Anantara Rasananda thrives on its dream location right by the beach and the relaxed Koh Phangan vibe – you immediately into that holiday mode here. Service is warm, the suites luxurious and, with their own pools, almost unbeatable. The only downside: the overpriced transfer and the somewhat chaotic pool area – but all in all, it’s still a really nice premium resort to unwind in. But see for yourself!
Review #82
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- Personalised welcome gifts with local sweets
- Fresh coconut in your room upon arrival
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Content
Location
Anantara Rasananda is located on the island of Koh Phangan, Thailand, featuring a dream location right on Thong Nai Pan beach and is surrounded by tropical nature. Being quiet and idyllic makes the stay perfect for those seeking rest and relaxation. Nevertheless, some of the island’s most famous attractions, such as Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach and Haad Yuan Beach, are only a short drive or boat ride away. The resort offers easy transfers and good connections for excursions to the surrounding islands or to explore the local culture.
Getting there
We arrived at Koh Samui Airport on a short flight from our last two hotels, The Racha and Naka Island, near Phuket.
How to get to the resort
To get to Anantara Rasananda, you have to take a boat transfer to the island, just like at The Racha and Naka Island. The Anantara Rasananda Samui Pier Lounge is located, as the name suggests, on Koh Samui at one of the many jetties directly by the beach and already offers a foretaste of your stay. The journey from the airport takes just under 10 minutes, and if you have booked the transfer with the resort, you will be greeted with an Anantara sign upon arrival at the airport and taken to the lounge by car.
However, we find the additional transport quite expensive at 120 Euro per person – especially when considering the fact that a similarly long transport distance is included at The Racha, for example. I mean, you have to get to the island somehow to stay at the resort. So our expectations of the transfer were rather high.
If desired, you can also organise your own transfer and either hire your own boat or take the ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan and then take a taxi from the ferry port on the opposite side of the island, which will take you just under an hour. This is certainly cheaper than the hotel transfer, but it is also more tiring and time-consuming. So it´s definitely more relaxed to book through the resort.
We opted for a picked up and booked our journey through Anantara Rasananda and were greeted warmly at the airport exit by a staff member holding a sign from the hotel. Our suitcases were then loaded straight away and we were driven the short distance to the lounge safely.
Check-in
Welcome Lounge
As we arrived at the beautiful Lounge, we were able to snag the perfect seat at the front row to already enjoy a little island beach feeling. Immediately after we sat down, our passports were collected and we were able to order a small, non-alcoholic refreshment. While our check-in was being prepared, we were able to help ourselves to some fruit and, in addition to using the toilet, we could even have taken a shower.
For the actual check-in, the receptionist came and together with us sorted out the formalities right at where we were seated. We clarified the room situation (more on that below) and were even able to choose a welcome drink that would be waiting for us upon arrival on the island. Furthermore we were informed that upon arrival on Koh Pha Ngan, we would have to walk a short distance through the sea and should be prepared to wade through knee-deep surf.
Crossing
Shortly after we had finished checking in, we were ready to go and could all board the boat. Off we went down the Jetty, but before we were allowed to go down the stairs, our shoes were packed into individual bags labelled with our room numbers. Then we quickly went down the hot stairs and onto the boat. Once everyone was seated, we were welcomed and informed that life jackets must be worn throughout the crossing. Immediately after departure, all guests were served a round of water, and were then able to enjoy the warm breeze and the fantastic view of the Thai islands.
During our stay, the transfer times starting from Koh Samui were 12:30 and 17:00.
Welcome at the Resort
After about 40 minutes, we arrived at the bay and the boat was parked as close as possible to the beach, facing backwards. Several members of the staff were already waiting at the beach and actively helped all guests take their first steps down into the water.
Once we arrived at the beach, we were greeted warmly and cheerfully, and were handed our pre-selected drinks by the General Manager himself. Each party was then given a brief tour of the facility by their personal assistant and provided with all the basic information about the hotel and opening hours. As our room was already fully prepared, we were able to move in straight away.
