Anantara Rasananda, Koh Phangan – worth the extra boat journey?
In all my years of travelling out to Asia, Koh Phangan was one of the places I’ve always dreamed of visiting but never had the chance. I’ve seen the images of idyllic long white beaches, gorgeous jungle retreats and authentic local life and always encouraged our guests to take that extra boat journey to find paradise.
This Easter, I finally made it! Me and my family enjoyed a twin-centre holiday to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. In fact, it totally surpassed my expectations. Anantara Rasananda, the island’s premier hideaway, is without doubt the best place to stay, with exquisite jungle paths snaking between beautiful pool suites and taking pride of place on the serene Thong Nai Pan Noi beach. I hadn’t quite realised how wide the resort was, with stunning Ocean Suites and Villas spaced along the wide beach, each with its own pool, with captivating views of the crystal-clear water.
The buzz of the resort is around the main pool and two restaurants, with feet in the sand dining, and a team of super friendly staff to keep your iced water topped up or tempting you with happy hour cocktails and delicious Thai treats. Choose from delicious Thai cuisine at Bistro on the beach, or alternatively Japanese favourites at Yukinoya – the food was incredible. However, one of the best features of this resort is its proximity to the local village, located just behind the hotel, ideal for an evening stroll along the quiet roads, with a choice of local restaurants and cafes for those who like to dine local.
It really was the ideal spot for us. The resort isn’t top top five-star but offers a relaxed luxury haven in an amazing setting with friendly service, beautiful rooms and grounds. My boys loved playing in the pool, whist we relaxed on the beach and swam, or paddle boarded in the sea.
It is worth the journey and in order to avoid a long layover can be ideally combined with its lively neighbour (and gateway island) of Koh Samui, where we stayed at the inimitable Six Senses, another jungle sanctuary, with prized position on a quiet beach with exceptional views.
Taking that extra boat or longer transfer is always rewarding. You’ll find the more remote, unspoilt beaches with a more laid-back vibe. Other Thai resorts, where you have to take that extra transfer, I’d wholeheartedly recommend are Pimalai, on Koh Lanta – a road and boat transfer south of Krabi, OR Six Senses Yao Noi – a 40-minute boat from Phuket, which is oh so worth it for the breath-taking views of Phang Nga Bay.
