Southern Thailand’s sun-soaked islands have beckoned travellers for decades, with the coastline’s powder-soft beaches and sparkly blue waters well loved by tourists from all over the globe.
For a hotel stay that’s a world away from the backpacker brawl, skip the louche beach clubs in Phuket and fly into Krabi instead. It’s here that you’ll find secluded Rayavadee, a well-guarded secret – and one of the most luxe resort in the region – cradling the tip of the Phranang Peninsula.
Guests arrive by water via a scenic journey across the Andaman Sea: you’ll be picked up from Krabi airport and whizzed over by speedboat to this hushed beachside hideaway ringed by endless coconut groves, steamy jungle, and azure waters.
The Vibe
Backdropped by towering, jungle-clad cliffs, the resort sits at the southernmost tip of Krabi’s Phranang Peninsula. A network of pathways snakes through the estate, winding past acres and acres of lush, landscaped foliage where all kinds of wildlife scamper among the greenery (monkeys, geckos, hornbills…the list goes on!) and villas are seamlessly woven into the tropical flora. The hotel is undoubtedly the most exclusive in the region thanks to its unique perch on the peninsula, flanked by three of Krabi’s most sought-after beaches. From each of these viewpoints, expect sugar-white sands and sweeping vistas over the ocean, dotted by hundreds of craggy limestone formations.
The Rooms
Mushroom-shaped villas are wrapped by leafy tangle and manicured gardens, with private terraces to sprawl on. In each of these two-storyed hideaways, you’ll find spacious living areas on the ground floor: glide up swooping staircases to find super-sized beds and marble-draped bathrooms upstairs, each outfitted in dark wood finishes and creamy furnishings.
Although some of the tech hasn’t been updated in a while and can be on the cranky side, there are generous flat-screen TVs, deep bathtubs for soaking and well-stocked minibars, which get replenished with homemade cookies every day.
The Food + Drink
Leisurely mornings begin at Raya Dining, where you can slurp up homemade smoothies and rip into flakey roti underneath the palms. Boatloads of tourists begin arriving on the adjacent beach around 10am, so opt for an earlier breakfast to avoid the ruckus. Come evening, head to The Grotto, a spectacular, candlelit cavern dangling above Phranang Beach, where you can sip cocktails while soaking up the scenic views. Fanciful sharing feasts are served under the stars, but for more flavourful fare, you’ll want to dine at Krua Phranang, the hotel’s traditional Thai restaurant, where you can tuck into warming curries and mango sticky rice.
The Little Extras
Afternoon tea is served at Raya Dining
Daily afternoon tea is served every day, and complimentary for all guests. Graze from a spread of homemade scones, finger sandwiches and daily-changing sweets, while a pianist tinkles away on the keys. You’ll find homemade chocolates on your bedside at turndown each evening.
The To-Do List
When you’re not flopping by the lagoon-style pool or cooling off in the ocean, you’ll want to spend plenty of time ogling the views from one of the resort’s beaches, each of which is framed by vast, jagged cliffs, and lapped by gin-clear waters. Note that you’ll have to share this real estate with day trippers galore, but come evening, the beaches are almost entirely secluded for hotel guests to enjoy. From Rayavadee, you’ll be in prime position for exploring some of Phang Nga Bay’s most famous islands and caves, most of which are a short hop away by boat. Book the hotel’s private speedboat – or its traditional Thai longtail – for snorkelling expeditions to nearby coral reefs, along with cave hopping, and island excursions. There’s a gym, tennis courts, and a serene spa for unwinding too.
All image credit: Rayavadee
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Any Questions or Tips to add?