It was love at first sight. The simply stunning private villa, the private water slide, any entertainment you wanted on the island, the cordial staff like your own personal genies ready to fulfill any wish… it’s all yours at Ani Villas.
Koh Yao Noi – The Birthplace of Ani Villas
Without a doubt, the three days spent in Ani Villas were the brightest highlight of our entire month-long trip to Thailand. Just half an hour speed boat from Phuket, and we arrived at the incredible Koh Yao Noi, a practically undiscovered island that has maintained the traditional Thai lifestyle. And subsequently, the perfect place for an island getaway.
Besides the stunning natural scenery and gracious local culture, Koh Yao Noi is the birthplace of Ani Villas. This is where it all started for this exclusive luxury brand which now offers mega-villas-come-private-resorts in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Anguilla and the Dominican Republic. These luxury properties are famed for their exclusive facilities and jaw-dropping inclusions. To say we were eager to check in would be an understatement of epic proportions.
Entertainment at Ani Villas
As soon as Ani’s tuk-tuk delivered as from the pier to the beachfront resort, we were welcomed with cool drinks and refreshing towels. We were greeted by a small army of staff, all there to look after our every need and whim. After giving us a run down of all the complimentary activities on offer – Cooking classes! Cycling tours! Garland making! – the staff showed us to our private villas to get some rest. After freshening up, it was time for our first activity of choice: stand up paddling in the paradise like lagoon!
Luxury Living
Though it’d be easy to be dazzled by the extravagant inclusions alone, Ani Villas also wows with its grand architecture and sumptuous facilities. The villa comprises 10 bedroom suites sleeping up to 20 guests – the perfect place for hosting the family holiday or a friends’ getaway of a lifetime.
The property is divided into multiple pavilions dotted across the garden, which makes the villa feel all the more like your own private resort. Once we saw our room, “wow” was the first word which came to mind. Our one-bedroom villa came with a plush queen-sized bed, with our own private swimming pool waiting just a few steps from the bed.
Family Friendly Fun
All in all, the villa has six (yes, six) swimming pools, including a kids’ pool (complete with a super fun water slide!) which adjoins one of the two family suites. These two-bedroom pavilions are ideal for parents looking to stay close to their children. Overall, Ani Villas is an incredibly family friendly destination, with a daily children’s activity program included in the rates. During the booking process, the Ani Villas team will work with you to customise a program to suit your children’s age and interests. Unforgettable memories for the little ones – and more pool time for the parents.
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall…
While our suite’s private swimming pool was definitely a highlight, I also loved the enormous wardrobes and spacious bathroom with its bathtub facing the pool – the room even came with two rain showers.
During our initial tour of the villa, I had to keep pinching myself simply to make sure this wasn’t all a dream – this is exactly what people dream of when imagining the perfect place for a holiday! While touring the villa, I had the eery feeling of the architect having read my thoughts and somehow turning them into reality.
Even something as simple as the dressing table in the corner of the bathroom felt like the epitome of luxury interiors, something usually only seen on the glossy pages of a magazine. Doing my make-up for the pre-dinner cocktails (also included in the rates), I had to keep repeating to myself that this absolutely gorgeous palace was all mine for the weekend – and I still couldn’t believe it!
Relaxing in Style
The generous inclusions at Ani Villas are not limited to adrenaline inducing sports alone – guests are also treated to complimentary spa treatments in the villa’s exclusive spa. (If you’re really looking to go om, vinyasa, hatha and yin yoga can also be organised a la carte.) I chose a massage and had the most restful experience with the treatment carried out using scented natural coconut oil. As if the massage alone wasn’t enough to relax me, right after we were invited to have a drink before dinner was served. By this point, it be should be clear that the hospitality we experienced at Ani Villas was second to none.
Time for Cocktails!
Cocktail hour has always been my favourite part of the day. After a busy day of trying out new activities and exploring our luxurious surroundings, sipping delicious cocktails and enjoying lively conversation recounting our adventures was just what the doctor ordered.
Once again, the flawless service from Ani Villas amazed us all, with brilliant mixology and the top-shelf performance from the barman. At Ani Villas, you really don’t need to worry about who will handle the bill after the last call as everything from Jose Cuervo to Grey Goose is included in your stay. Cheers!
Yum – the Word of the Day
Though our stay was flawless from start to finish, what I remember the best was the delicious food served for dinner. A stay at Ani Villas includes full-board gourmet meals, all-day snacks and cocktails and Southeast Asian cooking classes (another highlight of our stay!), making this a true paradise for foodies.
Chef Yao’s gourmet menu covers both international and Thai delicacies, with the option of curating your own meals or allowing the chef to surprise you. Nothing can compare to the divine combination of fine wine, abundant and mouth-watering meals, great service and even better company, followed by a blissful food coma afterwards. All in all, it was the perfect way to end the perfect trip.
Ani Villas is one of the most amazing places our team has ever stayed in – and we have had the pleasure of visiting some of the finest villas across Asia. From the endless inclusions to the flawless service and jaw-dropping design, this luxury retreat needs to be experienced to be believed. Talk to our villa specialists to find out more about staying in Ani Villas.
