From Bustle to Bliss: Why Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Became Our Family's Tranquil Thai Escape
Hey Destinationz family! Leonie here. Now, you know your girls Jasmine and I are originally from Brooklyn, and for the past decade, Dubai's vibrant energy has been home. We thrive on the hustle! But sometimes, even we need to swap the city buzz for some serious tranquility and family time. Recently, my husband Milos, our kids Sofija and Matija, and I found just that – a slice of paradise tucked away in Thailand: Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort.
If you're dreaming of escaping to a beautiful secluded island with breathtaking nature, amazing views, and genuine Thai hospitality, keep reading. We spent four incredible nights here, and let me tell you, it delivered!
Getting to Paradise: The Journey from Phuket
Koh Yao Yai feels worlds away, but getting there is part of the adventure. We took a scenic speedboat ride from Phuket, Bang Rong Pier directly to the resort's vicinity on Koh Yao Yai (Klong Hia Pier). The sea breeze, the stunning limestone karsts dotting the water – it instantly shifts you into vacation mode.
Once we arrived on Koh Yao Yai, grabbing a taxi to Santhiya was easy and surprisingly affordable. Tip: Don't stress about transfers in Thailand; taxis are generally readily available and budget-friendly!
First Impressions: Welcome to Santhiya!
Pulling up to Santhiya Koh Yao Yai, you immediately feel the unique blend of luxury and nature. The welcome was warm and genuine – exactly what you need after traveling with kids! We were greeted with delicious welcome drinks and a sweet dessert, and the staff instantly made us feel at home.
The resort itself is built into the hillside, surrounded by lush greenery. It feels grand yet seamlessly integrated with the breathtaking nature around it.
Our Hilltop Haven: Room with a View (and a Surprise Guest!)
Okay, let's talk about the room. We stayed in one of the rooms perched high on the hill. Now, I know what you might be thinking – hilltop with kids? But Santhiya has a fantastic internal transportation system with charming mini wooden trucks readily available to whisk you up and down the slopes. It was actually fun for the kids!
The reward for being up high? A magnificent, sweeping view right over Phang Nga Bay from our huge balcony. And bonus – our own private outdoor bathtub! Perfect for soaking in the views (and maybe enjoying a quiet moment once the kids were asleep!).
We even had a funny little "welcome party" – a tiny, harmless lizard popped his head out of our trash can! Sofija and Matija were fascinated (way more than scared!), and Milos gently held it for a closer look before letting it go on its way. It was a great reminder that you're truly immersed in nature here. Quick note: You'll see these little guys around Thailand; they're totally harmless and part of the tropical charm!
Resort Highlights: Pools, Playtime, and Palate Pleasers
Where do I even begin? Santhiya Koh Yao Yai offers so much for families:
Pool Paradise: We practically lived at the pools! The main pool boasts a massive, incredible waterfall that Sofija and Matija couldn't get enough of. But my personal favorite? The stunning infinity pool. The view overlooking the bay, especially at sunset, is pure magic.
Delicious Dining: Thai food lovers, rejoice! The food here was fantastic. We especially loved the breakfast buffet. Not only was the variety huge (something for everyone!), but the restaurant offered those same breathtaking sea views. Starting your day like that? Perfection. And don't get me started on the fresh, sweet Thai fruits!
Kid-Approved Fun: The kids gave the Kids Club two thumbs up, giving Milos and me some chill time. (I actually got to read my book!). They also jumped into the complimentary Muay Thai classes – such a cool, authentic Thai experience for them!
Nature Immersion: Beyond the planned activities, just being surrounded by the lush jungle and ocean views was restorative.
The Vibe: Secluded Serenity
Koh Yao Yai isn't a party island. It's a place to reconnect, relax, and soak up the peace. We loved the quiet time, the slower pace, and feeling like we'd discovered a beautiful, less-developed gem. If you need to truly unplug and recharge with your loved ones, this is the kind of place Destinationz loves finding for our clients (and ourselves!).
The Verdict: Would We Go Back?
Absolutely! We rated our Santhiya Koh Yao Yai experience a solid 8.5/10. Why?
Immaculate Cleanliness: Everything felt well-maintained.
Wonderful Staff: Genuinely friendly and helpful.
Incredible Value: For the level of luxury, views, and amenities, it felt very well-priced.
It truly struck that perfect balance for a family vacation in Thailand – relaxing for the adults, fun for the kids, and stunningly beautiful for everyone.
Ready to find your own slice of Thai paradise? Whether it's the tranquility of Koh Yao Yai, the buzz of Phuket, or somewhere else entirely, we at Destinationz get it. We know how to find those spots that resonate, especially for our community looking for authentic and welcoming travel experiences.
Let us help you plan your next unforgettable family adventure. As fellow travelers who've explored extensively, we can curate the perfect trip tailored just for you. Schedule a free consultation today and let's start planning your Thailand adventure!
Connect with us today!
Visit our website: [www.travelwithdestinationz.com]
Explore our Thailand travel packages: [Thailand Travel Packages]
Explore our Thailand travel tip: [Thailand Travel Tips]
