Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas is the first brand name in Asia with LHW membership | News
Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas has joined The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), becoming the first Anantara-branded resort in Asia to be welcomed into the prestigious independent luxury hotel collection.
Located on Koh Yao Yai, one of Thailand’s last untouched islands, the resort exemplifies Anantara’s commitment to experiential luxury, rooted in place, culture and nature. Its inclusion further strengthens LHW’s presence in Thailand, where it is now one of only eight affiliated branches nationwide.
For nearly a century, The Leading Hotels of the World has managed a closely guarded collection of approximately 400 exceptional hotels in 80 countries, each characterized by distinctive character, refined service and a sense of the remarkably unusual.
“Welcoming Anantara Koh Yao Yai to The Leading Hotels of the World is a meaningful addition to our collection,” said Dean Bannon, Vice President, Member Success & Development at LHW. “The thoughtful design, natural surroundings and immersive experiences provide travelers with a stay that is both memorable and truly connected to the destination.”
As one of Anantara’s flagship resorts, Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas continues to take Thai hospitality to the next level; the resort was named one of TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2025 by Condé Nast Traveler readers and ranked among the Top 15 Resorts in Thailand, recognized for its unique setting, extensive facilities and deeply immersive guest experiences.
The resort is a cocoon of tranquility surrounded by lush tropical landscapes and stretches over more than a kilometer of golden beach. The accommodation includes all categories of suites, pool villas and penthouses, with uninterrupted views over the emerald green waters of Phang Nga Bay and the iconic limestone karsts. Secluded wellness villas nestled in native greenery offer traditional Thai medicine retreats that restore balance from within, while families enjoy expansive suites with private pools, water slides and southern Thailand’s largest kids’ club.
Experiences are designed to connect guests to the destination in a meaningful way, from sidecar tours through rubber plantations, rice fields and artisan workshops to sailing excursions to Maya Bay and James Bond Island. For the ultimate escape, guests can spend the night aboard My SKY, the resort’s ultra-luxury yacht, exploring hidden lagoons and deserted coves and enjoying starlit chef-led dinners at sea.
Wellness takes on a deeper intention at Anantara Koh Yao Yai, where ancient wisdom and modern consciousness come together. At Mindfulness House, guests are invited every Wednesday to participate in an authentic Thai Mindfulness & Vipassana Practice Journey, developed in collaboration with Wat Charoensamanakit. The two-hour experience includes a Dana alms offering, monastic chanting, Vipassana-inspired meditation and traditional blessings, including the tying of the sacred Sai Sin bracelet, all performed with cultural authenticity and respect.
“We are truly honored to be part of such a prestigious collection of hotels,” concluded Stuart de San Nicolas, General Manager of Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas. “As part of The Leading Hotels of the World, we look forward to welcoming guests from even further afield and inviting them to experience the natural beauty and atmosphere of the island we are proud to call home.”
Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas is reachable by speedboat in just 35 minutes from Phuket or 30 minutes from Krabi. For more information or to make a reservation, visit anantara.com/koh-yao-yai-phuket or email [email protected].
