Paradise Koh Yao - Thailand

Overview

Other facilities

Nestled within the tropical gardens is the open-air Aruna Aura Spa & Wellness. It features an herbal steam room, a beautiful waterfall plunge pool, and traditional, bamboo framed massage salas that overlook the rice fields and water lily pond. Alternatively, you can drift away to the sounds of lapping waves and birdsong if you book a treatment at the beachfront spa salas.

In addition, beachside yoga classes are held twice daily for all levels and abilities. Morning sessions of Ashtanga and Vinyasa Flow yoga revitalise, while the evening classes of Yin yoga melt away stress. All classes begin and end with a guided meditation. Mats, blocks, straps, bolsters and a range of Thai cushions are provided, and private sessions are available.

Beside the beach is a gorgeous infinity-edge swimming pool that’s surrounded by swaying palm trees. The beach itself is picture-perfect, boasting 400 metres of sugar white sand and fringed with coconut palms. It’s easy to find your own peaceful space on a lounger, a double cabana or swaying on a hammock.

The activity centre provides a range of equipment to enjoy a game of badminton, football, volleyball, petanque and paddle ball. Alternatively, rent a mountain bike, a kayak or a stand-up-paddle board to explore the local area. The hotel also holds Thai cooking classes and Batik painting sessions.

Dining information

Impressively, the boutique property offers two exceptional on-site restaurants, as well as a beach bar and pool bar for drinks. Seafood Terrace is the main restaurant, set directly on the beach for feet-in-the-sand meals. It serves buffet breakfast, lunch and a la carte dinners, and hosts themed evenings regularly. Breakfast options are extensive and include fresh tropical fruit, home-made yogurt, freshly baked croissants and pastries, pancakes, French toast, cold meats and cheeses, cereal, bacon, sausages, and beans. Eggs are made to order at the egg station, plus there are some speciality Asian dishes to try. For lunch, there’s a choice between Thai dishes, salads, sandwiches, pizzas and snacks – watch out for Thai-style noodle soup carts and roaming food stations. In addition, themed buffet nights are held here three times a week and feature seafood barbecues, Thai fare, Japanese cuisine and wok-fried dishes, among others.

Al Fresco is the hotel’s charming beachside Italian restaurant, housed under an incredible thatched roof that is open on all sides. They serve a selection of your favourite Italian dishes and artisan pizzas made from organic products (some grown at the resort).

The Beach Club, located next to the pool, provides a drinks service directly to your sun lounger and along the beach. A varied menu of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and delicious Italian gelato are offered throughout the day, as are fruit shakes and chilled beers. Otherwise, stop by Sundowners, which as the name suggests, is the perfect spot to watch the sun set.