

Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa
Sustainable luxe with local flair
This resort blends eco-friendly luxury with traditional Thai style in a beachfront setting.
Overlooking the ocean and backed by dense foliage, the Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa evokes a real sense of exclusivity, with the only traffic coming from the boats of the nearby pier. Take trips to small isolated islands, swim, snorkel and laze on sun-drenched beaches as you find yourself relaxing and unwinding in this little slice of paradise. Yet this beautiful hotel has more to it than its idyllic island location. There’s plenty to do and experience here, such as learning how to cook delicious Thai cuisine, or how to box. Or you can opt for a gentler pace and spend your day lounging by the freeform pool before relaxing in the spa with a Santhiya Signature Massage.
Sustainable luxe with local flair
Why our experts like it
We've done the exploring, asked the locals, made the mistakes, and found the gems... so you don't have to start from scratch! These are the bits we think you'll love the most. Think of it as travel advice from a friend who just got back and can't wait to tell you everything.

If you love French cuisine, look no further than La Belle Vie

An incredible way to kick off your Maldives holiday
“There's something pretty special about travelling by seaplane. The view from the sky is extraordinary - tiny specs of island and shades of blue that barely look real.”


The iconic, mile-long sandbank
Perfect for isolated sunbathing, dramatic photoshoots, and watching breathtaking Maldivian sunsets.

Snorkelling and diving isn't the only way to catch sight of the underwater world
“If snorkelling and diving isn't for you, it's possible to catch a glimpse of the reef from a glass-bottomed boat instead.”


Kids club at Niva Kuramathi Maldives
Supervised activities through the day, so younger guests get their own adventure while you get a quiet hour by the water.
Sustainable luxe with local flair
We book this hotel the way you want it
This Maldives hotel is perfect on its own, but add Sri Lanka, Dubai or the Seychelles and it becomes something even better. Discover our multi-centre holidays and make paradise last longer.
Sustainable luxe with local flair
Rooms and suites
The 179 rooms and villas here are simply stunning. Supreme Deluxe Sea View Rooms are ideal for couples or smaller families, and for a little more space, choose an Ocean View Pool Villa. These large suites sit high on the hillside and come complete with a private pool, while the extravagant Royal Grand Pool Villas have two bedrooms, a private pool and uninterrupted ocean views.

Supreme Deluxe Sea View Room
Set on the upper level of the resort's buildings, these rooms are ideal for couples or small families. Featuring panoramic sea views and a large balcony. • air-conditioning • balcony • king-size bed • kettle • minibar* • fridge • seating area • sofabed • telephone • DVD television • safe • 60m²
Supreme Deluxe Bay View
Furnished with exotic handcraft wood in a traditional Thai style. • king-sized bed • balcony • air-conditioning • minibar • fridge • electric kettle • television • Wi-Fi • 60m² • sleeps two adults and two children

Ocean View Pool Villa
Perched on the hillside, these villas feature unobstructed sea views from the balcony and private swimming pool. • air-conditioning • balcony with swimming pool and Jacuzzi • king-size bed • tea and coffee making facilities • welcome fruit basket • daily water • Wi-Fi • minibar* • fridge • seating area • sofa bed • DVD television • 150m²
Seawater Pool Villa
The outside setting is the main feature in this villa - a private swimming pool with 100% purified seawater and sunken bathtub with spacious patio is prefect for admiring the spectacular views. • air-conditioning • private pool with Jacuzzi • dressing room • day bed • mini bar • tea and coffee making facilities • television • Wi-Fi • 150m² • sleeps two adults and two children

Royal Grand Pool Villa
Two-storey villas on the waters' edge with uninterrupted ocean views, a private pool and two bedrooms (one bedroom is accessed by an outdoor staircase). • air-conditioning • balcony with swimming pool and Jacuzzi • king-size bed • tea and coffee making facilities • welcome fruit basket • daily water • Wi-Fi • minibar* • fridge • seating area • sofa bed • DVD television • 265m²
Two Bedroom Seawater Pool Villa
Tropical hideaway situated along the rim of the hillside on the water edge, surrounded by an uninterrupted sea panorama. • double bed • twin beds • private pool with Jacuzzi • day bed • dressing room • air-conditioning • fridge • television • Wi-Fi • 265m² • sleeps four adults and four children
Food & drink
When it comes to dining, Chantara Restaurant serves simple yet delicious Thai and international cuisine to a backdrop of the Andaman Sea. Perched high above Phang Nga Bay, Saaitara Restaurant is an excellent place for meals any time of day, with the adjacent infinity pool set to breathtaking panoramic views. For fresh flavours straight from the grill, head to The Titan Grill and visit Jetinn Teppan at Pier, the resort’s private pier, for an intimate romantic dinner. And for the perfect after-dinner cocktail spot with great sunset views, head to By the Sea Restaurant and Bar.
By The Sea Restaurant and Bar — is the ideal spot for those that want nothing more than to sit back and relax with a drink in hand at sunset. If you enjoy fresh food straight from the hotplate, The Titan Grill is for you. Chantara Restaurant serves simple yet delicious Thai and international cuisine to a backdrop of the Andaman Sea, while the Saaitara Restaurant offers one of the best locations in the resort - right next to the infinity pool. For a truly romantic dining experience, head to the Jetinn Teppan at Pier, perched above the waves at the far end of resort’s private pier. At Khantok Thai Cuisine, you can dine in traditional Lanna style at a khan tok – a pedestal tray used as a low dining table – for an authentic northern Thai experience. The Jenita Beach Club (opening days vary) is a chilled venue where you can enjoy cocktaiks, mocktails and appetisers to the soundtrack of the Andaman Sea.
For that special occasion, celebrate with a private meal on the beach.
The Titan Grill — If you enjoy fresh food straight from the hotplate, this restaurant is for you. Chantara Restaurant — Serving simple yet delicious Thai and international cuisine to a backdrop of the Andaman Sea. Saaitara Restaurant — Offering one of the best locations in the resort overlooking Phang Nga Bay. Jetinn Teppan at Pier — Perched above the waves at the far end of resort’s private pier, this is the venue for a romantic dining experience. By The Sea Restaurant and Bar — The ideal spot for those that want nothing more than to sit back and relax with a drink and snacks in hand at sunset.



