Thursday, March 20, 2025
Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas, a lavish retreat nestled in Southern Thailand’s picturesque Phang Nga Bay, has been named one of the world’s top 100 must-visit destinations by TIME.
The prestigious list, featured in this month’s edition, highlights exceptional locations and experiences curated by TIME’s global network of journalists and contributors. The 2025 selection includes a diverse range of hotels, cruises, restaurants, museums, attractions, and more. Among these, only 54 accommodations made the cut, with Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas standing out as the sole resort from Thailand and one of just nine from Asia.
Having opened just over a year ago, this exclusive resort spans 27 acres, offering a unique blend of lush mountain scenery and a pristine coastline. Despite its serene ambiance, the resort is conveniently located just 35 minutes by speedboat from lively Phuket and 20 minutes from Krabi. It features 148 suites, villas, and penthouses, including beachfront pool villas with personalized villa host services and wellness lagoon villas equipped with dedicated spaces for exercise, meditation, or treatments.
What sets the resort apart in TIME’s eyes is its perfect blend of family-friendly amenities and luxury offerings. Families can enjoy spacious suites with bunk beds, play areas, a large waterpark, the region’s largest kids’ club, and dining options catering to younger guests. The resort offers attentive service to both children and adults, reflecting Anantara’s renowned hospitality.
There is no shortage of activities for families to explore on the island. Guests can take sidecar rides through lush plantations to charming fishing villages, visit Laem Haad Beach—ranked among the world’s best—interact with Thailand’s iconic water buffalo, or enjoy flying yoga sessions. One of the most exciting features is the My SKY experience, offering a day aboard a sleek 55-foot private yacht exploring Phang Nga Bay’s landmarks, including Hong Island, with its secret lagoons, crystal-clear waters, and sweeping panoramic views.
“We are honoured to receive this prestigious recognition from TIME, a testament to our iconic location, high standards of service and commitment to sustainable luxury travel,” says Puneet Dhawan, Head of Asia at Minor Hotels. “We look forward to welcoming even more guests, showing them the beauty of our island and the region in the coming seasons.”
link