Ko Ya Yoi beach
Ko Yao Yoi beach

InterContinental Hotels Group and Soraya Development Company Limited have announced plans to bring a new five-star luxury property to Southeast Asia, with the InterContinental Yao Yai Resort set for a 2020 opening.

Located on Phang Nga Bay, in-between Thailand’s mainland and Phuket island and half-an-hour from the region’s main airports, the new-build beachfront resort will include 170 rooms across four separate categories.

The first will consist of 72sqm ocean view rooms, with a panoramic view suite on the top floor, complete with a plunge pool, while guests can also opt for a room or suite in one of three family-designated buildings featuring water slides and pool access.

A further 18 one-bedroom tropical villas will offer guests a more exclusive stay, while the beachfront pool villas, encompassing 10 one-bedroom, one two-bedroom, and one three-bedroom units boast unblocked ocean views across a 1km beach.

Rajit Sukumaran, Chief Development Officer, Asia Middle East Africa, IHG, said: “Together with our trusted partner, Soraya Development Company Limited, we are delighted to bring our world-class InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand to Koh Yao Yai. We are expanding our luxury footprint to give affluent travellers a new destination to explore and unwind.

“As one of Thailand’s most popular areas, Phang Nga Bay attracts over five million visitors annually and this number is expected to rise substantially, thanks to continuous infrastructural development.  Phang Nga Bay is blessed with its own array of natural attractions from limestone cliffs and rock formations, as well as mangrove forests and small deserted islands in a relaxed setting, whilst still easily accessible from Phuket and Krabi, another travellers’ favourite.”

Along with three restaurant and bar outlets, a gym, pool, spa and resort centre, the hotel will offer high-end transfers to and from the hotel, as well as meeting facilities and intimate wedding arrangements. Special occasions can also be arranged at the private sandbank during low tide periods.

This marks Soraya Development Company Limited’s third property with IHG, bolstering its current portfolio which includes Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach and Holiday Inn Express Krabi Ao Nang. The company has plans to grow its hospitality portfolio in partnership with IHG in Thailand.

Khun Sornkom Kitprasan, Soraya Development Company Limited, added: “With our success in bringing two IHG hotels to Thailand, we are excited to work with IHG once again to bring luxury travel experiences to the up-and-coming Koh Yao Yai at Phang Nga Bay. The island is gaining increasing popularity amongst discerning travellers who seek a more exclusive experience, and we are confident that the InterContinental brand’s premium offerings, combined with the hotel’s stellar location, will be well-received when we open our doors in 2020.”