The Racha: Thailand
Racha Yai Island
Phuket, Thailand
At first sight rising from the turquoise waters and pristine beach sands to the hills flanking Batok Bay, the dazzling white of Racha standing in contrast to the lush greens of its tropical forest seems like a mystical mirage. The allure of Thailand’s Andaman Sea is enhanced by its collection of beautiful islands, Koh Racha Yai captures that magical essence with Racha Resort and Spa. This premier award winning hideaway retreat is an eco friendly resort farsighted in its commitment to environmental initiatives that lead to protecting land and sea and the future of the native community.
The crescent bay welcomes the arrival of guests with a unique floating pontoon boat landing protecting the fragile environment below without damaging cement permanence. Pride in creating a five star island resort in harmony with island preservation is showcased in every aspect of Racha and the natural elements it promotes and protects. The pinnacle of sophisticated luxury and stunning whitewashed simplicity, Racha’s 85 distinctive contemporary villas reach from beachfront to hillside with panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and lavish native gardens. The singular lighthouse residence is a beacon rising above the villas, an enchanting Racha standout. The serenity of the white interiors in each of the 8 villa configurations is designed for peaceful relaxation, to meet your specifications from location and view, private Jacuzzi plunge pool, menu for ultimate sleep comfort with your choice of pillows and mattress toppers, indoor and outdoor showers, spacious bathrooms with soaking tub and dressing area, stocked minibars, sundecks and terraces, WiFi, recycled glass bottles of water and replenished bath products.
The rooftop infinity pool atop the guest pavilion is an adults only tranquil getaway for sun and swim with underwater music, fresh fare at the Fire Grill with romantic dining, and endless views of beach and sea. Below, guests can let loose at Ice Bar with karaoke, cocktails and a virtuoso band, Club Del Mar with an atmosphere designed for cocktails, conversation, and dancing into the night. The Earth Cafe brings healthful organic options from the breakfast buffet to casual fare throughout the day and a very happy hour beachside. Balance and mindfulness are integral to the Racha philosophy, from the OM Studio for daily yoga and pilates to your cardio workout at Balance Fitness Center, to the indulgences of Anumbra Spa retreat. Snorkel and diving destinations are minutes away, sea turtle nesting sands, staghorn coral reef, hiking, biking and ATV trails… adventures await with a visit to the dive center and lobby concierge. Sunset Beach features freshest seafood grilled to perfection and, for a daily treat, Gerardo’s Gelato is a must. A visit to the convenient Lobby Bar offers the best of creative cocktails and refreshments, lounging in a relaxed escape from the sun.
The Anumbra Spa experience combines locally sourced herbs and organics from the Racha extensive organic gardens in its array of body treatments, massage, facials, and scrubs. Balance energies to meet your specific body needs, from the realms of lymphatic oriented Swedish effleurage massage to traditional Thai massage, rejuvenate and recalibrate with techniques that invigorate muscles, detoxify blockages, stretch and release tension. Visits to the sauna and steam room are complementary and consultations for Racha natural products to ease sleep, soothe muscles, and combat aging sun damage are available.
Continue upward to the always happy family pool with its own snack bar and room for parents and kids of all ages to enjoy the warm waters and protective garden shade. Racha pools are chemical free, ozone treated, and sustained by the many ecological behind-the-scenes programs of capturing and recycling rainwater, state of the art wastewater treatment, and organic farm sourcing produce for all its restaurants. Racha speaks to the fragility of island environments and sustainability in its commitment to Reef Protection as a member of the non-profit Reef Ball Foundation and its innovative resort projects. It remains at the forefront of beautifully envisioned eco-responsible tourism.
