SAii Phi Phi Island Village
By Priya Anand
Long-Haul & Value Writer · June 2026
SAii Phi Phi Island Village is one of the few resorts in the Krabi region with a genuine all-inclusive board basis — buffet breakfast, three-course lunch and dinner, free-flow drinks from 11am to 11pm, and afternoon tea — set on a private 800-meter beach in secluded Loh Ba Gao Bay. The castaway-island setting, 70 acres of coconut palms, traditional Thai bungalows, an on-site Marine Discovery Centre, and superb snorkeling make it a standout for couples, honeymooners, and families who want seclusion with everything handled. The honest caveats: wine is excluded from the free-flow package, access is boat-only, and the all-inclusive is a paid board basis rather than the default rate. For travelers chasing a private-island all-inclusive without Maldives prices, it's a genuine gem.
SAii Phi Phi Island Village Review 2026: A Genuine All-Inclusive Island Escape
SAii Phi Phi Island Village pulls off something rare in Thailand: a genuine all-inclusive board basis on a private island beach. While most Thai resorts quietly market half-board as “all-inclusive,” SAii’s package is the real thing — buffet breakfast, three-course lunch and dinner, free-flow drinks from 11am to 11pm, and afternoon tea, all set on an 800-meter stretch of private white sand in secluded Loh Ba Gao Bay on Koh Phi Phi Don.
Spread across 70 acres of coconut palms and framed by jungle-covered headlands, this 201-room, 4-star resort trades resort-strip convenience for genuine castaway-island seclusion. Traditional Thai bungalows, hillside pool villas, an on-site Marine Discovery Centre, and some of the best snorkeling and diving in the region make it a standout for couples, honeymooners, and families who want to disappear with everything handled. Reachable only by boat from Phuket or Krabi, it sits in Krabi province but feels a world apart.
Here is exactly what the all-inclusive covers, where it falls short, and whether this island gem is worth the journey.
Quick Verdict
Who it’s for: Couples and honeymooners chasing private-island seclusion, families who want a castaway setting with kids’ facilities, and snorkelers and divers who want world-class reefs at the doorstep.
Worth it? Yes, with the all-inclusive board basis, if you want genuine island escape without Maldives prices. The private 800-meter beach, the castaway atmosphere, and the genuine free-flow AI are real draws. Just know wine is excluded from the drinks package and access is boat-only.
Score: 8.5 / 10
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Genuine AI board basis: 3-course meals + free-flow drinks 11am-11pm | Wine excluded from the free-flow package |
| Private 800-meter white-sand beach | Boat-access only from Phuket/Krabi |
| 70 acres of coconut palms, castaway feel | AI is a paid board basis, not default rate |
| On-site Marine Discovery Centre, great snorkeling | Remote: limited off-resort dining |
| Two pools + a Fun Pool with waterslide | Day-trippers crowd nearby beaches |
| Pool villas and hillside villas with private pools | Monsoon May-Oct can roughen crossings |
The Resort at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Loh Ba Gao Bay, Koh Phi Phi Don, Krabi |
| Rooms | 201 (bungalows, villas, suites, pool villas) |
| Restaurants | Api, Ruen Thai (Ruan Thai), Miss Olive Oyl, plus bars |
| Pools | 2 + a Fun Pool with waterslide |
| Beach | Private 800m white-sand beach, Loh Ba Gao Bay |
| Access | Boat from Phuket or Krabi airports + long-tail/speedboat |
| Kids | Family pool, Marine Discovery Centre, family bungalows |
| Star Rating | 4-star |
| Chain | SAii Resorts (S Hotels & Resorts, Thai) |
Rooms and Suites
SAii Phi Phi spreads 201 rooms across the palm-filled grounds and into the jungle hillside, with categories running from traditional garden bungalows to hillside villas with private pools. The aesthetic leans into the island setting — natural materials, Thai design touches, and a low-rise layout that keeps the castaway feel intact.
Deluxe Bungalows (Garden, Premium, Sea View)
The bungalow categories are the heart of the resort. The Deluxe Garden Bungalow (38 sqm) is the entry point, nestled among the coconut palms, while the Deluxe Sea View Bungalow (59 sqm) earns its premium with an Andaman outlook. These traditional standalone bungalows deliver the genuine island-cottage experience that defines SAii.
Deluxe Villas and Beachfront Junior Suite
Step up to the Deluxe Villas (45-59 sqm) for more space, or the Beachfront Junior Suite (79 sqm) for the closest position to the sand — ideal for couples who want to step straight onto the beach. The Two Bedroom Family Bungalow is the practical pick for families needing room to spread out.
Hillside Pool Villas
The splurge category, the Hillside Pool Villas (and the larger Oceanview Hillside Pool Villa at 125 sqm) deliver private pools and elevated views over the bay and jungle. These are the honeymoon and special-occasion rooms — total privacy with your own plunge pool above the palms.
