Elixir Resort, Phuket

Elixir Resort Koh Yao is a really nice place to stay. It was great to find a resort with most amenities on a relatively undeveloped island, but so close to Phuket. We observed many species of wildlife near the resort, which was really interesting, but none of these animals came anywhere near people to be of any concern whatsoever to guests who prefer wildlife to remain at a distance. The monkeys were really cute to watch, but were very timid and ran back into the bush if anyone approached them. It is really quite inexpensive to travel from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai by longtail boat (1 hour from Bang Rong Pier) or speedboat (30 minutes) and there are many ferries available each day. If you want to visit a tropical island which is relatively untouched by inappropriate commercialisation and retains much of it's native vegetation, then this is a great island and resort to spend time in. It is very quiet compared to Phuket, but there are still plenty of interesting things to see and do.

I was very pleased with the Elixir resort. After a long boat, then cab ride, I was sort of getting worried. Let me tell you this, the resort is in the middle of nowhere. So if you're looking for shopping, partying, or trying out restaurants, forget about it, this hotel is not for you. However, if you're looking for a little piece of paradise, you've found it. The resort is straight on the beach. It's amazing. Each villa has its own little pool if you don't want to get all sandy, and the villas themselves are just amazing. The place was big, luxurious, and warm. As for the staff, they're all perfect. They are your average Thai staff, very friendly, helpful and cute with their poor English, but there was really something standing out with the Elixir resort. I booked an extra day, and they charged it to me for the same price Agoda charged, which is nearly impossible to get as usually hotels will do everything to get more money off you. Most of the staff was also amazingly and shockingly good looking, which is always interesting. Money wise, the hotel is a bit pricy at time. SInce you're in the middle of nowhere, and most likely to eat there, get your Thai massage there, and all your expanses there, they know they can charge you extra and get away with it. Reassure yourself though, it's not that bad. It's still cheaper than your average North American or European hotel. Location wise, like I already covered, the location is paradisiac, but really isolated. Up to you to choose wether that's what you want or not. Food wise, the food was really good, except maybe for the breakfast. Most Asian hotels including breakfast will have it under the form of a buffet. The Elixir gives you a menu, with a very narrow selection, and small portion. It's not that it's bad, it's just a little less than other hotels I guess. Utilities wise, Agoda says rooms have internet access, but my villa didn't. There was internet on location, but I had to go to the lobby, which wasn't really use

This is a good place to relax and calm down. Even during CNY, there was plenty of private space