The resort that sets the bar for accommodation in Thailand’s southern island of Krabi
Maryanne Peacock
Near+Far Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve review: 9/10
Why book Phulay Bay a Ritz Carlton Reserve
With its truly stunning surroundings, impeccable service, world-class amenities, and faultless food, Phulay Bay a Ritz-Carlton Reserve sets a high bar for luxury accommodation in Krabi and actually, in my opinion, assists in putting Krabi on the map when it comes to luxury travel. Krabi has long been somewhere I thought “meh, I’ll get there one day” but after hearing more about the areas laidback nature, beautiful coast line, and this hotel, I knew it was time to take the trip to see if it lived up to expectations. Taking up a secluded spot on Thailand’s Andaman sea, the design reflects Krabi’s Muslim heritage, blending peaked-roofed buildings and Thai artworks with Moorish-inspired pendant lamps and bright pops of purple. The journey starts in a pretty pavilion surrounded by reflective pools and high stone walls before you are greeted into the grounds and gardens, covered in bearded banyan trees, bright-pink bougainvillea, soaring palms, and fragrant frangipanis, scattered with cobbled paths, bridges running over small streams to hidden pavillons and villas that are hidden throughout the property.
Location: 9/10
A hidden retreat where the charm and natural splendour of Thailand blends with an aura of serenity and luxury, Phulay Bay offers a personalised escape combining a refined, casual setting, indigenous flavours and individualised service, hidden on the coast of Krabi. The location is about 15 minutes’ drive west from Ao Nang, a resort town in southern Thailand’s Krabi Province and about a 50 minute drive from the airport. You can also fly into Phuket and opt to get a boat from Phuket over to Krabi which will take just over an hour. International flights arrive into both Phuket and Krabi and Emirates fly directly to Phuket whilst Flydubai fly to Krabi. One of the highlights of any stay at this hotel is the view! From every corner of the hotel, you’ll see stunning views of limestone islands jutting out of the sea just off the coast.
Rooms + suites: 9/10
There are 54 gorgeously designed pavilions and villas suites amid tropical gardens and serpentine moats. The sprawling property best explored on wheels, and your personal butler will happily chauffeur you in the resort’s golf carts from your rooms to wherever you need to go. Rooms are lavish and well-designed, with interiors of cream granite, white linen and ornate carving placed into the ceiling and walls. The bathrooms have lotus-shaped sinks and beautiful tubs with walk in wardrobe, separate shower and multiple mirrors.
All accommodation feature high-end touches including flat screen televisions, speaker systems and delightful verandas appointed with lounge beds. The pavilions have 108 square meters of total indoor and outdoor space – the Ocean Pavilion features a sundeck overlooking the sea whilst the Reserve Pavilions offer 179 total square meters of space, each with a private tropical garden view. To assure your needs are met, a personal butler is at your service 24 hours a day in all Phulay Bay accommodation. The hotel also has Beach Villas, Reserve Pool Villas with private pools and gardens and 6 Royal Beach villas with sea views, infinity pool with hydro jets, indoor and outdoor bath facilities with rainforest showers, private gardens and a veranda with lounge beds.
Food + drink: 9/10
There are three main restaurants at Phulay Bay a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and one poolside spot for lunch and a sunset bar (which we frequented every night for perfect sunset after sunset). Each restaurant features dishes made from only the finest ingredients, sourced from local markets each morning, then served with flawless Thai hospitality in settings that reflect the unique culture and architecture of Thailand.
A large breakfast buffet – tropical fruits, fresh coconuts (of course), breads, pastries and live cooking stations for eggs, noodles and waffles – is served in Jampoon, whilst in the evening this turns into an international French-inspired al a carte restaurant. Sri Trang serves some of the best Thai food I have ever eaten, on a deck overlooking the beach (try the Wagyu beef massaman curry with a sweet potato twist). However the highlight is Lae Lay, run by a Michelin starred chef, specialising in seafood. The whole experience from start to finish is well executed and each dish offers an array of flavours from products only sourced locally. Finally, Plai Fah offers burgers, sandwiches, Thai specialities and salads by the pool. For sunset, make sure you bag one of the oversized sofas and a passionfruit caiprinha at chic beachfront bar Chomtawan.
Spa + facilities: 9/10
Facilities and experiences are endless at Phulay Bay a Ritz-Carlton Reserve from the tranquil spa to the at-sea excursions. The spa, an oasis of relaxation, offers a range of holistic treatments inspired by ancient Thai healing traditions. Highly skilled therapists use natural, organic products during massages, invigorating body scrubs, and facials. The design takes lead from the lobby with purple splattered throughout. There is also a vitality pool, saunas, steam baths, wellness studio (with reformer pilates), and spacious relaxation areas in each spa suite. Other services like blow dries and manicures are also available.
My only negative to Phulay Bay is the lack of beach – the hotel is very much by the sea but beach is rocky, small and mostly underwater due to the ever-changing tide. To compensate however, there is a massive infinity pool flanked by plush double-loungers and a swim up pool bar. Those who are craving beach can take advantage of the daily complimentary boat trips to nearby Hong Island (25 minutes by long boat), where you will be spoilt with crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and incredible snorkelling.
There is a 24-hour fitness centre with Muay Thai boxing facilities, a watersports centre with complimentary kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, and daily yoga and stretching classes. The hotel team and personal butlers can also organise everything and anything from mountain treks, walks to waterfalls, cycling tours, diving expeditions and golf, as well as boat trips galore to explore many of the amazing and untouched local islands.
The verdict: 9/10
One of the many hallmarks of Phulay Bay a Ritz-Carlton Reservel is its exceptional service. The staff are genuinely warm and attentive and addressed every need and request with a smile and in an efficient manner – they were also fantastic with our kids (who I think were more gutted about leaving than we were). Their attention to detail and genuine care for guests turned a great stay to a truly memorable one, something I am sure sets them apart from the rest.
ritzcarlton.com, @phulaybayreserve
Maryanne Peacock is Near+Far’s resident family-travel expert. UK-born and Dubai-based for over 12 years, she’s built everything from an award-winning podcast, Mother Tongue, to a leading luxury PR agency. With her husband and three young children in tow, she travels widely – and knows exactly what makes a hotel or destination truly work for families. You can follow her on @maryannepeaky