Our Room Pick
For couples and honeymooners: a Hillside Pool Villa for privacy and a private pool, or a Beachfront Junior Suite to be right on the sand. For families: the Two Bedroom Family Bungalow for space near the Fun Pool.
Food and Dining
This is where SAii earns its all-inclusive credentials. The all-inclusive board basis covers buffet breakfast at Api, a three-course lunch from a set menu at Api, and a three-course dinner from a set menu at Api, Ruen Thai, or Miss Olive Oyl — genuine variety across cuisines, not a single repetitive buffet.
Api, Ruen Thai and Miss Olive Oyl
Api is the main beachfront restaurant and bar, the hub of the all-inclusive. Ruen Thai delivers authentic Thai cuisine in a more traditional setting, and Miss Olive Oyl brings Mediterranean dishes for variety. Rotating your dinners across these three keeps the week interesting — a real advantage over resorts with only one AI restaurant. The resort also runs special experiences like “Dinner Under the Stars” on the beach.
Drinks and Afternoon Tea
The free-flow drinks package covers selected drinks at restaurants and bars from 11am to 11pm — a generous 12-hour window that runs later than most Thai AI packages. There’s also afternoon tea with assorted cakes and ice creams from 3pm to 5pm, a lovely daily ritual. The one important exclusion to know: wine is not included in the free-flow package, so confirm exactly what’s covered if wine is your drink of choice.
Food Quality Verdict
Three restaurants spanning Thai, Mediterranean, and international cuisine, three-course set menus rather than a single buffet, and a daily afternoon tea make SAii’s all-inclusive genuinely satisfying — well above the typical Thai “AI” experience. The remote island setting means there’s little off-resort dining, so the variety on-property matters, and SAii delivers it. The wine exclusion is the one thing to flag for oenophiles.
Beach and Pools
Private Beach at Loh Ba Gao Bay
SAii’s headline asset is its private 800-meter white-sand beach in Loh Ba Gao Bay, framed by jungle-covered headlands and backed by 70 acres of coconut palms. Unlike the public beaches that define most of Thailand, this bay is the resort’s own — a genuinely private, castaway-island setting. While Phi Phi’s famous spots (Maya Bay, the main pier beaches) crawl with day-trippers, your bay stays serene.
The dry season (November through April) brings the calmest seas, best snorkeling, and smoothest boat crossings. During monsoon season (May through October), the Andaman can turn rough, making both swimming and the boat transfer more challenging on some days.
Two Pools and a Fun Pool
The resort has two swimming pools — a family pool and a lazy pool — plus a dedicated Fun Pool with a waterslide and playground for kids. The pool setup complements the beach nicely, giving families a safe water-play zone and couples a quieter lazy pool to retreat to.
Activities and Entertainment
SAii leans into its island setting with genuinely interesting activities. The standout is the Marine Discovery Centre, an educational facility focused on the bay’s marine life and conservation — a real draw for families and curious travelers. The bay offers excellent snorkeling straight off the beach, and scuba diving is world-class around Phi Phi, with operators serving the resort. Kayaking, island-hopping boat trips (to sights like Monkey Bay, Bamboo Island, and beyond), cooking classes, fruit carving, and complimentary tennis (with racquets and balls provided for in-house guests) round out the roster. Evenings are relaxed — this is a serene island escape, not a party resort.
For Families
Beyond the Fun Pool and waterslide, the Marine Discovery Centre is a genuine highlight for kids — educational and hands-on. Family bungalows give space, and the calm private bay is safer for paddling than exposed public beaches. It’s a strong family island resort, though the boat access means it suits families comfortable with a journey to reach paradise.
Spa and Wellness
The on-site spa offers the full range of Thai massage, body scrubs, facials, and treatments at Thailand’s affordable prices — a welcome way to unwind after a day of snorkeling. Spa treatments aren’t part of the all-inclusive board basis, but the value is excellent. In the island setting, an open-air Thai massage with the sound of the bay is a genuine pleasure worth building into your stay.
What Is Included vs What Costs Extra
| Included in the AI Board Basis | Costs Extra |
|---|---|
| Buffet breakfast at Api | Wine (excluded from free-flow) |
| 3-course set lunch at Api | Boat/airport transfers |
| 3-course set dinner (Api, Ruen Thai, Miss Olive Oyl) | Spa treatments |
| Free-flow selected drinks 11am-11pm | Scuba diving courses |
| Afternoon tea with cakes and ice cream (3-5pm) | Island-hopping excursions |
| Two pools + Fun Pool with waterslide | Motorized water sports |
| Snorkeling off the beach, tennis | Premium dining experiences |
| Marine Discovery Centre, WiFi | Minibar |
Pricing and How to Book
Price Ranges by Season
| Season | Period | Price Per Night (with AI) |
|---|---|---|
| Low / Monsoon | May - October | $200 - $320 |
| Shoulder | November, April | $280 - $420 |
| High Season | December - March | $400 - $600 |
| Peak (Christmas/NY) | Late Dec - early Jan | $550 - $800+ |
Prices are approximate per room per night including the all-inclusive board basis, for two adults. Hillside Pool Villas sit well above these ranges. Note the all-inclusive board basis isn’t available over peak New Year dates — confirm availability for your travel window.
