We chose Koyaobay Pavillions because it is isolated and has traditional, rustic decor, and for the most part it lived up to our expectations and we really enjoyed ourselves.

There are three villas facing the beach and pool and two larger houses behind with their own private pools. Each of the three villas has it's own 'Sala' (undercover hang-out area with hammocks, daybeds, chairs, table). We had the middle villa and it was lovely. The bed, although wooden and beautifully traditional looking, was very hard, uncomfortable and squeaky (not for honeymooners). We slept with our doors open (it feels very safe there) and woke up looking at the ocean, which was special. The bathroom, including outdoor shower and adjoining outdoor garden was a feature and toilet was clean and modern.

The beach is nice and it's great to have no-one on it, but you can only swim when the tide is in, which is for around 5-6 hours per day. At other times sharp coral and thick mud is uncovered. The restaurant has an extensive menu but at any given time only certain meals are available. My husband loved all the fresh seafood (all caught locally), but I struggled as a vegetarian. The manager and host Olivier is very nice, the service is patchy as it's only a small kitchen and they prepare food for each table one by one. This didn't really worry us as we were very relaxed on our holiday. The massages available in the Thai Sala were great. Overall we really enjoyed our time, the main disappointment was that we went there for peace and quiet, and we had a family in the villa next to ours that had two children who were lovely but extremely loud and squealing all day long so it really destroyed our plans for peace and quiet. We hired a jeep and did a round of the island but there isn't much happening. Overall we really enjoyed ourselves.

This review is long overdue but I wanted to recommend the Koyao Bay Pavillions to any travelers. We stayed here for 3 nights during our honeymoon and can't say enough good things. The rooms were beautiful and the food was OUTSTANDING! We loved sitting out in our outdoor living room and enjoying the day. We are still dreaming about the wonderful food a year later- it was the best we had in all of Thailand. The staff is wonderful, very helpful but not invasive. They arranged wonderful daily massages and a private trip to Phagna Bay that was one of the highlights of our trip. We really can't say enough wonderful things, except stay here!

We chose the new villa with the long swiming pool. The design is impressive and the location makes you feel as integrated in the local population. In Koh Yao people are stll happy to see tourists. The food is the best I had when travelling in Asia (3year). The good point is that there is few tourist in the Island but all locations are close. We discovered 6 gorgeous small islands close to Koh Yao and went to Krabi in 30mn by the public speed boat.

Just back from a full week of holidays in Koyao Bay Pavillions and can't stop thinking about it. A real hidden Gem.
The Island is easily accessible from the Phuket airport (going to the pier takes only 15 minutes and then an additional 35 minutes journey by speed boat.). To my surprise, we are the only tourists on the boat. Other fellow passengers are local people coming back from their shopping trip to Puhket. The atmosphere is relax and everyone is smiling and greeting eachother on the boat. What a difference with the Puhket immigration nightmare.
A short 5 minutes tuk tuk ride (arranged by the resort staff) and we reached the Koyaobay pavillon. That's a whaooo experience... 3 wooden pavillons (actually huge suites decorated with wood and incredible taste) facing a large desert sand beach.
Rice field, Coconut trees, palm trees, rubber tree are surrounding the resort providing a shelter to all sort of birds (i even saw a rare kalao).
The pool is great and the welcoming staff is never tired of giving advises and tips on the island.
The island is almost virgin of tourist development and gives you the incredible feeling to be some sort of pionneer. The local population (mainly fishermen and rubber tree farmers is very welcoming and always greet you with a smile making the island exploration a refreshing and enjoyable experience.)
Koyao is a great place for island hopping (Georges, the owner, kindly arranged a private long tail for us), fishing and diving (there is a diving center close to the resort but the tide can make the water blur so they usually take a boat and dive off shore).
Don't expect shopping and night life on the island. The welcoming mainly muslim population have preserved the island intact and genuine, free from the extravaganza of some tourists spots in Thailand..
We enjoyed a more natural and authentic life style within the luxury of the resort.
During the day, you can enjoy exploring the island on mountain bike, take some cliff climbing class, yoga class and even thai cooking class. Olivier, the new general Manager explained us all the activities we could find on the island and our only dissapointment was to be able to stay only one week.
The resort restaurant is probably the best on the island. The food is fresh from the market and the thai cook knows her business.
Beside the 3 bungalows, the resort also offers 5 luxurious villa for rent. When we were there the last 2 villas were under final decoration and we understand from georges that they should be on rent from mid february. We had the chance to visit them and I can't wait next year to rent one of those. The 2 villas have a huge swimming pool (big enough for serious training). The garden is amazing and these dream villas offer all the privacy and confort you might dream for a family or a romantic retreat.
Koyao Bay pavillon is really a hidden gem.