Personally, I thought it was great to get off the boat into the sea and walk onto the island in a kind of traditional way without the use of a jetty. However, I can well imagine that opinions are divided on this point. Not all guests will like this procedure, and to be honest, I can’t imagine how it would work for people who are not too steady on their feet or even having difficulties walking.
Amy, our villa host, was unfortunately unable to be at the welcoming ceremony, but introduced herself later. We gave our mobile number as we got in the room so in order for her to get into contact with us as she needed to, which worked out great.
Also we were able to pair our phones to the room using the app, where you can use the chat and get information as well as restaurant menus.
Anantara Rasananda at a glance
Anantara Rasananda Koh Pha Ngan opened in 2007 and offers a total of 64 luxurious pool suites and villas located directly at Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach. In recent years, both the pool and the spa area have been modernised to ensure maximum comfort and contemporary luxury. The resort belongs to the renowned Anantara Group, which is known for its exclusive resorts in authentic dream destinations.
The accommodations are evenly distributed throughout the resort and harmoniously nestled in the tropical vegetation. The main restaurants and the beach bar are located directly by the beach offering sea view for all guests. Set back on a hill is the Rasananda Spa with spectacular panoramic views over Thong Nai Pan Noi Bay, located right next to the gym.
Just outside the resort is a small, charming village consisting of a single winding street. There you will find two supermarkets, several massage parlours and numerous cafés, restaurants and bars. Everything feels extremely relaxed and peaceful – ideal for a short evening stroll or a cosy dinner. Many hotel guests take advantage of this possibility, and at least we were certainly not disappointed.
At the time of our stay, the resort was particularly popular with couples and families though.
Suite
As always, we booked the lowest room category – in this case, the Pool Suite. Thanks to our GHA Platinum status, we actually receive an upgrade to the next category – subject to availability, of course. In our case, all higher categories were unavailable on the first night, so we stayed in the room type we had booked for the time being, but agreed that we would be upgraded to a higher category from the second night onwards.
So come with us and take a closer look at Pool Suite No. 11.
source: anantara.com
Welcome
As we arrived at our Suite, a bottle of rosé sparkling wine, a small cake and two macarons were waiting for us – we devoured the sweets straight away and enjoyed the sparkling wine during our first dip in the pool.
A short while later, we received a lovely welcome message from our villa host Amy via the app.
Entrance
Behind the front door, you will find yourself in a small entrance hall leading to the combined living space and bedroom, as well as the bathroom and walk-in wardrobe. The latter is quite spacious and offers plenty of room to store your clothes. You will also find bathrobes, slippers, a safe, an ironing board with iron, a mosquito repellent diffuser, and everything you need for shoe care and in case you want to have your clothes dry cleaned.
Living room and bedroom
In addition to the bed, the combined living room and bedroom also features a desk on the right-hand wall with everything you need to work comfortably, and a television mounted on the wall above it. In the far corner, a cosy sofa is built into a recess, with a small table and armchair in front of it.
The king-size bed had two large pillows for each sleeper, one with a firmer filling and the other wonderfully soft and cosy. In addition, there was a very comfortable, heavy memory foam pillow for each of us, which ensured a wonderful night’s sleep for both of us. Also there is a large, medium-weight cosy blanket for both of us to share.
A lamp is stalled on each of the bedside tables on the right and left, and a notepad and pen sits next to the telephone on the left. Charging points are built into the sides of the tables. Reading lamps were also mounted on the headboard.
Next to the desk, the minibar is recessed into a niche. In addition to a Nespresso machine, it also offers crockery and cutlery. Of course, there are also a few snacks, soft drinks and spirits. Everything you need to prepare tea and coffee is free of charge, while the rest of the food and drinks on offer are subject to a charge.
Bathroom
The spacious bathroom has a double sink on the left. And this is where you will find the usual amenities and toiletries. To the right behind the door is a spacious toilet, and right next to it, in a glass enclosure overlooking the terrace, is the walk-in rain shower.
