This tranquil island is a haven for those seeking serenity. Its picturesque accommodations provide the perfect setting for relaxation. Unbeknownst to many Thais, this hidden gem offers an unparalleled vacation experience.

"Welcome to Paradise Koh Yao!"

Last month, I had the opportunity to relax at Paradise Koh Yao on Koh Yao Noi, Phang Nga. I found the resort to be quite interesting and I must say that this review will be long and detailed. For those who don't like to read much, I suggest reading only the beginning, which describes the highlights of the resort. Then, you can read the summary at the end. For those who want to know everything in detail and want to join me on an adventure through every nook and cranny, let's go together.

Here are the key highlights of Paradise Koh Yao:

- A beautifully designed resort on Koh Yao Noi, offering five room types ranging from approximately 3,000-4,000 baht/night to premium rooms exceeding 10,000 baht/night.

The five room types all feature a relaxing sea-blue color scheme and spacious layouts. They are fully equipped with amenities, and some offer garden views while others boast stunning sea views.

Some room types are located on a hillside, so those with difficulty climbing stairs should inquire with the resort in advance to confirm whether the room requires climbing stairs. While the resort offers golf cart transportation, some areas still require guests to climb stairs independently.

- The resort boasts a private beach, and while the sand may not be as fine and white, and the water may not be as crystal clear as in Similan or Koh Lipe, what this island offers in return is tranquility and serenity. Moreover, Paradise Koh Yao is a secluded resort situated in the northern part of the island, ensuring privacy and exclusivity.

The resort offers a wide range of activities, including kayaking, hiking, diving, spa treatments, swimming, volleyball, badminton, yoga, and excursions to nearby islands. Guests can also experience the local Muslim culture on Koh Yao Noi. This diverse range of activities ensures a well-rounded and fulfilling travel experience.

The resort's food does not contain any pork ingredients, with the exception of bacon, which is available on the breakfast buffet. The remaining dishes are all chicken and seafood. The overall taste of the food is delicious and the seafood, such as shrimp, crab, and squid, is very fresh.

- The resort staff are friendly, enthusiastic, and attentive to the needs of guests.

The journey to the resort is not too arduous, as it takes only 50 minutes by boat from Phuket to the island, or just 20 minutes from Krabi.

Having grasped the general overview, let's delve into an in-depth, comprehensive review like never before!

Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai are islands located in Phang Nga province. However, the most convenient way to reach the islands is by boat from Phuket or Krabi. Each resort uses a different pier. For example, Paradise Koh Yao uses the Yacht Heaven Club pier, which is only 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport. I recommend choosing a flight that arrives in Phuket around 9:30-10:00 AM, as this will allow you to comfortably catch the 11:00 AM boat at the Yacht Heaven Club. I personally used AirAsia flight FD 3037, which arrived at Phuket International Airport at 9:20 AM.

After departing from the pier on a speedboat, we enjoyed a relaxing 50-minute journey to Paradise Koh Yao. The island boasts a private pier, secluded from the crowds, and a pristine beach, guaranteeing an exclusive and tranquil vacation experience.

Upon check-in, guests receive a key card, a resort map, and a personalized welcome note from the resort.

Let's explore the different room types available at this accommodation to help you choose the perfect one for your needs. There are five room types in total, as follows:

1. Superior Studio (54 sq.m. / Garden View)

2. Jacuzzi Studio (56 sq.m. / Garden View)

3. Plunge Pool Deluxe Studio (62 sqm / Sea View)

4. Pool Villa (91 sqm / Sea View)

5. Hilltop Pool Villa (4198 sq ft / Sea View)

Let's start with the "Superior Studio" room. With a spacious area of 54 square meters, this Superior room is one of the most spacious rooms available. The room features a bathroom with a separate wet and dry area, a dressing room, and a swing and chairs for enjoying the beautiful view.

One of the most striking features of the guest rooms at Paradise Koh Yao is the stunning and spacious bathroom design. Each bathroom is an open-air concept, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in nature. The degree of openness varies between room types. For instance, in the Superior room, guests can open the bathroom door and shower in full view of someone relaxing on the swing. ><

The bathroom design is incredibly stylish, featuring wooden accents and vessels resembling traditional earthenware jars. This evokes a sense of nostalgia and a closer connection to nature.

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The bathroom amenities were comprehensive and generous, including large bottles of toiletries and even toothbrushes with toothpaste.

Each room has a small basin in front of it for washing your feet, especially if you have been walking on the sand. This allows you to clean your feet before entering the room.

