While I’ve never planned a trip around a TV show, HBO’s ‘The White Lotus’ might just change that for me. The announcement that Season Three would be filmed in Phuket, Koh Samui, and Bangkok led to a 50% surge in Thailand searches on Expedia, showcasing the show’s influence on travel trends. This phenomenon, dubbed the “The White Lotus Effect,” highlights the show’s power to transform filming locations into must-visit destinations. For instance, after Season One, the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea saw a staggering 425% increase in web traffic.
Before ‘The White Lotus’ even announced its Phuket filming location at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, Phuket was already Thailand’s most bustling island. With its top beaches, Kata and Karon, attracting up to 118 tourists per resident, Phuket’s once idyllic charm can feel overshadowed by crowds. Though its tourism roots trace back to the 1970s, the island’s original allure can be elusive — that is, until I discovered Koh Yao Yai, a hidden gem of unspoiled paradise.
Instead of visiting the ‘The White Lotus’ filming spot, I opted for a 30-minute boat ride to Koh Yao Yai, an island brimming with lush landscapes and welcoming fishing villages. There, I enjoyed the pristine beauty of the Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas, which opened in late 2023. Nestled on a secluded stretch of white sand beach and surrounded by limestone islets in the Andaman Sea, this 27-acre resort offers the tranquil, deserted island experience that many travelers seek but rarely find.
The resort boasts 148 rooms and suites, each reflecting a palette of light blonde woods and nautical blues, harmonizing with the beach setting. The pool villas come with private decks and pools, including family-friendly options with bunk beds and play areas. Wellness enthusiasts will appreciate the wellness lagoon pool villas, featuring yoga decks and private treatment rooms for Thai massages. Beach lovers can enjoy one- and two-bedroom beachfront pool villas with direct access to the sand and sea. The resort’s crown jewels are its two-story penthouses. These expansive suites, with nearly 4,000 square feet of space, include a fully equipped kitchen, separate living and dining areas, and an upper deck with an infinity pool and outdoor shower. Even the entry-level rooms are generously sized, offering sea views from spacious balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Despite the temptation to lounge in my private infinity pool, the resort’s remote location beckoned me to explore. I embarked on a vintage sidecar ride through a rubber plantation, took a tie-dye class, and enjoyed a beachside lunch featuring pad thai and kluay buat chee (coconut banana soup) at a local spot. One morning, I made an exception to my usual late-rising routine to hike to Hong Island’s summit and swim in its crystal-clear lagoon. This excursion made me yearn to visit nearby islands like Maya Bay, where ‘The Beach’ was filmed, and Bamboo Island, known for its coral reef.
The resort also offers a variety of water-based activities, from educational boat tours with local fishermen and scuba diving with leopard sharks to snorkeling in shallow reefs, kayaking through mangroves, and sunset cruises. On the resort’s nearly empty beach, I found ample opportunities to unwind, though there were also activities like volleyball, soccer, paddleboarding, and yoga for the active traveler. The resort even offers private, professional photoshoots to capture the stunning surroundings. One activity I regretted missing was a cooking class where guests prepare Thai lunch using fresh ingredients from local fishing villages.
Anantara Koh Yao Yai exudes a refined luxury that could easily fit into a ‘The White Lotus’ scene. However, it’s also highly accommodating for families. The resort features a separate family pool area with water slides and a toddler pool, along with family sea view suites equipped with in-room slides and play areas. The expansive kids’ club, one of the largest in Thailand, offers numerous activities for children of all ages, giving parents some much-needed relaxation time.
The spa, with its outdoor infinity hydro-pool and various wellness treatments ranging from gua sha facials to Himalayan salt stone massages, is a sanctuary for those seeking relaxation. The wellness lagoon pool villas offer an all-inclusive retreat with afternoon nutrition platters, complimentary spa activities, and discounts on in-villa massages. Food enthusiasts will find diverse dining options at the resort. Pakarang serves regional Thai cuisine from breakfast to dinner, while The Beach Restaurant offers international fare with beachside views. The highlight for me was a custom candlelit dinner on the beach, though the omakase-inspired Japanese restaurant is also a must-try for its intimate chef’s counter experience. For casual dining, bars at the pool and beach offer light fare, and in-room dining ensures you’re always well-fed.
The resort is mindful of accessibility, with family rooms designed for wheelchair users and public areas equipped with ramps and elevators. Anantara Koh Yao Yai is committed to sustainability, utilizing solar panels, green roofs, and conservation efforts like seagrass planting and wildlife habitat restoration. The resort also educates guests and villagers on sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. As part of the GHA Discovery loyalty program, Anantara Koh Yao Yai offers rewards and perks at over 800 hotels and resorts worldwide.
Whether you seek serenity, adventure, or a luxurious retreat, this hidden paradise provides an unforgettable escape from the everyday.