View
Impressively, all rooms and villas at Anantara Rasananda offer guests their own (small) pool, which is also the case in this lowest room category. The terrace features a corner with a plunge pool and integrated seating area. The large terrace also offers two sun loungers with a small table.
This room views over the resort and the central path from above. However, everything is beautifully overgrown with greenery and the terrace area is completely hidden from the view from below.
Turndown
At night, the bed is turned down and slippers are laid out. All curtains are drawn and the lighting is adjusted to create a cozy atmosphere once you return to your room for the night.
Room change
However, we decided to ask for another upgrade to an Ocean Pool Villa. Unfortunately, this was beyond our upgrade options, so we were given the opportunity to get an Ocean Garden Pool Suite for an additional charge. Luckily we were able to move into one of these units from the second night onwards.
After the first night, we were actually able to already move into our new suite at 11:00 a.m. So come with us again and take a look at the great Suite No. 21 and the beautiful grounds that comes with it.
You enter your suite through a gate just to arrive at your own small garden. From there, you can access your room via the terrace and through the sliding glass door.
source: anantara.com
Living room and bedroom
Apart from the bed, the actual room again consists only of a small, practical desk at the entrance to the bathroom and a couch with small table right next to the bed.
The king-size bed is identical to the one in the first room, but interestingly, the memory foam pillows were only delivered later — we hadn’t even noticed that they weren’t already there. So either they were forgotten at first, or they were accidentally already in the first room. We don’t know for sure.
Just like in the other room, the beach bag with beach towels and slippers was already waiting for us! A nice gesture, right?
In the area between the walk-in wardrobe and the bathroom, the minibar is once again beautifully integrated into a niche. The selection is the same as in the previous room.
The walk-in closet, on the other hand, is much larger than in the previous room. Though you will basically find the same furnishings here, just with much more space.
Bathroom
The bathroom is also identical, only installed in mirror image. The furnishings and size correspond to the previous room.
Only the exit does not lead to the terrace, but directly to the outdoor shower, from where you can then go directly into your small garden. There is also a trough filled with water that you can use to rinse your sandy feet before walking into the room or onto the terrace.
View
THE Highlight of this room category is, of course, direct beach access with your own small pool and a spacious cabana where you can relax in style. Also there are reserved sun loungers right at the beach.
Throughout the day, the security guard patrols the beach at regular intervals to make sure everything is in order. In addition, there is a camera and a light featureing a motion detector at the beach entrance to the property, so you are really quite safe here— even at night.
Resort activities
Adult Pool / Quiet Pool
The adults-only or quiet pool is located just behind the family pool, right in the heart of the resort, close to the reception and restaurants. Though in my opinion, this area feels very cramped and could do with being much more spacious. It feels like as if space has been saved here in order to maximize the number of rooms.
The fact that the quiet pool is only separated from the family pool by a bridge naturally makes the whole idea of a quiet area for adults seem rather absurd! How can a pool be quiet when the kids’ club and the family pool are literally just two steps away? Anantara Rasananda should have planned this way better!
This system is simply doomed to failure. Quite apart from the fact that there are no sun loungers here except for the lounge bed in the center of the pool, only families playing with their children stayed here during our stay. Everyone else obviously just used their own pools or simply stayed by the sea.
Family Pool
The family pool is also prominently located in the center of the resort, but right by the beach. There are some sun loungers on the sides and, above all, directly in front of it on the sand. At least, as many as the space allows.
I find the location of the pool bar in the middle of the family pool rather questionable. And whether it’s such a good idea to build the family pool right next to the main restaurant is also remains doubtful – after all, breakfast is served until 10:30 a.m., and surely not all guests want to be entertained by families splashing around while they are trying a relaxed start into their day.
Beach
Like everywhere else in Thailand, the beach in front of Anantara Rasanada is not privately owned by the hotel but accessible to everyone. However, the hotel manages to create the impression of a private beach by discreetly placing the sun loungers. There are plenty available, and pairs of loungers are placed along the entire length of the rather extensive stretch of beach. If desired, they can be serviced by the staff at the touch of a button.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t work particularly well to have a refreshing glass of water brought to you once you lie down, or even to have towels spread out for you. Also, Anantara Rasananda does not offer its guests small refreshments or cold towels in between .
