Artisan Koh Yao Yai

Artisan made a great impression on us. We landed on Koh Yao Yai by accident and booked our stay the night before, but it felt like it happened for a reason. The warm, kind local community and the location gave us a glimpse of everyday Thai life, and we’ll definitely come back. The accommodation is clean, quiet, and full of things to look at, almost like an art exhibition. Our room was spacious and beautifully decorated, with the best bed we’ve slept in so far on our trip. We also appreciated the focus on ecology and sustainability. The 24/7 admin WhatsApp was very useful, and the team helped with everything from bike rental to tours, bookings, and ferry transfers. We felt well looked after. It’s a unique place for people who enjoy nature and art. My only suggestion is that having laundry service within the hotel would be great, though there was one very close by.

The best part of Artisan for us was how quiet it was, day and night. Our simple accommodation was comfortable, somewhere between a villa and a bungalow, and the small kitchenette worked perfectly with an infant. We stayed four weeks as a family, looking for a real retreat rather than a standard holiday. At first we weren’t sure what to make of it. It’s rustic and unpolished, nothing like a typical hotel, but after two or three days we adjusted and it clicked. You can see the owners are building a lived-in, garden-filled place that’s still evolving, rather than a manicured resort. The owner and her daughter were incredibly helpful, especially with groceries, which are essential because supplies on the island are limited. Most guests were families staying a week or two or longer, so the mood felt relaxed and almost village-like. It’s a DIY stay, with helpful staff when needed, but no pampering or buffet breakfasts. I wouldn’t recommend it for a short visit, but it’s excellent for a long, slow reset.

Artisan is beautifully designed and wonderfully peaceful. The staff were kind, and friendly cats wandered around the property. I was lucky enough to spot two hornbills right on my patio. The rooms are spacious, though I gave mine a 4 because of the ants. You’re really among nature, so it happens, but that was the one small downside for me. I had an amazing 5 day stay. The property sits in the middle of the island, which makes it handy to ride a motorbike north or south. There are a couple of restaurants within walking distance, but you’ll need a bike or a songthaew to get around. I’d highly recommend visiting Koh Yao Yai, even just to see this special, unique place.

The breakfast buffet was a delight, thoughtfully laid out in a historic space made with recycled materials. It brought out the property’s nature-focused character. After the stresses of everyday life, Artisan felt like a real retreat, with a generous pool area, lovely views into nature, and a beautiful setting. It felt like a place cared for with heart and soul. We were especially touched by the kindness of everyone, from the owner enthusiastically explaining the hotel’s concept to the reception and breakfast teams. That warmth made the stay meaningful and left a lasting impression. The natural, peaceful atmosphere and thoughtful design won us over right away, and its beachfront location is ideal if you want relaxation alongside nature. It’s a small hotel and perhaps not one that fits the classic star rating. Before COVID there were many more rooms available, but unfortunately those now sit unused. Even so, it has what we needed for a relaxing stay: nature, friendly people, good facilities, and services that are always available. This stay was a real highlight, and we’ll remember it very positively. Thanks to the whole team. We’ll definitely be back! ❤️