai: Resort Review

Pools, Beach & Activities

While we may not have made the most of our villa in the way we hoped, it did mean we got to take full advantage of the wider hotel facilities.

Pools

The huge waterfall pool is the main communal pool and showstopper. It’s complete with cascading water and wooden loungers shaped like boats! We spent our first evening up at the infinity pool, featuring sweeping ocean views. We watched one of the most dramatic tropical thunderstorms we’d ever seen from the pool side, which was amazing! There’s also a bar up there and pool-side DJ sets in the evening. The resort also host a number of different themed parties and events there during the week, so there’s always something going on.

Beach

The private beach is calm and perfect for swimming or paddling. The water is a stunning turquoise colour and the sand is a beautiful golden colour. The area is well maintained by the hotel, and it’s just a lovely place to be. Most days, we camped out on the loungers there, and enjoyed our time in paradise. The loungers are free to use, and you can order food and drink to them too. If you’re looking for a day of solid relaxing, there’s no need to get up for anything from these loungers!

Activities

The hotel also offer a range of complimentary activities, to suit a range of interests! You can take part in anything from yoga and Thai boxing classes, to Thai cooking lessons. If you’re spending a day at the beach, you can also borrow the hotels paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkelling gear. We took full advantage of their beach activities and spent hours out on the water, drinking in the incredible scenery.

Day trips

If you’re looking to explore a little further afield, Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa also organise day trips! You can book excursions to nearby islands like Koh Khai, snorkelling trips, village tours, and private boat charters for exploring Phang Nga Bay. Koh Yai Yai and the surrounding area has so much to offer and it’s such a beautiful part of Thailand, you’ll be spoiled for choice what to do!

We already had a trip around Phang Nga Bay planned during our trip to Phuket. The area is incredible, so if you have the opportunity to visit, we highly recommend you add this on!