Let's move on to the second room type, the "Jacuzzi Studio." This was the room I stayed in. The main difference from the Superior room is that the Jacuzzi Studio has a larger bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub, which slightly reduces the size of the living area.

Paradise Koh Yao offers a variety of room types, including King Size and Twin Bed options. The layout of these two room types differs significantly. King Size rooms feature a centrally positioned bed, while Twin Bed rooms have two beds, one small and one large, placed against a wall. Guests can specify their preferred room layout when booking.

The Jacuzzi Studio with Twin Bed offers a relaxing atmosphere. In addition to the complimentary bottled water and fruit, the resort provides a thoughtful touch: an A4 sheet placed on the bed. This sheet details the next day's weather forecast, including sunrise and sunset times. This information is particularly valuable for photography enthusiasts like myself, and I have not encountered such a service at any other hotel or resort.

The third room type, and my personal favorite among the five, is the "Plunge Pool Deluxe Studio." This room boasts a private plunge pool with stunning views, making it an excellent value proposition. The bed, bathroom, and other amenities are comparable to those found in the other room types.

This room is perfect for honeymooners or couples looking for a romantic getaway. It offers stunning views and complete privacy, allowing you to enjoy your time together without any interruptions.

The fourth type of room is the "Pool Villa," which offers the closest proximity to the beach and features a private plunge pool within the villa's grounds. This room is ideal for families with young children, as they can enjoy splashing around in the pool while remaining under parental supervision.

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This type of room is a detached house, offering privacy and seclusion. Situated just steps away from the beach, it is conveniently located while maintaining a sense of tranquility. The surrounding trees provide a natural barrier, ensuring a secluded and peaceful retreat.

The most luxurious room in the resort, "Top Hill," is a spacious 390 square meters with stunning views. It boasts a private pool, kitchen, living room, and the largest bathroom in the resort. This room is perfect for families or couples seeking ultimate privacy, offering a secluded world with breathtaking views around the clock.

Having explored the various room types, many of you may have already found a favorite. However, you might still be curious about the other activities and amenities available beyond the rooms. Let's delve into the resort's swimming pool and spa, which are essential features of many resorts.

The hotel's swimming pool is neither too large nor too small, but its shape and ambiance are quite beautiful. Many people who do not enjoy swimming in the sea would likely have fun in this pool. The nearby spa is also clean and tidy, with separate changing rooms for men and women.

In addition to the swimming pool and spa, other activities available at this resort include yoga, cycling, kayaking, volleyball, badminton, and even tree planting for couples who get married here. The volleyball and badminton courts offer stunning views, and the numerous trees planted by couples create a heartwarming sight.

For those who are not into exercising, there are stylish chairs and chic swings available, along with a wide variety of beverages served right on the beach. To save some money, be sure to ask the staff about Happy Hour timings. Sipping on a delicious drink while watching the sunset is an experience that will truly warm your heart.

For those who are diligent enough to wake up early, I recommend waking up to watch the sunrise in the morning according to the time written on the paper in our room. If the weather is not too bad, you will see beautiful views that are worth it and make your mind refreshed all day long. ^^

To ensure you arrive on time, it is recommended to wake up 10 minutes earlier than the time indicated on the paper. The most scenic views are located near the Hill Top ascent. If the weather permits, you will undoubtedly capture stunning photographs to share with your friends.

After watching the sunrise, I would like everyone to head down to the beach. In the mornings, hornbills, a type of hornbill, fly close to our heads. If you haven't seen them up close before, come down and wait to see them.

Many of you might think that the activities at this resort are over, right? But let me tell you, there's still a lot more to come! However, before we continue, let's take a break and recharge with breakfast.

The breakfast buffet offers a well-balanced selection of dishes, neither overwhelming nor limited. The menu includes rice, bacon, sausages, an egg station, salads, bakery items, cold cuts, cereals, Thai desserts, and fruits. My personal favorites were the Thai desserts, such as sticky rice parcels, stuffed pastries, and various sweet sticky rice toppings, which were visually appealing and delicious. I was also impressed by the daily rice dishes, which included a flavorful rice salad and a fragrant chicken biryani. Both dishes were very satisfying.

Note: Pork is not used in any dishes on the island except for bacon. The resort uses young rice from Rai Dok Kham, which is planted on Mother's Day and harvested on Father's Day. The rice has a fragrant aroma and a soft texture. A must-try dessert is the young coconut "Ba Bin," a specialty of Koh Yao Noi.