The sand on the beach itself is rather coarse-grained, but becomes very fine in the sea. The water is rather greenish, as is typical for the region and rather clear to a depth of about 50 cm. Just off the actual beach is a flat sandbank that you have to walk over before the sea becomes deeper very smoothly.
Fitness Center
The very small gym is located in a room on the first floor and is accessible from the street in the back side of the resort. There you will find a treadmill, an exercise bike, a multi-function machine, free weights area, as well as water and towels.
Spa
Since we booked through our Preferred Partner Rate, our rate also included a 60-minute massage. So shortly after our arrival, we made an appointment for both of us.
As we arrived at the Anantara Spa, we were warmly welcomed with a cold drink and cold towels, and we were asked to choose our preferred scent for the massage. After being questioned if we had any preferences regarding the areas that needed special attention, we headed to the changing room.
The beautiful changing room offers lockers for guests, where bathrobes and disposable underwear are provided. You can change with an unobstructed view of nature and also take a shower after your treatment.
After changing into bathrobes, we went for the treatment room all the way through the jungle, climbing many stairs. And then it was time to relax.
The steam sauna, built right into the rocks on the mountainside, is also exciting. If you want to use it, you simply let the staff know half an hour in advance, so you can use it free of charge.
After the treatment, we were both given a tea of our choice to help us relax and arrive back at this universe.
Below you can also see the menu that was current at the time of our stay.
Kid´s Club
There isn’t actually a dedicated kids’ club here at Anantara Rasananda. But right next to the two pools, there was an open hut that served as a kind of supervised playground.
Tours
The location of Anantara Rasananda on Koh Pha Ngan is perfect for boat trips to the surrounding small islands, and there are countless worthwhile destinations on the island itself.
By the way: if you’re worried that it will be noisy during the Full Moon Party nights, don’t be – that won’t happen here. The bay where the party takes place is quite far away, and the hotel bay is wonderfully quiet at night.
Special features
Anantara Rasananda offers daily activities that change every day. You must register the day before to participate free of charge.
Restaurants
Anantara Rasananda offers a manageable total of two restaurants and a pool bar, all centrally located by the two main pools right in the middle of the resort.
The Bistro @ The Beach
The resort’s all-day dining restaurant offers international and Thai specialties targeting the whole family and is located right by the beach and the pool. Making it also an ideal place to grab a bite to eat at lunchtime and during the evening, you can relax and end the day with a delicious meal.
Yukinoya
The Japanese restaurant on the first floor of the main complex offers specialties for dinner. This restaurant is the only one in the resort that also offers an air-conditioned indoor area.
EDGE2O
The pool bar at Anantara Rasananda is literally built into the resort’s main pool. Here you can order snacks and refreshments, as well as cocktails.
Breakfast
At Anantara Rasananda, breakfast is served in the main restaurant, The Bistro @ The Beach where a beautifully presented, rather extensive menu is waiting four you to order egg dishes and sweet options from. The Resort also offers a medium-sized buffet.
From the second day onwards, we were able to sit aside by the Japanese restaurant, which gave us a little more space, peace and especially quiet. Why this area is not offered as a quiet zone as a standard to all guests remains a mystery to us and is probably best explained by staffing levels.
On the last day, we had to have breakfast rather early due to us leaving at 9:00 a.m. and were very pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was and how relaxed breakfast can be – here, right by the beach! When it’s this quiet, the restaurant really has great potential to be one of our favorites for starting the day!
Check-out
On the afternoon before our departure, our villa host Amy somewhat mysteriously asked us via WhatsApp where we were and us being at our pool, she surprised us with two glasses of sparkling wine and even a framed photo as a farewell gift. They cleverly used the photo that was taken of us at check-in. We can’t say whether all guests receive this or whether it was special treatment, but it was definitely a great idea to create memories.
