A 40-minute drive from Krabi’s International Airport, Phulay Bay appeared before us as if part of a desert mirage

It’s like a secret place. Nestled on the shores of the Andaman Sea and near Phi Phi Island, Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve marries nature and culture seamlessly. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed to an open space highlighting a wooden pagoda with refreshing cold towels, a welcome drink, and an orchid bracelet.

Phulay Bay has several room and villa categories. You can choose between Beach and Reserve Villas, which range in size from 352 to 588 square meters, or the Pavilions. We stayed at the amply spacious 179-square-meter Reserve Pavilion, which flaunts floor-to-ceiling windows, plush furniture, gilded Lanna art, and, according to hotel management, “the longest bed on earth”. 

A massive, fully marble bathroom featured a double sink, an oversized soaking tub, and a separate shower. Then there was another outdoor shower and yet another tub within reach, through glass doors. Staying at any of the rooms, you will be appointed a personal butler who can help take care of any planning or activities and who leaves several thoughtful gifts during your stay, including warm bubble baths and freshly made French macarons.

Bubble bath at the Reserve Pavilion

When it comes to dining at Phulay Bay, multiple options are available, such as Jampoon restaurant, which serves Western and Thai cuisine as well as a magnificent buffet breakfast that includes freshly-baked pastries, fresh fruit and juices, and Prosecco. We highly recommend the chef’s special french toast made with thick slices of bread, coconut, and syrup. 

Near the pool, you can find the pool bar and restaurant as well as a casual lounge by the sunset bar. Most guests wander over to the bar, Chomtawan, to have a drink and free popcorn as they watch the sun plunge behind the islands along the horizon.

For dinner, guests should pay a visit to Sri Trang, the resort’s famous Thai restaurant whose head chef has been delighting visitors with her recipes for the past 18 years. The menu celebrates the country’s timeless flavors with ingredients like ginger, lemongrass, and mango. Reserve a table inside the signature restaurant or experience its private beachfront area for an unforgettable evening.

Sri Trang Restaurant

Going on an island tour is something you must do when in Krabi, and with The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Phulay Bay, you can take a longtail boat to the beautiful Hong Island. The long-tail boats leave at 8am, earlier than most external boat tours, giving guests some time to enjoy the tranquillity of the tropical island’s pristine beach before others arrive.

Enjoy a private trip to Hong Island

Starting this month, Marriott Bonvoy has an exciting addition to its portfolio of participating brands and hotels. Members can earn and redeem across the five Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties, located in Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, and Mexico.

Learn more about the Ritz-Carlton Reserve program here.