Now that we're energized, let's explore the surroundings of Koh Yao Noi together. These activities can be arranged by the resort, with some incurring additional costs while others are already included in your accommodation package. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to inquire before your stay.

Our journey began with a boat ride to the Dragon's Spine, also known as Talay Waek. The extent to which the sea parts depends on the day, and the boatmen are the best judges of this. On the day of my visit, the sea parting was moderate.

Continue by taking a boat to see the lagoon, then disembark at the pier to see the giant trees, which are several dozen people wide. To see the giant trees, you can hike from the resort, which is about 8 kilometers away. However, if you take a boat to the other side of the pier, you will only have to walk 200 meters.

For those who enjoy hiking, it is highly recommended to start from the resort. However, this trail is only open during certain seasons due to potential hazards during other times of the year.

For those who dislike sunbathing and water activities but prefer experiencing local lifestyles and self-sufficiency, I highly recommend a city tour of Koh Yao Noi. Visit the Koh Yao Museum House and explore the local market to savor delicious treats.

As the majority of the population on Koh Yao Noi are Muslims, it is advisable to dress modestly. Avoid wearing short-sleeved shirts or shorts in public areas to avoid causing offense.

This concludes my experience staying at Paradise Koh Yao between May 31st and June 2nd, 2017. For ease of reading, I have summarized my review below.

Design: The resort's design is simple yet elegant, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The five room types are all beautifully designed, with a consistent mood and tone. The furniture, including the cabinets and tables, is stylish and well-crafted.

Cleanliness:

The entire property, including both common areas and bedrooms, is exceptionally clean. The bedrooms, in particular, are visually appealing and inviting, creating a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.

Amenities:

This apartment offers a comprehensive range of amenities, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. Guests will find a complete set of toiletries, including ample supplies of shower essentials. Thoughtfully, the apartment also provides a toothbrush and toothpaste set for those who may have forgotten theirs. Additionally, the Wi-Fi signal is consistently strong and reliable, allowing for seamless connectivity for up to four devices simultaneously.

Transportation:

This secluded island resort remains relatively unknown, so be prepared for a slightly challenging journey. Carefully check ferry schedules to avoid missing your ride. The ferry journey itself is comfortable and takes approximately 50 minutes. Thankfully, the boat is spacious and uncrowded, ensuring a peaceful trip. The resort's proximity to the Yacht Heaven Club pier is another advantage, located just 15 minutes away from the airport.

Sleep and Relaxation:

• Comfortable sleep: The bed, pillows, and soft blankets were all very comfortable. The air conditioning was also pleasantly cool, and there were no problems with it. Additionally, the water pressure in the bathroom was strong, which was a nice bonus. Overall, I was very happy with the sleeping arrangements.

Employee service: Excellent service, very attentive. This is the most impressive aspect.

Breakfast:

The breakfast buffet offered a well-balanced selection of dishes, neither too extensive nor too limited. The food was of good quality and the flavors were pleasing.

Other meals: During my stay, I had the opportunity to enjoy 4-5 other meals at the resort. I must say that the food was excellent, especially the seafood, which was incredibly fresh. So, there's no need to worry about the food not being to your liking. ^^

Summary: While Koh Yao Noi in Phang Nga may not have crystal-clear water and fine, soft sand like the famous islands on the Andaman coast, its natural beauty, well-designed rooms at Paradise Koh Yao, excellent staff service, and a wide range of activities make it an ideal destination for couples seeking a quiet honeymoon or a romantic getaway. It is also suitable for families who want to relax and enjoy nature while having access to all necessary amenities without being disturbed by large tour groups or crowds. However, for those seeking a trendy, vibrant atmosphere with nightlife and pristine beaches with soft, coffee-like sand, this resort may not be the best choice.

For those interested in staying at this resort, feel free to inquire about details directly with the resort. I'll let you in on a little secret: during the low season, room rates are significantly lower than usual. So much so that even I was surprised! >< For those who don't prefer this style of accommodation, Serenata Group will be opening another resort nearby later this year called Tree House Villa. It's a luxurious two-story villa-style resort that blends seamlessly with nature. It's so beautiful that I was speechless when I first saw it! It's truly amazing!! And I'm eagerly awaiting the opening price because they're likely to offer an attractive introductory rate. For those who are as interested as I am, keep an eye out for updates!

This concludes my review. I apologize for any omissions or errors. Please note that this review reflects my personal experience on the day of my visit. Your experience may differ.

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Thank you for reading to the end. See you again in the next review. Goodbye.