Ban Raya Resort and Spa

Ban Raya Resort and Spa Overview

First Impressions

When I first pulled up to Ban Raya Resort and Spa, honestly, I wasn’t prepared for how stunning the setting would be. This four-star resort sits right on Ko Racha Yai island, and you know what? The boat transfer from Phuket actually becomes part of the experience rather than just a hassle. The property has this intimate feel — it’s not one of those massive resorts where you feel lost in the crowd, which I really appreciated.

The Island Setting

Ko Racha Yai is about 20 kilometers south of Phuket, and the isolation works in the resort’s favor. The beaches here are genuinely pristine — I mean, you’re looking at white sand and crystal-clear water that makes those Instagram photos look almost understated. What surprised me was how quiet everything gets in the evenings, especially compared to the bustle you’d find on Phuket’s main beaches. Couples seem to gravitate here for good reason, and I can see why they rate the location so highly.

Accommodations and Amenities

My room faced the ocean, and waking up to that view never got old during my stay. The accommodations feel thoughtfully designed — not overly flashy, but comfortable with those little touches that matter, like a proper workspace and decent water pressure in the shower. The resort’s spa became my go-to spot in the afternoons; they do excellent Thai massages, and the treatment rooms have this open-air design that lets you hear the waves while you’re relaxing. There’s also a decent restaurant on-site, though I’ll be honest — the menu can feel a bit limited after a few days.

Dining and Daily Rhythms

The breakfast setup is actually pretty solid — they do both American and buffet options, which covers most preferences. I found myself gravitating toward the fresh tropical fruits and local dishes rather than the Western options, but it’s nice to have choices. The resort tends to quiet down significantly after dinner, which creates this peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect if you’re looking to disconnect. Just keep in mind that dining options beyond the resort require a boat trip back to Phuket, so you’re somewhat committed to the on-site experience.

Why Guests Love It

What really sets this place apart is the combination of accessibility and seclusion — you’re close enough to Phuket to not feel completely cut off, but far enough away to have that private island experience. The staff genuinely seems to care about making your stay comfortable, and the property maintains this relaxed vibe that never feels rushed or overly commercialized. If you’re looking for a place where you can actually unwind without constant noise and crowds, Ban Raya delivers on that promise. The location rating speaks for itself, especially for couples who want something more intimate than the typical beach resort experience.

Hotel in Phuket booking should be done early, especially during high season when the island hosts internationally celebrated beach parties and cultural festivals at Patong Beach and other iconic locations.

Ban Raya Resort and Spa Accommodations

Reviews of Ban Raya Resort and Spa

• Damir from Russia (8/10)

  Very nice cozy place. Feels so natural. Gooses, cows, lizzards walking around the place. Like country side. Love it. The stuff kid drives me to the market and back on his motobike, so cool

• Alison from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Amazing island with fantastic friendly staff
  Could do with some canoe or boat access as limited things to do apart from chill and massage

• Svante from Spain (8/10)

  Snorkelling and diving.
  Lots of fishes and no turist boats in the bay.
  Super friendly staff.

• Zstant from United States (7/10)

  It was great seeing all the wildlife on the island right there on the resort property, freely walking around – monitor lizards, water buffalo, giant bats, housecats, and even a peacock. The staff were fine, but did not necessarily go out of their way to be helpful. The island is beautiful and there is a nice little rocky beach area with snorkeling. The hotel provides mask, snorkel, and life vest for this, but you must pay 100 baht if you want fins. There was just enough sand in this area for my kid to make sand castles. There are also a few chairs above the beach that you can lay out on if you get there before they're all taken. The breakfast was pretty good and included a variety of hot food options buffet-style. The restaurant has decent food, which is good because it is the only option at the resort (there are a couple restaurants in the nearby village and at the other resorts). If you are a Chinese speaker, this is a great place for you, as the staff speak Chinese and the vast majority of of the guests staying at the resort are Chinese. My wife is Chinese, so it was great for us, but I could see how it might feel a bit isolating for some westerners.

• Александр from Russia (7/10)

  Beautiful location and pleasant hotel grounds

• Cloé from Canada (8/10)

  Paradise island with a beautiful view ! The staff were amazing and offer transport to the beach several time a day !

• Chloe from United States (7/10)

  I had a great stay!! The resort is very large and very well maintained. The staff were so friendly, and you could always find someone to help answer any questions. Loved the option to rent a scooter to really get around the island easier. It's a bit of a walk to the main beaches, and you won't want to always wait for the tractor, trailer they use to drop you off and pick you up all the time. The buffet breakfast was an added bonus. Room was clean and basic. The bathroom was large, great water pressure, comfy bed and great sheets and pillows! Wifi was spotty sometimes, but that's to be expected on an island this small. There even is a little mini mart-type store on the property – yes a bit more expensive, but the island as a whole has higher prices due to being on a secluded island, so that's to be expected.

• Jo from United Kingdom (8/10)

  location, trips to near by beach, the swimming pool.

• Xijuan from China (9/10)

  Beautiful viewings and easy to go to the beach.

• Joost from Netherlands (7/10)

  Nice location and spacious hotel

Surroundings

Facilities