"Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai are a pair of large islands in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, equidistant to Phuket and the Krabi mainland. While the pace of development is accelerating on Koh Yao Noi in particular, the islands remain a quiet refuge that feels far removed from the crowds of Phuket."
Read more at: http://www.phuket.com/island/kohyao.htm
So back in May 2016, we decided to check Koh Yao Yai out. Research then told us that it was the quieter island compared to her sister - Koh Yao Noi.
We flew KL > Phuket and had the resort arrange our airport transfer to the pier, then a boat to the island. We chose to stay at Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa and it was absolutely amazing! Enjoy the pics and you'll know why :)
Note: All pics are mine.
If you guys have any questions about the island or the resort, feel free to drop me a comment below. Enjoy!
At the airport waiting for transport to arrive.
Hello Santhiya!
The rooms were TO DIE FOR!!! Smelt great, breathtaking view, spotlessly clean everything. Would you want to leave?
Our view for breakfast every.single.morning :)
We also rented a bike to explore the island. Food at the Resort was s0-so, and some friendly staff advised us to check out the warungs/stalls outside of the resort area, where locals would usually eat. Super yummy food, cooked Thai style - sweet, sour, spicy! The fish dish below, I think we had it 4 days in a row :D
I also read about a masseur by the name of Dr. Saad. Reviews on Tripadvisor said that he was great and I also found that he has a website!
Who is Doctor Saad?
"Doctor Saad is a blind, medical masseur living in Ko Yao Yai, Thailand.He has been treating and healing people from all over the world for more than 30 years. His favorite saying is ‘no pain, no gain’, which illustrates his approach; his massages are not directly aimed at being pleasurable, but focused at fixing (chronic) problems that you might have in your body for a long, long time."
You can read more at: http://www.doctorsaad.com/treatment/
So I called Dr Saad, made an appointment to meet him and off we went to look for him on our bikes. Below is Dr Saad's treatment hunt. Oh so rustic, oh so lovely. Look out the window and you get fields of green. Just being there already took my pains away.
But yeah, there were no soft relaxing massages. Dr Saad really focused on pressure and pain points. No pain, no gain! Because of my back problem, he recommended that I did 3 sessions with him...which I did over 2 days. Felt great, very light after.
Dr. Saad is an extremely kind, warm and funny man. Never once made us feel uneasy, very respectful of others. He's definitely got the gift to heal with his hands. I miss him and hope to see him again real soon.
More pics of Santhiya, here: