Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Designed by in-demand local architect Lek Bunnag, Phulay Bay is an ultra-luxury oceanfront oasis and the inaugural property in the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Reserve collection. Situated in the shadow of the Andaman Sea’s spectacular limestone mountains, this hidden and meaningful Krabi paradise deserves a spot on any escapists’ bucket list.

Property Details

Arrivals at Phulay Bay are a production, ceremoniously announced by the sound of a Thai gong and the distribution of calming concoctions of lemongrass and ginger tea. Personal butlers then escort guests through the 30-foot, aubergine-walled regal courtyard over manicured jungle gardens to one of the property’s 54 one-bedroom pavilions or villas. These elegant temples of indulgence are designed with dramatic architecture and colors, utilizing modern colonial frameworks, whitewashed wall canvases, and accents of contemporary crimson and violet Thai décor and Lana mural artwork.

Inside, hints of jasmine linger in the air, billowing curtains flitter on enormous four-meter, four-poster beds, and expansive marble bathrooms reveal rainforest showers and colossal moonlit soaking tubs equipped with Panpuri toiletries and lovely bath crystals that dissolve to rose petals for sumptuous soaks. Outside, private sundecks host lounge beds, outdoor baths, and private plunge pools set within their own jungle and ponds—a private retreat with views of the gardens or the naturally rugged shoreline and limestone karsts in the distance. The exclusive Royal Andaman Sea Villa is the ultimate romantic escape, with added features like an infinity pool with hydro jets, personal gardens and verandas, amethyst bathing rooms, daily Thai spa rituals, and personal island-hopping itineraries.

Six dining establishments offer some of the finest casual and formal cuisine in Krabi, with ingredients sourced from local markets each morning and menus redesigned every 10 days. Culinary voyages venture from live action Mediterranean cooking at Jampoon’s Chef’s Table and seafood at the waterfront Lae Lay Pavilion, to traditional Thai favorites in the modern, minimalist Sri Trang and swim-up service at the Plai Fah infinity pool bar. Don’t want to be confined to the resort? Personalized culinary adventures allow for family barbecues on the beach, romantic sunset dinners for two, and picnics amid Krabi’s natural landscape. No matter the dining option, conclude days at Chomtawan lounge for lychee, pineapple, coconut, and cinnamon rum-infused cocktails and spectacular sunset views.

Time at Phulay Bay is best spent taking advantage of ESPA’s signature spa and one of the largest free-form pools in Asia. Baking, Thai dancing, and kid-friendly yoga classes are also on the docket of activities. Nearby, Railay Bay hosts more than 1,000 climbing routes for all skill levels, and Krabi Klong Talen’s beautiful “Mangrove Maze” offers up unforgettable kayaking adventures.