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Pearl-Travellers
Portland, Oregon

Worth the trip off the beaten path

4.0 of 5 bubblesReviewed 16 Jan 2012
We wanted a weekend escape in the Phuket area, but don't like the big resorts or the garish commercialism found across the area. We found Koh Yao Yai Village and decided to take a chance on a place that looked quiet in a beautiful setting. The planes-car-boat-open truck way to get there and back from the Phuket Airport was part of the adventure. All worked out well, so we were very happy to have found this gem on the underdeveloped Koh Yao Yai.

As others on TA suggested, we brought alcohol to mix drinks on our deck. Glad we did because the deck on our sea view bungalow was lovely and comfortable. We were surrounded by sounds of birds and insects in the foliage around the place, which put on quite a performance in the mornings and evenings.

This is not a place with a wide, white sandy beach -- more pool lounging amidst the nice landscaping and comfortable loungers. When the tide was out, we could walk a far way onto the sand, finding small creatures and crabs along the way. The sunrises were gorgeous and a nice breeze kept the place rather comfortable in temperature (although this wasn't the hot season).

With our short stay, we only had time to rent a scooter (inexpensive from the resort's activity desk) and explore the island. We found a beautiful beach on the east side called something like Koh Pahet, that was mostly deserted. As the island is pretty underdeveloped -- just small houses and farms dot the main road -- there are not many restaurants outside the resort. This was perhaps our main disappointment because the food at the resort is just OK. The b'fast buffet was limited but tasted good, but dinner was best ordered off the menu. We had the Thai dinner buffet one night and thought it was overpriced for the selection, quality and flavors. The Thai entrees we ordered the other night were much better. The little shop at the resort is also well stocked with a good variety. It was just about the only nice shop on the island other than convenience stores (none of which appeared to sell alcohol because KYY is predominantly Muslim).
Date of stay: January 2012
Room Tip: The sea view rooms are worth the small added expense. So much more privacy and lounge space.
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
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At Royal Yao Yai Island Beach Resort, we redefine luxury with our exquisite accommodations, world-class amenities, and personalized service. Each of our elegantly designed rooms with private balconies and suites provides breathtaking ocean views, and contemporary Thai decor that harmonizes with the natural surroundings. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a rejuvenating retreat, our resort offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable stay.
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Reviews (1,326)
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Reviewed 12 January 2012

Fantastic hotel - hidden gem on Koh Yao Yai. Fantastic bungalows, beautiful furnished and decorated, very romantic bathrooms and the best swimming pool with view! Massages was also fantastic in the spa. Well done, I cant wait to go back again. Gerdie de Beer, South Africa

Room tip: All rooms are great and very private, spreaded out in the rainforest.
Date of stay: July 2011
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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3  Thank wineloversSomwest
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 9 January 2012

We stopped here for 3 nights. Room was a sea view bungalow which was very clean and big.
We arrived before lunch but could not have our room till the afternoon. Not much we could do until we could get our room. We decided to go for lunch. We asked for some sandwiches but told they were finished (at 11.30) Bit confused. Anyway had some lunch.

We went to a pool near our villa which was nice. There is only one place to eat food. By our pool there is abar but it does not cater for many drinks. Just alcohol if you want it. A pool service would be a good idea with all drinks as listed on the menu!

Evening meals - they dont have the food which is on the menus - so you just have to try and pick something and see what happens. Any thai food you order comes quickly. Western food you have to see if they have it and then wait a very long time for it. They always did not have drinks eg cola. Had to wait up quite late for service. Not enough staff on. I asked them for stuff and they just walk off.

Staffing was a major problem here and also food supplies.

Beach was ok not really able to sunbathe on.

Room tip: Get a sea view bungalow and also bring your own food
Date of stay: December 2011
  • Trip type: Travelled with family
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2  Thank michyandmatty
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 9 January 2012

A very relaxed and liveable environment where nature flourishes and the views are amazing.

Only 30 minutes out of phuket, well worth it to escape the hustle and bustle of patong.

Very quite place great for family and doing nothing, yet it has a range of daily activities and a great SPA to keep you entertained.

Room tip: Try get a sea view bungalow for upgrade of 1000 baht. well worth it, as you get wifi in your room and another pool
Date of stay: January 2012
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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2  Thank arodan
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 29 December 2011

This review is written by a seasoned traveller 50 ++.
Visited this resort during Christmas time, to avoid the hype anywhere else. We suceeded. The resort grounds are large and well kept. Ponds, winding paths, small rice fields and the forrest makes it interesting to wander around. We paid extra to reserve an absoluut beach front room. The rooms are indeed very large, exactly like the website shows. Avoid room 704, no seaview, but seaview priced. Garden bungalows are surrounded by beautiful forrest, complete with birds and crickets. Beds are firm.
Due to lack of personel the pool bars were closed, pity.
Breakfast buffet and dinner was nothing special, but maybe we were spoiled in Pucket.
Both pools are beautiful, plenty of sun lounges. Little English is spoken by the friendly staff, but with some patience we always got the message across.

Beach: The tides vary a lot and with low tide one can not swim. Many rocks in the sea makes it tricky to walk without shoes. There are better beaches on the island.
Outside the resort within walking distance one can find 1 or 2 small restaurants. The resort can pick you up as a courtesy service.
We rented a small motorbike nearby and visited another resort to have a very good lunch also in a beautiful setting. Be very careful and avoid potholes, very dangerous especially when there has just been a down poor and one can not distinguish between road surface and pothole.
We were very happy during our 3 night stay and would love to come back.
Getting there: many speed boats leave from a small jetty on Phuket : Ban Rong pier. I copied from their timetable: 9.30, 12.hr, 17.00. But there are more ferries, at least in the high season. All taxi drivers will know where to bring you if you mention Koh Yao Yai. You will need transport from the island jetty to the resort, which is maybe 8 ks away.
The resort offers transfer and if your hotel in Phuket is far away from the jetty, then it is a good deal. However on our way back we paid for the transfer, but there was no taxi waiting for us at the pier in Phuket. So we ended up paying extra to hail a cab back to the airport.
Taxi airport to this jetty was 500 bath. All the taxies we took, used the meter and were honest. This resort is good for guests who want to be lazy, there is nothing else to do.
Even with all these remarks we will be happy to visit them again, because the villas/cottages, the views and the pools are worth it.

Room tip: If you want to pay extra for sea view, then avoid room 704.
Date of stay: December 2011
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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4  Thank flybirdy
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 23 December 2011

We spent 2 nights in this lovely resort, 30 mins away from Phuket.

Rooms are tidy and clean. Housekeeping does a good job.

Buffet Breakfast is just o.k., suggest bring your own coffee if you need a nice coffee in the morning.

Infinity pool is nice and spacious.

The whole resort is super super tranquil and quiet.

Resort transfer (including land and speedboat) was very comfortable. But the price is a bit too expensive.

Basically if you don't rent a motorbike, you can't get anywhere except staying in the resort. Restaurant food is up to standard and reasonably priced.

Room tip: We stayed in the family room with 2 bedrooms and a large living room. The sofa in the living room can sleep 2 more kids.
Date of stay: December 2011
  • Trip type: Travelled with family
    • Value
    • Location
    • Sleep Quality
    • Rooms
    • Cleanliness
    • Service
2  Thank calfunk
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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