In Thailand’s far south, on a slim stretch of coastline crowded with coconut palms, lies the exotic Rayavadee - a place where nature knows no bounds. Three powdery beaches - Railay, Ao Nammao and Phranang - carve out the resort’s pristine perimeter, protected by the Krabi Marine National Park, while Krabi's iconic gnarled limestone karsts watch on from above. Macaques and langurs swing from branches, butterflies flit between flowers. And down in the shallow waters, vivid reefs burst with life. It’s a rare, beautiful and fragile ecosystem that the Rayavadee works hard to protect.
The only way here is by speed boat: your private ride to paradise. Forest paths lead you to smart villas and pavilions, each peeping out from behind a swathe of thick foliage – 26 acres of it no less. There are four different restaurants to dine at, some set right on the sands, all serving food with tropical flavours and wild produce plucked fresh from the forest – mangoes, coconuts and tamarinds feature heavily. Kids could do crafting or cookery classes while adults chill out at the spa. And anyone can grab a kayak, paddling through the mangroves to secret caves or isolated coves. We're so excited to get washed up here.
Highs
- The spectacular location, sandwiched between three pearly-white beaches, tropical jungle and Krabi’s iconic limestone cliffs
- Huge praise for the staff – and private butlers if you’re staying in a villa
- Great for couples (spa, romantic meals, magical sunsets) and families alike (family villas, kids’ activities, variety of restaurants)
- The jungle surroundings provide habitats for all manner of tropical flora and fauna, including monkeys and edible plants used in the cooking
- Fun for all: diving, kayaking, island-hopping by speedboat, waterfalls, cookery classes
Lows
- Renovations are taking place throughout 2025. Raya Dining will be closed May-September (breakfast & afternoon tea will move to Krua Phranang); The Grotto will close for a week at the end of September
- The stunning beaches are tourist attractions and can get busy with day-trippers between the hours of 10-4
- Larger than most i-escape hotels – and we hear it’s easy to get lost within the resort
- Beware of the monkeys – they might jump on your roof so best to keep windows and doors closed
- Boat transfers from Krabi are not included, so extras can add up (on top of already high room prices)
- The WiFi is patchy, but who needs it in paradise?
Best time to go
The tropical climate means air and sea temperatures are warm here year-round (high 20s). November to April is dry season so is arguably the best time to visit. May to October is the rainy season, but this is when the jungle and the forested cliffs look their most dazzling, in shades of bright emerald.
Our top tips
The Raitalay Terrace is the place to be at sunset - make the most of happy hour and sip fruity daiquiris as the sky turns fiery red.