By Rama Gaind.
Having reopened to visitors, Maya Bay in Thailand is now only accessible to a limited number of people each day.
Southern Thailand and the spirit of sustainable discovery has been revitalised, with help from SAii Phi Phi Island Village.
Recollections are clear about a movie based on the 1996 novel by Alex Garland, The Beach. It told the story of a group of adventurous travellers from all around the world who wanted to live in harmony with nature, away from the crowds.
After Hollywood made the film about this group of experience-seeking holidaymakers who discovered the world’s most beautiful beach, that’s when it changed the face of tourism in Thailand. Directed by Danny Boyle, The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio, contained stunning sun, sea and landscapes. Released in 2000, it added a new jewel to the kingdom’s tourism crown: Maya Bay, the exquisite turquoise lagoon at Koh Phi Phi Leh.
Ironically, its popularity led to a damaging era of over-tourism at Maya Bay which was closed to tourists to help the beach ecosystem recover from the damages of over tourism. It opened up again at the end of 2022, with certain restrictions.
Last October, this bay reopened to visitors and it was SAii Phi Phi Island Village that invited its responsible clientele to rediscover the authentic wonders of the tropical south with eco-sensitive excursions, sustainable activities, local cuisine, spa therapies and more.
Phi Phi is an idyllic destination with hidden bays and beaches that still offer authentic local experiences.
Actually, it was S Hotels and Resorts’ free-spirited, five-star lifestyle retreat that played an active role in the revival of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, the home of Maya Bay. The onsite Marine Discovery Centre is a conservation hub that engages in critical projects such as shark conservation, coral propagation, clownfish breeding, mangrove planting, beach cleaning and community education. Guests can meet with the resident marine biologist and embark on small-scale boat trips to ‘The Beach’, led by local Thai guides in long-tail boats.
Village connection
Now, it’s heartening to note that it was SAii Phi Phi Island Village’s connection with its destination that flows through the entire guest experience. The resort’s name reflects the fact that it looks and feels like a traditional island village. The Thai-style five-star bungalows are built in the original style, with thatched roofs and plenty of space to unwind amid the palm groves. A selection of hillside pool villas are perched on stilts, surrounded by lush jungle, and feature plunge pools that sparkle in the sun and overlook the shimmering sea.
Just behind the resort, the village features a selection of shops and restaurants (and this juice bar) that allow travellers to connect with southern Thai culture.
Long-time excursions have proved Thailand to be a spiritual home of wellness. Simultaneously, we are able to soothe and stimulate our senses with a traditional Thai massage at Lèn Forest Spa. Nestled in the hillside, this is a haven of tranquility where professional therapists provide a full range of therapies that blend wellness wisdom with organic ingredients. In line with SAii Resorts’ Lèn Be Well concept, each guest is treated according to specific unique personal needs, including mood and frame of mind.
Looking outside of the resort, a short stroll down to a local village features family-owned shops and restaurants, creating a sense of community that benefits residents and visitors alike. Areas of collaboration include employment, beach cleaning, mangrove replanting and waste management.
In fact, SAii Phi Phi Island Village worked with the villagers to collect over 8,000kg of coastal debris from the area in 2021, and it also supports more than 30 local families who provide long-tail boat services for guests. It has also abolished single-use plastic and integrated eco-friendly solutions into every area of its operations.
Located in the Andaman Sea, Maya Bay Thailand is in the Strait of Malacca in Krabi Province of Thailand. Now is the opportunity to relax, reconnect with southern Thai culture and visit one of the most famous white sand beaches in the world.
FACT BOX
www.saiiphiphiislandvillage.com