Sustainable luxe with local flair
Things to do nearby
Curated experiences to help you do more, see more, or simply switch off while you're here.

Private reef snorkelling tour

Half day windsurfing
Feel the wind fill your sail as you glide across the lagoon's calm, turquoise waters. A skilled instructor guides you through the basics.

Adaaran resort evening visit – dinner & alcohol

Whale shark and manta ray snorkelling tour

Sunset dolphin watching & night fishing
Watch dolphins play beside your boat as the sky glows orange at dusk. Then cast a line under the stars for a relaxed night of traditional fishing.

Private sandbank picnic

Discover scuba diving
A first-timer's guided dive on the house reef, with all equipment and a PADI instructor one-to-one.

Sunset champagne cruise
Sustainable luxe with local flair
There is more than one way to do this trip
A match made in paradise
This hotel is perfect on its own, but add a second destination and it becomes something even better. Discover our multi-centre holidays and make paradise last longer.
Sustainable luxe with local flair
In the area
On beautiful Koh Yao Yai in Phang Nga Bay, in a quiet bay close to a couple of local restaurants

Sustainable luxe with local flair
Trip ideas
You've come this far - and the world has more to offer. Why not pair Niva Kuramathi with another island, add a stopover in Dubai on the way for city lights and desert skies, or extend to Sri Lanka for tea, temples and safari? Below you'll find our recommendations for maximising your time away...



Sustainable luxe with local flair
When to visit
Whether you're chasing guaranteed sunshine or don't mind a little rain with your relaxation, here's how the weather stacks up throughout the year. Use the chart below to find your perfect window, or just pick whenever suits you best, paradise doesn't really have a bad season.
| Measurement | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average temp | 26°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C |
| Average rainfall | 110mm | 60mm | 75mm | 125mm | 220mm | 175mm | 150mm | 175mm | 200mm | 195mm | 210mm | 215mm |
| Average price | £4,746pp | £4,992pp | £4,149pp | £4,222pp | £4,827pp | £4,835pp | £5,104pp | £5,176pp | £5,176pp | £5,129pp | £3,958pp | £3,958pp |
Sustainable luxe with local flair
Current offers
Savings worth having on the departures we think are worth taking. Every offer below applies to this hotel — check each one for the dates and conditions that come with it.

Save up to £300pp
Based on selected departures in September 2026

Save up to 25% when you book by 6th July
Based on selected departures in September 2026

Save up to 35% + complimentary meal upgrade
Based on 20th July 2026 departure

Free half-board upgrade
Based on selected departures in October 2026

Stay 7 nights, pay for 6
Based on selected departures in November 2026

Save up to £200pp on honeymoons
Based on selected departures in January 2027

Complimentary spa treatment for two
Based on stays of 7 nights or more

Free kids' places
Based on selected departures in August 2026
Sustainable luxe with local flair
Build your trip
Pick your airport, then choose a departure date to see how the price moves across the year. Everything you change here updates the summary alongside.
Select holiday details
Departure details
Prices shown are per person, and based on the cheapest flight available that day.
May 2026
| Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
June 2026
| Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su |
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Great offers on Niva Kuramathi Maldives
Escape to Niva Kuramathi and enjoy exclusive savings on your Maldives getaway.
View offersHave you considered a multi-centre?
Maldives pairs really well with other destinations, from Dubai to Sri Lanka.
View multi-centresGood to know
- Includes flights, baggage, and private transfers to and from your hotel
- Total flight time ~ 7 hrs
- Total transfer time ~ 2 hrs
- Overnight in Malé may apply (subject to flights & transfers)
Sustainable luxe with local flair
Questions? Sorted.
Do I need a visa to visit the Maldives?
British passport holders are issued a free 30-day visitor visa on arrival. You'll need a passport valid for the duration of your stay, a confirmed onward ticket and proof of your accommodation booking.
When is the best time to visit the Maldives?
November to April is the dry season, with the most reliable sunshine and calmest seas. May to October brings shorter rain showers, lower prices and better surf.
What currency is used in the Maldives, and do I need cash?
The local currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa, but resorts price and bill in US dollars and take major cards. Most guests never need cash — a small amount is handy for tipping.
Is the Maldives good for honeymoons outside peak season?
Yes. Off-peak brings noticeably lower rates and quieter islands, and rain tends to come in short bursts rather than all day. Many resorts add honeymoon extras during these months.
What activities are there for older kids and teens in the Maldives?
Most resorts run watersports centres with windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding, plus PADI dive courses from around age ten. Snorkelling safaris, sandbank trips and night fishing all suit older children.
Sustainable luxe with local flair
Guest reviews
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Sustainable luxe with local flair
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