Paradise Found
Paradise Found
by Ms Q
by Ms Q
Speeding through turquoise waters teeming with mist-covered, massive limestone rock formations; I am travelling by speedboat from the large island of Phuket to the smaller, less-developed island of Koh Yao in Phang Nga Bay, Thailand. The wind and salt spray are whipping my sun hat mightily as I swivel my head in all directions taking in the incredible seascape. With the sea at our back, the speedboat pulled directly onto the beach at Paradise Koh Yao resort. We jumped onto a waiting portable stair that a caramel-skinned staff member held steady and took in the white sand beach, the vegetation-covered hills and our smiling host; this would be the perfect setting for a romantic getaway.
Climbing the stairs up the hillside to our deluxe bungalow hideaway was absolutely worth it. The view from the bungalow was awe-inspiring. The vista included lush vegetation in the foreground filled with fluttering butterflies and beautiful Phang Nga Bay in the background. I do believe that this is the single greatest view I have ever seen from a resort. It was difficult to tear my eyes away, but when I did I was very happy with the lovely room.
The centrepiece was the romantic, white mosquito-netted bed filled with big fluffy pillows. There was also a comfortable divan which I knew would be my spot for relaxing with a book. After quickly acquainting ourselves with the features of the room, we were in a hurry to freshen up and get down to the beach.
We searched the room for the shower, but only found a dressing area with a sink and a separate toilet. My husband finally had the bright idea to try a door that seemed to lead outside; what a fantastic surprise to find a huge semi-outdoor shower that opened onto our terrace. The room had a large, powerful showerhead, but we opted for the Thai-style shower-using a dipper to pour water from a large ceramic urn. The shower refreshed us, but instead of heading directly to the beach, we opted to laze about on the terrace and have a cool dip in our private Jacuzzi enjoying the gorgeous view.
I was beginning to appreciate that Paradise Koh Yao had forgotten no details in providing a deluxe island experience. There was fresh, exotic fruit and flowers in the room: from the delicate white orchid on the toilet paper roll, to the floating blossoms in the Jacuzzi. A CD/DVD stereo provided the musical soundtrack along with the many island birds twittering and chirping outside. And, most importantly, the very professional, efficient hotel team extended warm, friendly service at every turn.
Lunch was served at the Seafood Terrace restaurant situated directly on the beach. The extensive menu catered for all tastes: from Western burgers to Thai specialties. We decided to try the blackboard special of Goong ob gluea, prawns cooked in sea salt, and the Chicken Burger. Both were delicious: the prawns were large, moist and perfectly cooked and the humble chicken burger had been elevated to gourmet status with a toasted brioche-like bun.
After a leisurely meal and a short nap in a hammock on the beach, it was time for a little pampering. We strolled over to the spa and were pleasantly surprised to see a charming man-made waterfall and plunge pool with Jacuzzi. It turned out that an herbal sauna and use of the pool are included in each spa treatment. We opted for the couple’s “Romancing in the Paradise” package which included a sea salt body scrub and aromatherapy massage.
Our massage therapists were professional and had the most wonderful touch; we both had to be poured back into our sandals afterwards. The private outdoor sala where we had our spa treatments was in a beautiful natural setting surrounded by vegetation. Best of all, the sala could be completely enclosed by draped mosquito-netting. As it was almost dusk, this was a welcome innovation. Even though we did nothing strenuous on our first day, we were pleasantly weary and retired early after enjoying an after-dinner drink in the quaint beach bar.
The next morning, after a bracing breakfast of fruit, yogurt, toasted challah bread and eggs and bacon, we joined our guide for a Jungle trek. Hiking through the jungle is not for the faint-of-heart; during our 2 hour trek we saw all manner of indigenous wildlife and flora. The highlight was arriving at the glorious Buddha tree which is well above 30 meters tall with a trunk width that would be difficult to span with 20 people! We didn’t have to hike back, thank goodness, as the resort sends a boat for your return.
After such physical endeavours, the next day was dedicated to a lazy day on the beach. As the tide was out in the morning, leaving pools teeming with sea life, we pottered about trying to identify various aquatic creatures. The resort has a boat shuttle when the tide is low at its own beach - we were taken to the nearby idyllic beach cove of Koh Pak Pia; the day was spent swimming, snorkelling and sun bathing. When we returned to the resort in the late afternoon, all that we could manage was a dip in the Jacuzzi and a siesta on the terrace before a quiet dinner on the beach.
The rest of our lovely stay was spent kayaking through hidden coves and caves, having leisurely meals at the hotel’s superb seafood restaurant, and relaxing at the poolside enjoying the beautiful view. The only sour note in our experience at the Paradise Koh Yao was when we contemplated our departure from this delightful island. I have a feeling that a speedy return is in our future.
To read other articles on Thailand, go to our archive
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Phang Nga, Thailand
Spend three idyllic days (2 nights) at Thailand's most exclusive island resort from $338 (Superior Studio) and save more than $160 - that's a 32% discount.
Island Hideaway Package:
- 3 days/2 nights accommodation with American Breakfast
- Roundtrip speedboat transfers from Phuket or Krabi
- Free spa treatment voucher worth 2500 baht (US$60)
- Complimentary use of Mountain Bike or Kayak
- Beach Shuttle to a remote island for swimming and snorkelling
- Daily Village Tours including a visit to a rubber plantation or Jungle Trekking in a pristine natural setting.
- Honeymooners get a free upgrade to a higher room category
Superior Studio $338 (save $160) = 32% Discount
Deluxe Studio $458 (save $185) = 28% Discount
Pool Villa $639 (save $214) = 25% Discount
For an additional $60 you get two set dinners per night.
Extend your stay at our regular discounted daily rates
More about this Deal of the Month...
Please read the Paradise Koh Yao review in the Tangent E-Zine.
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