We came across Koyao Bay Pavilions based on the reviews on tripadvisor.com, and were not even sure we had the right place when we arrived after a bumpy trip down dirt roads. Thankfully, Olivier told us where we were before he even introduced himself, and proceeded to take care of us very well for the next week.

We did very little while on Koh Yao Noi, which suited us perfectly. The day excursion provided were excellent (boat trip around surrounding islands), and the hours whiled away in the compound were well spent, lazing in the private sala and relaxing in the shady pool. Sunrises on the beach were nothing short of spectacular, though we had to drag ourselves from the extraordinarily comfortable bed/room in order to see it!

Two things we have to mention: the food at Koyao Bay Pavilions is SPECTACULAR. It still remains our 'happy place' we mentally go to when facing less appealing offerings on the rest of our trip. We discovered the creme caramel on about the second night, and then had at least one daily - we suspect we consumed their entire stock over our trip. The cocktail menu is limited but sublime - no watered down drinks or inventive incorrect recipes here, just good strong classics. And just thinking of the carpaccio now a few weeks later makes us hungry and nostalgic for just one more morsel of the silken, divine, glorious, unmatched barracuda...

Second, Koh Yao Noi is a world apart from Phuket and Krabi - one should not expect a similar experience here to such places. It is a quiet little island, and you will hear the muezzin's call at dusk no matter where you are.

We also did a cooking class with Mina, a local lady who runs these sessions professionally. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND this class, it is expensive but a truly joyous and educational experience. She provides you with a cooking book to take home as well.

By the way, this place is FULL of French people. It made us Aussies feel rather cultured hearing all the burbling French voices at dinner. :)

Oh, and make sure you book with Koyao Bay Pavilions directly to get 2 hours of massage per room PER DAY (one hour each for a couple). The masseurs were amazing and very professional, and would come to your private sala for an hour of bliss.

We stayed at Koyao Bay Pavillions for 5 nights on our honeymoon over Christmas and we totally loved it! After the hectic-ness of Bangkok, Ko Yoa Noi was easy to get to with great instructions from the pavillions. All the staff were fantastic and made us feel welcome and at home when we arrived on Christmas eve to a big celebration feast. The restaurant served us easily the best food we ate in our whole stay in Thailand - fresh fresh seafood, lovely thai salads which all tasted amazing. Coming form a landlocked country we will remember the king prawns, lobster and fish for a long long time! The bungalows were really spacious and had everything you needed and the outside bathrooms were great as well as the sala areas for masssage, chilling, relaxing and reading. The lodge is very quiet and you can just potter along and do as much or as little as you like. No request is too much and Bee and Oliver really looked after us! The island itself is sleepy and quiet with a few scooters and bicyles but you are well away from the neon signs and late-night bars on koyoa Noi. This was a great place to stay for calm Thailand and we would love to come back one day!!

My boyfriend and I had booked to stay here two nights before moving on to Koh Phi Phi. Within 24 hours of arriving at Koyao Bay Pavilions (KBP) we changed plans - this resort is wonderful. To just pick the highlights:
- the food is excellent (to give some perspective, I grew up with great Asian home cooking and can't stand the rubbish served in bad Asian restaurants and takeaways). The ambiance in the restaurant is like a serene family kitchen and all the food throughout the day is of an excellent standard. The ingredients are fresh and the chef skilfully blends all the usual Thai flavours in to her dishes. Despite being a small resort the menu is broad
- The property: the gardens are established and lush with butterflies everywhere providing an idyllic setting on the beach. Our room was lovely with polished wooden floors throughout and a great open sala complete with hammocks and a zillion places to lounge around undisturbed. Whilst this resort is small you really don't notice other people unless on the beach or dining at the restaurant.
- The staff: the KBP team clearly work very hard to maintain the grounds and property in such excellent condition but all this seems to happen when you are not looking or listening. A lot of work must happen behind the scenes leaving the experience of the guest totally unrushed and relaxed. Both Olivier and Vunlapa B are very helpful and friendly, nothing is a problem.
- whilst the resort and island are a bit sleepy (in a good way) compared to the rest of Thailand there is lots to do for those who want to be more active. The stretch of beach is great for running at low tide. The water is ver clean and good for swimming. You can rent kayaks and paddle over to the islands in the bay, closest is 20mins, others are an hour or more each way. Rock climbing, sailing... You can do as little or as much as you like.

Sadly KBP was fully booked over the New Year period and so we had to stay elsewhere on the island after our second night. We spent one night at Villaguna (great modern rooms, nice pool, the owners Ramond and Nadine are lovely, excellent value) and a night at Koh Yao Island Resort (great view, nice staff and Florian is especially helpful but the resort is overpriced). We missed KBP so much that we went back there for lunch!

In summary, if you are planning a holiday by the Andaman Sea then do consider Koh Yao Noi and book in advance to stay at Koyao Bay Pavilions.

We have spent a few days in the hidden Koyao Bay Pavilions with our family (baby, children and teenager) and we really enjoyed our stay. Olivier and his wife are wonderful host. Their patience, their kindness, their delicious food played a strong part of it. They are always there for you, doing their best for an unbelievable stay. On top of this you can add the charming and romantic bungalows near the sea, the elegant villas in a secluded and nice environment, an amazing view from the beach, unforgettable boat trips on islands around and snorkeling spots, massage with the sounds of waves... Just a place as a peaceful retreat where you would like to return sometimes... So don't hesitate too much, just go!