SAii Phi Phi Island Village

SAii Phi Phi Island Village is a great island getaway on its own beach (so no other visitors/hawkers) in a quiet bit of Phi Phi and felt much more remote than Phuket so a great contrast. It's designed a bit like a village with a network of paths winding between the rooms, which are all stilted and rustic on the outside but smart and modern on the inside. They have all been recently refurbished and in great condition, with a spacious shower room and a terrace with a daybed. They have their own app which works very well to read restaurant menus, book dining and excursions, and the best bit - to order drinks and food to your sun lounger (loved that!). It's a spread-out resort but you can borrow a bike to cycle around (mostly flat) or order a buggy on the app.

It's worth mentioning that the beach is very tidal so there will be times of day when it's shallow for a long way and not possible to swim, or just sand flats, and when highest tide it can be too strong to swim. This didn't bother me though as the pools are lovely and the view still beautiful.

There are three restaurants for dinner which had a nice ambience and a nicely mixed variety of guests; mostly 30s-50s, couples, friends, a few families - so suitable for all. The two cute village streets just outside the hotel have some small bars, restaurants, shops for beer and snacks, plus tour booths.

Top tip: I recommend booking the hotel's early morning excursion to Maya Bay (‘The Beach’) by speedboat (THB 2,600). There are operators in the village who offer it by longtail boat, but the hotel's speedboat will definitely be more comfortable in rougher seas, plus they include drinks, nice snacks and a good guide.