An Island Heaven: Paradise Koh Yao Resort in Thailand
It was so early in the morning when we left behind a gloomy and rather chilly Hong Kong. The 3-hour trip seemed shorter only because the final destination was supposed to be paradise. We were going to spend 5 days at the Paradise Koh Yao resort in Thailand, and I can’t tell you how much we were looking forward to that.
We chose Paradise Koh Yao Resort Thailand for our first wedding anniversary, and we couldn’t have made a better choice. The place was everything we were looking for. And more.
Thailand has many exciting things to offer. However, every now and then, you just need to take a break and enjoy the good life.
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Paradise Koh Yao Resort in Thailand
Where to book Paradise Koh Yao Resort
There are plenty of ways to plan your trip, no matter the destination. We chose the most straightforward way: booking.com.
Check here the availability and price.
How to get to Paradise Koh Yao Resort
Paradise Koh Yao Resort is located on Koh Yai Noi Island in the Andaman Sea.
Given its location somewhat at the middle distance between Phuket and Krabi, reaching Koh Yao Noi island can be done from both sides of Thailand.
We landed at Phuket airport and had booked a transfer beforehand. Thus, we were picked up at the airport and driven to Phuket Yacht Haven. From there, we boarded Paradise Koh Yao Resort‘s speedboat.
Accommodation
As soon as we approached the resort, we realized its name aptly described the place. The resort is tucked on the slopes of a hill, surrounded by the sea and tropical forest.
We were welcomed with fresh lemonade, and the check-in process was smooth and quick. A short cart ride later, we found ourselves in our gorgeous room. It offered as a view over the forest and the sea in the background.
I loved reading in bed while listening to the chirping birds and the leaves rustling in the gentle breeze.
The room’s terrace wasn’t bad either, especially if you consider the large jacuzzi. Yep, we sipped champagne in our own personal jacuzzi every single day, sometimes even twice a day:))
While the resort covers an extensive area, don’t expect thousands of rooms. It is a premium resort, after all, offering a true escape for those seeking privacy and seclusion, without compromising comfort and convenience.
Compared to our shoebox in Hong Kong, the room seemed enormous and came with a large, comfy king-size bed.
The Beach
Perhaps the thing I loved most about Paradise Koh Yao was the beach. I was fortunate to relax on some of the best beaches around the world, and the one in the resort was among them.
A long strip of white sand, with hammocks and sunbeds scattered here and there, was a private place available only to the resort’s guests. It helped that there was no other way of reaching the beach from the outside except by boat.
Throughout our stay, we’ve learned that the tides are quite irregular in these parts.
We received a letter every day with important information and activities scheduled for the next day, including updates about the tides. This way, we could organize our time accordingly.
Dining
The resort has two restaurants (Seafood Terrace and Al Fresco) and two bars (The Beach Club and Sundowners), which offer a wide range of food and drink options.
A few times, we opted for the a la carte menu at Seafood Terrace, which featured mainly local Thai dishes and delicious pizza. At other times, we went for the buffet and enjoyed the wide selection and varied tastes of the different dishes.
The last two nights, we splurged on fresh lobster at the Al Fresco restaurant, and I regret nothing. Remember, it was our wedding anniversary.
How are the prices at the restaurants and bars?
Before we left for our vacation, I made sure to check out (as I always do) impressions and reviews on TripAdvisor. I must admit I was a bit concerned about prices for food and drinks.
After our vacation, I can confirm that this is not the place to go if you are looking for a low-cost vacation in Thailand. The prices are far from outrageous, though, and are comparable to the ones in any major Western city.
However, if you are looking to spend a few days in paradise while treating yourself to great food and fine drinks, Paradise Koh Yao Resort is the place for you.
Then again, my husband was (still) a business executive in Hong Kong at the time, and we had no children yet, so we were less price-sensitive than we are now. Blogging and writing historical mystery books is rewarding, but not in the financial sense. 😛
The spa
Working at a desk for long hours can be taxing on my back and hip. So, I’m always happy to travel to Asia and experience their amazing spas and massages.
The spa at Paradise Koh Yao did not disappoint. I enjoyed every moment of the 60-minute Thai massage and the 90-minute oil relaxation massage.
Activities – what to do in Paradise?
You would think such a secluded place could get boring after a day or two, but it sure did not feel boring to us.
We kayaked to an even more secluded beach on the island, lounging on the jungle-hugged sandy strip all by ourselves.
Another time, we took a traditional Thai boat trip to the beautiful island of Koh Phak Bia.
We even learned to cook a Thai dish with a local chef.
If you don’t forget to bring your yoga pants (like others did), you’ll be able to participate in yoga sessions on the beach.
Another way to spend time in paradise is to have a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach.
You can also simply relax at the pool with a cold drink and a book in hand.
In conclusion, our five-day stay at Paradise Koh Yao Resort in Thailand was perfect.
We warmly recommend the place to people who want the right mix of relaxation and activities.
If you are flying in from faraway Europe, North America, or Australia, it might make sense to incorporate a stint at Paradise Koh Yao Resort into a longer vacation in Thailand. Or, why not drop by Hong Kong or Seoul for a few days? We have lived in both metropolises and we absolutely love them.
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