Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, South East Thailand

rooms

Suites

Garden Pool Suites are hidden away along lovely jungly pathways and have private entrances, garden terraces, plunge pools and plenty of space while the second floor Pool Suites are located within the swaying coconut palms above and have private sun decks and terraces.

Lagoon Pool Suites are found tucked beside the lagoon in the centre of the resort and with private entrances over a bridge boardwalk.

The beautiful Ocean View Suites have prime territory, overlooking the beach but privately tucked away in their leafy gardens with plunge pools. Garden Ocean View Suites offer direct access to the beach while the Ocean View Suites above have wonderful 180-degree views of the ocean.

Villas

The island-luxury villas have huge indoor and outdoor living spaces with a choice of garden or beachfront setting and private pools. Each has its own palm-fringed courtyard for maximum privacy. The two-bedroom villa is a great space for family stays. Sleeping up to 6, the separate bedrooms, large living areas and private pool with terrace ensure happy family hanging out.

facilities & activities

Once you’ve got over the exciting speed-boat transfer, then the setting itself will elicit enough ‘oohs and aahs’ to keep you busy for a while. Each accommodation has its own private pool but the main pools (one for adults, one for families) are set between the bistro, bar and beach – pretty much the perfect combination. The beach is heaven on earth, with baby-soft white sand and bath-warm sea. It’s shallow for quite a long way out so great for younger swimmers too. Kayaks and paddle-boards are complimentary, along with yoga sessions three times a week. Head to the beautiful spa to enjoy a steam herbal bath and then get your toes ready for serious beach wiggling with a pedicure.

If you can drag yourself away, then the resort also offers scuba-diving trips, private yacht charters and inland island explores.

dining

For those keen to kick-back after the International flight, in-house restaurant ‘Bistro at the Beach’ serves up a mix of Thai and International delectable dishes all day. There are fun theme nights and beach barbeques – think fire shows, Thai dances or a crooning jazz singer. For something a little different then there is Yukinoya, a Japanese style restaurant that serves up fresh sushi and Tepanyaki style fare – not easy to find on these islands and a destination in itself.

Breakfast is a treat, there is plenty of choice with a la carte eggs and a whole range of options to keep everyone happy. But the best bit is starting the day with your toes in the sand overlooking the twinkling sea.

As you’d expect, sundowners are covered off perfectly here too. Swim- up bar Edge 20 is home to mixologists with a menu of fresh-fruit signature cocktails, Thai lime iced tea or conjure up what you fancy with a personalised option! They also have an extensive snack menu throughout the day.

family

While the resort can seem more of an adult’s escape as there is no kids club, children are very welcome and there is plenty to keep them happy. The family pool is lovely and over-looks the beach, while the sea is warm and calm. Older kids will be happy with the water sports available (as well as a little town right next door to give them a very safe taste of freedom). Under 4’s are free, while extra beds can be added to all rooms for a small charge for 4-11 year olds.

Although generally only 1 child is able to share, on request the hotel will consider 2 children under 12 being accommodated with their parents in a Gardel Pool Suite, Ocean Garden Pool Suite and Ocean Pool Villa.  Children will sleep on a converted day bed and extra bed or mattress, according to availability.

For those seeking multiple connecting rooms, the Two Bed Villa is the most obvious choice, but for those families with teens not requiring interleading, then a combination of a Garden Pool Suite on the ground level and a first floor Pool Suite above could work well. 

location

The resort is located on the beautiful Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach – a half-moon shaped white sand crescent framed by jungle hillside. It’s a far cry from the busier south coast (only 30 mins away for teens keen to experience an authentic backpacker scene) but with local shops and restaurants still to hand. It’s an easy 40-minute ride by speedboat from Koh Samui and the resort can provide transfers from the airport via their private lounge.