Koyao Bay Pavillions, on the eastern side of Koh Yao Noi, a small tropical island situated between Phuket and Krabi, in the south of Thailand, is the ideal place to stay if you’re looking for paradise. We’d intended to go to the Maldives but ended up coming here, and frankly we couldn’t have been happier doing so.
Pros: Perfect location, reflected by the fact that Evason Hideaway Six Senses Spa are building an extensive resort, some 50 or so villas, further up on the same side as Kohyao. Thankfully they won’t be sharing our beach! We found Koyao Bay using the Google Earth Community layer. Koyao Bay Pavillions, unlike Evason, is on a much more intimate scale, and whilst set amongst a large private estate you’re not rubbing shoulders with lots of other people. It has access to a fine stretch of white sandy beach and clean undeveloped seafront, unlike Evason Hua Hin where we stayed last year. Our coastline resembled a scene from ‘Lost’ in many places. In six days we never saw anyone else on the beach at the same time. And it’s a long beach.
It has three sea front villas, each with their own sala, plus two residences further inland on the far side of some rice paddies, also part of the resort. The landscaping and architecture is beautifully designed, each building using natural materials in the local Thai vernacular. The French architect used only natural twine to tie the rafts of numerous palm fronds to the bamboo structure for the roofs, and wooden pegs for the open plan timber frame structure; no nails anywhere apparently.
We shared one large swimming pool, set amongst tall palm trees and tropical plants. This was thoughtfully shallow at one end and deep enough for diving at the far end.
Very good authentic Thai food, as well as some fine continental cuisine. Recommend the lobster, grouper (all seafood plucked from the sea each day) and crepe suzette. The French manager was very attentive and helpful, as was the owner/architect of the resort. Jean took great care in arranging requests for dinner and ensuring we were
Lots and lots of interesting birds and wildlife, day and night, throughout the area.
Recommend the boat trip. Our private boat took us on an extensive tour of the islands around Kohyao and dropped us off back in the bay. Not to be missed.
Good daily massage. Personally I’d prefer a longer massage every two days rather than every day. I’m sure this was possible if I’d only asked…
It’s monsoon at this time of year although we had blue skies and sunshine for the majority of our stay, and even the rain, when it arrived, was refreshingly welcome.
An added bonus: there aren’t any dogs on the island, something that can’t be said for the rest of Thailand, so no howling barking mangy hounds like those in Krabi, Phuket and Koh Tao! And every other island come to think of it. For some reason dogs like to bite me, and as I find the plight of many Thai dogs distressing it’s something I don’t want to see or hear on holiday!
Cons: I’ve tried hard to sound objective but the only ones I can come up with are as follows: no discos, nightclubs, binge drinking, and raves. Just beautiful peace and quiet!
We’d definitely recommend it.
