Overall, Koh Yao Yai Village was a great peaceful getaway. Not quite the beach holiday i had hoped for because of the heavy downpour during late August (Don't try your luck during the monsoon season). All tours take place on other islands/beaches and unfortunately we couldn't go on any because of the rain. So was confined to the resort's library (which shelves plenty of books) + one restaurant (recommend the massaman curry) the entire duration of the trip but it was relaxing nonetheless. A great getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city with very warm, welcoming staff. On the last day the sun came out and the infinity pool that overlooks the beach was stunning - definitely the highlight of the resort. The beach on the other hand is disappointing, not one for the postcards or for swimming purposes. The resort is massive and expanding - which also meant construction work (noisy). We booked a seaview villa and it was more murky lagoon view NOT seaview. So that was a bit of a disappointment but the inside was very spacious with a nice outdoor shower. However don't be expecting a 5 star resort - the partitions didn't shut properly and the floor was rather oily?? Powercuts during storms. But they do treat you well - with daily room cleaning + transportation to the restaurant/lobby via golf cart if you so desired.

2 things I wish I had known before going:
(1) Travel from Phuket-Koh Yao Yai and NOT from Krabi-Koh Yao Yai. The travel from Krabi airport took us a good 4 hours+, consisting of car-speed boat-tuk tuk-longtail boat-tuk tuk. Exhausting. But journey to Phuket was MUCH shorter (tuk tuk-speedboat-car)
(2) Beach is not breathtaking. Koh Yao Yai is unfortunately not known for its pristine beaches. (The infinity pool however IS breathtaking)

Would i be returning? Probably not in the near future. Was a great holiday but think I'll try staying at Koh Phi Phi itself for the picturesque beaches next time

Hi all.
Having glanced over the previous reviews, read on only if you have your head screwed on well, are not so snobbish as to complain about wildlife and the colour of travel, and simply, know when you are a lucky person.
This resort is a delight. Yes it's Eco, yes there are bugs, but by 'eck some folk find fault where sometimes the best ain't good enough.
The resort is lovely. The staff, again are the happiest, and the the pool, the views, the atmosphere are just indescribeable. We visited very late august and we had the resort to ourselves. The infinity pool is enormous and empty bar you, with the limestone kharsts in the distance, cicadas chirping, and the
palms rustling. It is just terrific and. it is just testament to the fact

some moan about anything that someone complains about trivial stuff. Get a frikin grip. This place is divine, and just go before tourism
catches up. I have but one tip. If you like a beer, buy enough for your stay on the mainland at a 7,11 as the island is staunchly Muslim and as such beer is 5 times as expensive. Bar that,

The KYY Village is a 'Eco-resort' on this large island (I guess second only to Phuket island itself in the area) called Koh Yao Yai. We were there for a one-night break with 2 yound kids plus a snorkelling trip to nearby Koh Khai island.

We were transferred from our hotel on Mai Khao beach, Phuket, supposedly with easy land-sea-land rides to this quiet and secluded destination. However, the start was terrible.

After a 30-minute private car ride, we boarded the joint speedboat at a busy but unorganised pier I believe called Bang Rang - our impression was like one for the refugees or smugglers. It was an uneasy and somewhat unsafe move, especially with two luggages and two young kids. I was grateful for the helping hands of the 'staff' (uncertain) on the boat. The speedboat was so over-crowded that in my opinion, in danger of overloading/sinking. I could barely find two isolated spots for my wife and the kids to squeeze in and sit down while I had to stand all the way for 30+ minutes to the destination. It was a pity that the ride was ruined because of over-crowdedness.

The land transfer to the Village at the back of a hotel private truck was also quite 'adventurous', which means very bumpy because of the muddy road. My t-shirt was tainted by the old/fading paints on the seat, obviously for rubbing against it during the ride.

Having said the above, the Village was quite nice itself.

The reception area was cozy. We were offered a cold fruit juice upon arrival. The check-in paperwork was done in the comfort of the sofa there with the staff coming to help us instead of us waiting in line. Every staff we met, from receptionist to buggy driver, was very friendly and helpful. We were greeted with big smiles everywhere. They might not look the most high-end but certainly make you feel a welcomed guest. We had booked a trip to go to the Koh Khai Island on the first day but due to the wet and windy weather, we decided to withdraw last-minute at the pier after a 40-minute truck ride and return to the Village. The driver kept his smiling face at our decision, and the hotel even took us back there again the next day without extra charge.

The grounds were well maintained while preserving the natural landscape -- as this was an 'eco' resort, you shouldn't expect it to be shinny or tiled everywhere.

The 73-sqare-metre bangalow was big enough for the four of us but only half of it was indoor/air-conditioned. It was built and decorated totally with local raw materials with recommendable design features in details. I liked it a lot but would wish it to have polished wooden floor and walls instead of concrete. It would also have been a nice, unique and close-to-the-nature experience to sit out in the covered salon and sun deck if not for the intermittent rain we were in. The toilet was clean enough but the one in the first bangalow was unfortunately stuck resulting in our undesired re-packing and moving to another one. The outdoor shower was interesting but would have been perfect if accompanied by a bathtub.

There was a one and only 2-Bedroom Family Villa which we had hoped to book but were unsuccessful. It was in a prime location -- close to the restaurant, the pool and beach, and had an extra air-conditioned living room. Highly recommendable for families.

As other reviewers mentioned, the infinity pool was outstanding and the best feature in the Village. Quite large, separated corners for different needs, stunning view over the beach/sea, and most importantly, quiet.

The only restaurant besides the pool was quite nice. The food choice was not too good but fine for us, as that was not the main attraction to be there.

All in all, it could have been a much nicer experience if not for the poor transportation and unavailability of the Family Villa.