We review Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas: where barefoot bliss meets five-star indulgence in Thailand
No shoes, no worries, just paradise.
From the stunning beaches of Phuket to the royal history of Hua Hin, and the 24-hour allure of Bangkok, Thailand truly has something for everyone. And if it’s a luxe castaway fantasy you’re after, then Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas needs to be on your hit list.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas review
There’s something almost absurdly indulgent about being dropped off in the glittering shallows of Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach by private speedboat, the warm sun caressing your skin as a rhythmic gong chimes in the background. It’s as if I’ve stepped into the fantasy of a luxe, castaway adventure—except here, the only challenge is deciding whether to sip my welcome drink first or revel in the feeling of soft, sun-warmed sand beneath my feet.
The resort itself is a love letter to understated opulence. The 30-metre beachfront infinity pool, complete with bubble beds and massage jets calling whenever I wasn’t meandering through lush tropical gardens or watching Koi fish glide lazily beneath wooden bridges.
Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas doesn’t do things by halves. From the moment my shoes were ceremoniously whisked away in a foot-washing ritual, I knew I was in for an experience that straddled the line between effortless relaxation and unrestrained indulgence. My personal villa host, a genial, anticipatory presence, led me to my room for an in-room check-in that felt less like a formality and more like the opening act to a grand, tailor-made performance.
The villas
And what a performance it was. Let’s talk about these villas, because they are, in a word: sublime. My Ocean Pool Suite, located on the second floor, had a private plunge pool that overlooked the rolling waves, a sprawling terrace perfect for languid afternoons, and a king-sized bed so inviting, I was tempted to ditch my afternoon yoga plans just to luxuriate in it.
The room itself was expansive—airy, light-filled, and designed to blur the lines between indoors and out. Thoughtful touches—Apple TV, a yoga mat, a Nespresso coffee machine, a beach bag—whispered of a stay curated for both serenity and spontaneous adventure. At night, when the lights were dimmed, the rhythmic crash of the waves became my personal lullaby, coaxing me into a deep slumber.
Spa therapy, island style
Tucked away in lush greenery, the spa was a hidden sanctuary where my stress vanished instantly like ice on a hot summer day. Perched between the jungle and the sea, it offered Ayurvedic treatments so restorative, it seemed as though they were working their magic on a molecular level.
I was booked in for the signature Anantara Kaya, a two-hour ritual of pure indulgence, and by the end of it, I was half-convinced I’d unlocked the secret to eternal youth. The massage was genuinely good. As the medicated herbal oils seeped into my skin and expert hands kneaded away every last knot, I could feel myself sink deeper into relaxation, my mind drifting like the waves. Warm poultices, designed not only to ease tension but to improve circulation were used to enhance the massage. The tension I hadn’t even realised I was carrying melted away, leaving behind nothing but a quiet, blissful stillness.
A feast for the senses (and your stomach)
If there’s one thing Anantara Rasananda does exceptionally well, besides making you feel like royalty, it’s feeding you. Mornings here start with a floating breakfast—because let’s be real, eggs and toast just hit differently when you’re having them waist-deep in a villa pool.
For lunch, The Bistro at the Beach serves up the freshest seafood, fiery Thai curries, and cocktails so perfectly crafted, they’ll set a new standard. I dug my toes into the warm sand as I savoured coconut-laced delights, flame-kissed Iberico lamb shanks, and prawns grilled to smoky perfection. My dessert, the Mango Sticky Rice, was a tropical masterpiece. Fragrant jasmine rice, sweet golden mango, and a rich swirl of coconut cream created a sweet, creamy, and utterly irresistible dish.
As the sun dipped lower, I discovered my best beachside companion: Edge 20’s Tom Yum Fizz—a cocktail that danced between fiery and refreshing, keeping my taste buds on their toes.
And just when I thought the evening couldn’t get any better, Yukinoya’s teppanyaki show turned dinner into a spectacle of sizzling theatrics and umami-rich delights. More than just a meal, it was a front-row seat to a dynamic, knife-flipping, fire-dancing culinary performance. As the only teppanyaki-style Japanese restaurant on Koh Phangan, this intimate dining spot serves up some of the freshest sushi, sashimi, and grilled delights on the island. Notable mentions include the Carpaccio Hamachi Nachi—delicate slices of yellowtail, kissed with citrus and a whisper of spice, a perfect balance of freshness and zing. Hot on its heels was the Hotate Ume Carpaccio, where buttery scallops bathed in a plum-infused sauce melted effortlessly on my tongue. By the time the last bite was gone and the final cocktail drained, one thing was clear—the team at Anantara Rasananda doesn’t just serve meals, they craft solid experiences.
Adventure, or another cocktail?
If you can tear yourself away from the serenity, adventure awaits. Snorkel in crystalline waters, kayak through secret lagoons, or hop on a boat to the legendary Ang Thong National Marine Park, where limestone cliffs rise dramatically from the sea. But if your idea of excitement involves securing the best sunset-watching spot, grab a beachfront beanbag and let the mixologists work their magic. Because sometimes, the best kind of thrill is found in a perfectly shaken cocktail with the ocean as your backdrop.
The final verdict
At Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, it’s the little things that make the magic. Sunbeds are assigned to each ocean-view suite, eliminating any stress of beachside real estate negotiations. The personal drinking flasks were a great touch, keeping me well hydrated throughout while giving single-use plastics the boot. The sundown ceremony, where Thai dancers, flickering torches, and a tale of love and mythology turned an ordinary evening into something unforgettable.
This is the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after the tan fades. It’s effortlessly luxurious without being pretentious, indulgent yet laid-back. Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, escaping the daily grind, or simply looking for an excuse to live your best island life selfies and all, this is where you come to master the art of doing absolutely nothing. Pack light, bring an appetite for luxury, and prepare to fall head over bare heels (as I did) for this slice of tropical heaven.
Discover more about Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas or Book through Booking.com
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