Just 40 minutes by speedboat from Phuket lies a coral-fringed island called Ko Racha Yai. It has a small local population, buffalo in the fields, soldier lines of coconut trees and a sprinkling of beachside bars and shops. And, in a small cove backed by a white sand beach, it also has The Racha, a sparkling resort.
This smart hotel is neatly laid out over a hillside, upon which 84 white cube-shaped villas (plus a quirky 2-bedroom lighthouse) are interspersed between sky-high coconut trees, scented frangipani and tropical greenery. This is a dreamy honeymoon - or even wedding - destination, with sunset-lit arbours and cream satin chairs making an almost twice monthly appearance on the beach. It has a beautifully secluded feel, and its 2 gorgeous pools, 2 bar areas, roomy library, veritable temple of a spa and 3 very different restaurants keep guests nicely spread out. If you're not here because it's (officially) one of the most romantic hotels in the world, then you're probably here for the snorkelling and diving. It's said to be fabulous, and there's a PADI Dive Centre on site.
Highs
- Stylish, white Zen-like rooms (some with private pools) overlooking a stunning bay
- For honeymooners, the Pool Suites, with beds extravagantly decorated with roses and petals, offer an extra level of romance
- Early morning swims in the crystal clear turquoise bay with not another soul between you and the horizon
- Barefoot evenings enjoying seafood barbecues and moonlit walks on the beach
- Sunset Happy Hour: exotic cocktails, complimentary nibbles and ultra-romantic daybeds
Lows
- Hard to get to: we'd recommend a stay on Phuket or in Bangkok first to break up the journey
- The beach gets busy from 10am-4pm with boats offloading daytrippers from Phuket
- The speedboat ride to and from Phuket can be bumpy, plus the rates aren't included for stays of less than five days
- Evenings are quiet without much nightlife
Best time to go
Those in the know prefer late October, November, February and March - you get the best of the weather and comparatively empty beaches. Day trippers from Phuket can sometimes descend on the beach in large numbers in high season (Christmas and January) as the island is an excursion favourite.
Our top tips
Explore Koh Racha: there’s a jungle track to an incredible viewpoint, 3 more stunning beaches on the other side of the island and a clutch of great seafood restaurants in the village, surrounded by farmland and water buffalo.
- Beach Resort
- 84 villas, 1 lighthouse
- Restaurants and bars (open daily)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Tennis Court
- Bicycles Available
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
Babysitting:
Babysitting needs to be booked 1 day in advance and costs 300 Baht per hour, per child.
Baby equipment:
Cots, highchairs and babysitting can be arranged, but it's not a place for baby buggies as there are too many steps to negotiate between the larger villas, the beach and the restaurants.
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Kids Activities on site:
Activities such as Batik painting and candle making would suit children older than 5, plus free of charge snorkelling equipment and kayak hire. The sea shelves gradually and is ideal for paddling. There is no kids club or playground.
Families Should Know:
There is a small shop on site and a larger mini mart behind the resort that sells nappies, sunscreen and beach toys. There is an in-house nurse at the hotel.
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.
Airports:
- Phuket 22.0 km HKT
Other:
- Beach 0.1 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km