She also advised us at that it would be best to settle our bill in the evening so that we would have more time for breakfast in the morning. No sooner said than done. After dinner, we stopped by the reception desk and were able to pay the bill, which had already been prepared in advance. There were just a few technical difficulties with the credit card terminal, but basically everything went smoothly, just resulting in taking a little longer – so no problem here.
Costs
We paid 900 Euro for our three nights for the smallest room category here at Anantara Rasananda, plus an additional 500 Euro for the upgrade to the Ocean Garden Beach Suite for two nights. At the time of our stay, the paid 1,400 Euro was equivalent to approximately 52,850 THB.
Please note, however, that the transfer costs an additional 120 Euro per person for the round trip. To be honest, we both find this price quite excessive, as most other island resorts in Thailand include such a transfer boat trip. So, in our opinion the Resort is clearly making quite a profit from its guests with this procedure and the Anantara brand is also not very consistent in this topic as at the Anantara Koh Yao Yai the transfer is included.
Departure and onward journey
We took the early transfer due to our flight to Singapore around noon which was kindly confirmed for us again upon checking out in the evening. We were also informed that we might have to leave 15 minutes earlier as we might have to be taken to the next bay to use the proper jetty there if the waves are too high or the weather is too bad for boarding the vessel beachside.
In the morning, however, the weather was fantastic and the sea was completely calm. So, luckily, we were able to relax and walk across the beach to the boat in order to return to the pier at Koh Samui.
At the time of our stay, the transfer times for the return journey from the resort were 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
As mentioned, we then continued on to Singapore, where we will stay one more night at the legendary St. Regis and, of course, not miss the champagne ritual! We will use our short stay in the city for a little sightseeing and then head back to our home airport in Frankfurt in Lufthansa Business Class.
Conclusion
With the Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan, we visited a resort that is situated in a dreamlike location directly on Thong Nai Pan beach and definitely exudes a feeling of luxury with its pool suites and villas. The Ocean Garden Pool Suite with direct beach access is a particular highlight – a tropical idyll is guaranteed here.
However, the expensive boat transfer leaves a foul taste, as it is not included compared to other resorts in Thailand. And in our opinion, the layout of the pool areas is subpar – those looking for peace and quiet will be very disappointed at their “Quiet Pool.”
On the other hand, we found the personal service, the warm welcome, and small touches such as welcome gifts or a photo upon check-out to be very positive. Breakfast on the beach also has real potential for a true relaxing start when you manage to catch on of those quieter moments.
All in all, Anantara Rasananda is a beautiful resort with a great location, excellent service and plenty of potential for unforgettable moments. Those who are willing to pay for the transfer and accept minor weaknesses at the pool side will probably have a wonderful stay here.
So we can recommend Anantara Rasananda to all travellers. Families in particular will get their money’s worth here. Solo travellers and couples can enjoy relaxing moments at their own pool and by the beach, but also at the public pool, if they don’t mind a little family action going on there.
For us, the hotel is unfortunately not very much on the luxurious side due to the issues mentioned above. Therefore, we place the Anantara Rasananda in the premium segment on our scale.
Rating
We award Anantara Rasananda 9 out of 10 possible points.
Half a point is each deducted for the transfer, which is not included, and for the areas for families and those seeking peace and quiet not being sufficiently separated.
Go there?
Yes. We can quite recommend Anantara Rasananda.
Booking with EVRYWHRE
So you also want to vacation at the Anantara Rasananda? Then book through our Preferred Partner Rate! It won’t cost you any more, but it will bring you real benefits:
✔ Complimentary breakfast
✔ Upgrade subject to availability
✔ Free 60-minute massage for two people per stay
✔ Early check-in or late check-out subject to availability
✔ Fresh coconut in your room upon arrival
✔ Earn points as usual
You can find all the details on our Booking Hub.
YouTube Review
If you would like more information and, above all, a video about Anantara Rasananda, take a look at our YouTube review. Enjoy!
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