The Racha Resort

Rooms

The villas are smart and minimalist in decor, and have a crisp cubist style with spacious bedrooms, terraces with shaded daybeds and large bathrooms that have handmade lemongrass scented toiletries.

Junior Pool Suites are more plush with indoor plunge pools (with underwater music!), Jacuzzi baths and private outdoor seating areas. The Spa Pool Suites are similar but have the added decadence of an indoor/outdoor Jacuzzi pool with fibre optic lighting, and an outdoor rain shower, although no sea view.

We loved the spacious Grand Pool Suites and 2-Bedroom Grand Pool Suites, which have sensational outdoor sea-view infinity pools and shady salas plus multimedia theatre systems and electric blinds that will make even technophobes feel like they’re staying at Bond’s beach house.

Perfect for families, the unique Lighthouse sleeps up to 7 with 2 double bedrooms, space for additional beds, 2 sitting rooms, sundecks, an observation lounge, and a private pool in its own walled grounds.

We're yet to visit the Deluxe Twin, Deluxe King and Grand Deluxe villas, nor the Grand Pool Suites, but they share the same minimal style, with benefits ranging from private pools and open-air rain showers, to sea views and an abundance of multimedia entertainment.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Bathrobes
• Bluetooth sound system
• Cots available
• Hairdryer
• In-room treatments available
• Minibar
• Safe box
• Toiletries
• TV
• WiFi

Eating

Sustainability is at the forefront when sourcing ingredients at The Racha, and the executive chef is always exploring ways to serve food that's kind to the environment. Breakfast, served on the terrace of the Earth Café, is a very varied buffet, from bowls of congee and spicy noodles to coconut and papaya Bircher muesli; tiny, delicious French pastries, and even Champagne. You’ll also find eggs cooked to order, pancakes, French toast and cold cuts.

The Earth Café also serves a Thai and Western menu for both lunch and dinner, and there’s a delicious weekly seafood barbecue. The Fire Grill offers Mediterranean cuisine including pizzas, pasta and steaks and the Sunset Beach Restaurant specialises in Thai food and fresh fish - we loved the blue crab yellow curry followed by sticky rice and mango served in a coconut.

Happy Hour at The Lobby Bar overlooking the bay is very special - try their Mai Tai at sunset. Or, for a treat, book an in-villa barbecue, which either you or a chef can cook.

Features include:

• Bar
• Barbecue
• Restaurant
• Room service

Activities

• Diving is why so many guests come to The Racha - dive at Phi Phi (of The Beach fame), Shark Point or Hin Deang. You can also do various PADI certifications while you’re here
  
• Start your day with complimentary yoga at the Anumba Spa; later, wind down with an indulgent oil massage
  
• Get married - both Western and Thai weddings are on offer
  
• Simply sunbathe: either at the rooftop beach pool or at the garden pool, ringed by frangipani flowers
  
• Sign up for a class in Thai cookery, and learn the secrets of Thai Green curry
  
• Experience the glassy waters: borrow kayaks, SUP's, body boards and snorkelling equipment (no charge). Or join one of the island snorkelling excursions
  
• Explore the quiet beaches on the other side of the island and stop for a seafood lunch or dinner in the village
  
• Take a cross-country ATV or hiking tour with one of the hotel’s guides who'll teach you about the wildlife. Borrow a mountain bike if you’re happy to do your own exploring

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Art classes
• Cooking classes
• Cycling
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Kayaking
• Sailing
• Scuba diving
• Scuba diving courses
• Snorkelling
• SUP
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Tennis coaching
• Well being
• Yoga

Kids

Although generally considered to be a honeymoon destination, children are welcome here. They will enjoy the sea and sand and older kids can be happily entertained by the various creative classes and excursions run by the hotel. Children under 4 years old stay for free in a cot (must be requested) or a daybed in parents' room. Children between 4-12 years of age are entitled to 50% discount on all accommodation, meal and boat transfer rates.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

The 2-Bedroom Grand Pool Suite, Spa Pool Suites and Junior Pool Suites are spacious enough for a family of 4. The Deluxe Villas can accommodate a cot, and are located in the attractive gardens around the Garden Pool. Other villas that can also include a cot or an extra bed are: Grand Pool Suite Beachfront, Grand Pool Suite with Partial Seaview, Grand Deluxe Pool Partial Seaview, Grand Deluxe Partial Seaview, Deluxe Twin Pool View, Deluxe King Pool View and Deluxe Twin.

Some Deluxe Villas also have inter-connecting rooms. The Lighthouse would be a fantastic option for a larger family, but needs to be booked well ahead.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available, Family Rooms

Distances:

• Distance from Airport: 1.5 hours, deepening on traffic around Phuket.
• Distance from Hospital: 1.5 hours (to Phuket Hospital)

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The Racha is situated on Ko Racha Yai, an island in the Andaman Sea. It is 30-40 minutes by speedboat from Phuket's Chalong Bay.

By Air:
Fly in to Phuket (22km).

By Air and Sea:
It's about an hour from the airport to Chalong Bay. Take a taxi from Phuket airport, or arrange for the hotel’s limousine to transfer you to The Racha’s Phuket office at Chalong Bay, where check-in is completed (allow 30 minutes for check-in). The speedboat takes 40 minutes to Ko Racha Yai. Note it only sails in daylight.

We highly recommend you check and confirm your arrival boat transfer time 3 days before your date of arrival. Note that The Racha has the right to move guests to the next boat schedule. Currently the boat sails three times per day each way.

By Sea:
The majority of i-escape’s featured Phuket hotels can take you direct to The Racha on their own private launches by arrangement.

Detailed directions will be supplied when you book through i-escape.com.