Best Time to Book
Book three to four months ahead for the December-March high season, when bungalows and villas sell out fastest. Shoulder season (November, April) usually opens up six to eight weeks out. Monsoon season offers the lowest rates but rougher boat crossings.
Where to Book
- SAii Resorts direct (saiihotels.com) — Best for the all-inclusive board basis and seasonal offers.
- Booking.com / Expedia — Competitive rates; confirm the all-inclusive board basis is selected, not room-only.
- Kuoni / Virgin Atlantic Holidays — Often sell flight-and-AI packages from the UK.
Check latest prices for SAii Phi Phi Island Village →
Compared to Nearby Resorts
Barcelo Coconut Island is the closest comparison — another genuine island all-inclusive, on Coconut Island off Phuket’s east coast. Barcelo is a polished 5-star with private-pool villas and a five-minute water-taxi to the mainland, making it more convenient but less remote. SAii wins on castaway atmosphere, the private 800-meter beach, and Phi Phi’s superior snorkeling and diving; Barcelo wins on polish and ease of access.
Club Med Phuket is Thailand’s only true default all-inclusive, beachfront on Kata Beach with 30 activities and the flying trapeze. Club Med is far livelier and more activity-packed; SAii is for travelers who want seclusion and a private bay over organized resort energy.
For a mainland all-inclusive with airport convenience, see Centara Karon Resort Phuket. SAii’s unique position is offering a genuine all-inclusive on a private Phi Phi beach — a private-island escape at a fraction of Maldives pricing. Compare the full field in our best all-inclusive resorts in Thailand guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SAii Phi Phi Island Village genuinely all-inclusive?
Yes, via its all-inclusive board basis — one of the few genuine all-inclusive offers in the Krabi region. It covers buffet breakfast at Api, a three-course set lunch at Api, a three-course set dinner across Api, Ruen Thai, or Miss Olive Oyl, free-flow selected drinks from 11am to 11pm, and afternoon tea with cakes and ice cream. Note that wine is excluded from the free-flow drinks, the AI is a paid board basis rather than the default rate, and it isn’t available over peak New Year dates.
How do you get to SAii Phi Phi Island Village?
By boat only. Fly into Phuket (HKT) or Krabi (KBV), then take a shared or private transfer plus a long-tail or speedboat to Loh Ba Gao Bay on Koh Phi Phi Don. It’s a journey — but that remoteness is exactly what gives the resort its private, castaway feel. Confirm transfer arrangements with the resort when booking.
Is SAii Phi Phi good for families?
Yes. The Fun Pool with a waterslide and playground, the hands-on Marine Discovery Centre, family bungalows, and the calm private bay make it a strong family island resort. The main consideration is the boat access — it suits families comfortable with a journey to reach the island.
When is the best time to visit?
November through April for the Andaman dry season — calm seas, the best snorkeling, and smooth boat crossings, with December to March the peak. May through October is monsoon season with lower prices but rougher crossings and possible beach closures.
Are the all-inclusive drinks premium, and is wine included?
The free-flow package covers selected drinks from 11am to 11pm, but wine is specifically excluded — confirm exactly which spirits and cocktails are covered before booking. Expect local and house brands rather than premium imports.
Final Verdict
Score: 8.5 / 10
SAii Phi Phi Island Village is a genuine private-island all-inclusive — a rarity in Thailand and a genuine gem for the right traveler. The all-inclusive board basis is the real thing: buffet breakfast, three-course lunches and dinners across three restaurants, free-flow drinks from 11am to 11pm, and a daily afternoon tea, all set on an 800-meter private white-sand beach in secluded Loh Ba Gao Bay. Add 70 acres of coconut palms, traditional Thai bungalows, hillside pool villas, an on-site Marine Discovery Centre, and world-class snorkeling and diving, and you have a castaway escape that costs a fraction of an equivalent Maldives stay.
The honest caveats are the trade-offs of true seclusion: wine is excluded from the drinks package, access is boat-only, the AI is a paid board basis rather than the default, and there’s little off-resort dining or nightlife. For travelers who want exactly that kind of escape, none of it dents the appeal.
Book if: You’re a couple, honeymooner, or family chasing a private-island all-inclusive with genuine seclusion, superb snorkeling, and a castaway atmosphere — without Maldives prices.
Skip if: You want airport convenience, a buzzing resort scene, or wine in your free-flow package — in which case look at Centara Karon Resort Phuket or Club Med Phuket, or compare the full field in our best all-inclusive resorts in Thailand guide.
Check latest prices for SAii Phi Phi Island Village →