SAii Phi Phi Island Village Resort

SAii Phi Phi Island Village sits in Loh Ba Gao Bay on Phi Phi Island, along a private 800-metre stretch of white sand lapped by the Andaman Sea. Bungalows, villas, a suite and hillside pool villas are spread among swaying palms and across the hillside, so you can choose between the beach and the jungle slope. A star rating and board basis are not published on the resort site, and it does not say who the resort suits.

The site lists 12 room types across bungalows, villas, a suite and hillside pool villas. Bungalows and villas have a private terrace with deck chairs, a rain shower, a minibar, air conditioning and satellite TV, and the villas add a Nespresso coffee machine. The Beachfront Junior Suite has a sea view dining table on its terrace. Hillside pool villas each have a private swimming pool, and the two bedroom version has two king beds and a sofa bed. A total room count is not published.

Kayaks, paddleboards and snorkelling masks can be hired from the Marine Discovery Centre for a fee, and Sea Bees Diving runs dives from the resort. The tennis court is free for those staying, from 7:00 to 19:00, with racquet rental and practice balls included. Nature trails, stargazing sessions and a Thai cooking class add variety. A kids club is not described on the site, and entertainment is not published beyond live music at Api.

There are two pools. The Fun Pool has a waterslide and playground, which suits families, while the Lazy Pool is set in a quieter spot. SAii Spa is open daily from 9:00 to 20:00 and follows a Live Well philosophy built around sand, sea and locally sourced organic ingredients. The gym has cardio machines and free weights, with beach views to keep you going. A sauna and steam room are not published.

There are five dining venues. Api Restaurant and Bar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner overlooking Loh Ba Gao Bay, with live music at sunset and themed nights. Miss Olive Oyl offers Mediterranean dishes on the beach, Ruan Thai Restaurant serves Thai classics in a hillside setting, and Mr. Tomyam serves Thai dishes fused with European favourites at lunch. The café bean / Co has coffee, pastries and sandwiches. Dinner Under the Stars sets a table for two on the sand, and meals can be served in your room.

The fastest route from Phuket is the resort speedboat from Royal Phuket Marina, a 1 hour 15 minute crossing, with Phuket airport about an hour by car from the transfer. From Krabi a partner speedboat takes about 60 minutes, though its timetable shows 75. Arrival depends on the tide, and rough seas are more likely from October to February. Boat trips reach Monkey Bay, Bamboo Island, Mosquito Island, Maya Bay and Phi Phi Leh, and a hike leads to three viewpoints.