SAii Phi Phi Island Village: A Sustainable Paradise in Phuket

When was the last time you visited an eco-conscious resort that not only kept you entertained but gave you hands-on experience to play your part in the ecosystem? 

Having visited many tropical resorts around the world, we gained new found experiences and friendships at SAii Phi Phi Island Village as we embarked on a green, conservation-driven holiday which was unlike any other. 

Immersive, Interactive and Eco-Sensitive Experiences at SAii Phi Phi Island Village

In addition, the coverage of seagrass at the resort has expanded by 158 square metres since 2022, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with the local community in Koh Phi Phi to preserve biodiversity in 192,000 square metres of nature.

Together, SAii, S Hotels & Resorts and their parent company, Singha Estate, are working towards the long-term goal of increasing key biodiversity, on land and at sea, by 30% by 2030.

Kayaked to Plant Mangrove Trees

At SAii Phi Phi Island Village, the resident biologists at the Marine Discovery Centre have partnered with the Green World Foundation to protect flora and fauna. 

While surveying the mangrove forest near the resort, a remarkable discovery was made: a total of 292 species were identified, including the orbiculate cardinalfish – a species previously unrecorded in the Andaman area of Thailand. 

We have had the opportunity to visit several Mangroves across the world and were amazed at how clean and green these Mangroves were. As we kayaked through the Mangrove forests that surrounded the island, we could see tons of Hermit Crabs and even fishes jumping out of the water. 

Did you know? Mangroves are a natural coastal defence that not only provides a home, nursery, and feed ground for many species, but they help mitigate climate change, maintain water quality, and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 

Released Bamboo Sharks into the Andaman Sea 

Under the SOS (Save Our Sharks) initiative, the resort’s marine biologists work with the Phuket Marine Biological Centre to release bamboo sharks into the Andaman Sea. Since this project commenced in 2021, 30 sharks have been released and 29 shark eggs have been laid in a dedicated nursery.

Bamboo sharks are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s “Near Threatened” red list, so rehabilitation of the animal was crucial. The team works in collaboration with Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) to save bamboo sharks in southern Thailand.

If you are already PADI certified, you can hop aboard a fully equipped dive boat for a 2-dive day exploring the incredible waters around this island paradise. 

Scuba Diving Excursions - A Must-Experience at Phi Phi Island! 

We hopped onto a speed boat and explored 6 stunning areas in the Andaman visiting the popular Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon, Lohsanok Bay, Monkey Bay and Loh Moo Dee Bay, stopping for scuba diving experiences which allowed us to soak all of the beauty it had to offer including the spotting of Blacktip Reef Sharks. 

Marine Discovery Centre Open To All 

The first of its kind in Thailand, their Marine Discovery Centre aims to educate and inspire both the local community and resort guests on how we can all make a huge difference to the environment. 

The Centre, which was developed around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, which houses four zones — Shark Room, Phi Phi Islands Room, Clownfish Room, and Auditorium — and showcases colourful, interactive displays explaining the life cycles and habits of the unique marine species endemic to the region.

We learnt more about Bamboo Sharks and Clown Fishes, also known as “Nemo”, who do not just settle in any anemone. Though clownfish are not highly threatened, their populations have decreased in some areas. 

In addition, the coverage of seagrass at the resort has expanded by 158 square metres since 2022, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with the local community in Koh Phi Phi to preserve biodiversity in 192,000 square metres of nature.

Open daily and to all, these professionally-led conservation programmes taught us a lot about being more aware of our actions as travellers. 

Lèn Forest Spa at SAii Phi Phi Island Village

Perched at the top of the resort, Len Forest Spa is ready to pamper you with Chakra Balancing Treatments, Body Wraps, Massages, Facials and more. 

Before beginning our aromatherapy massage, our therapist asked us to look up, and we had the ocean view which was incredibly breathtaking. 

Fresh Local Seafood to Authentic Thai Cuisine 

With 4 different dining options across the resort, you are in for a treat. Overlooking the sea, Api is a beachfront restaurant and bar which has all day dining. It’s where everyone meets during breakfast and you can have leisure lunches and cocktails before the live music starts during dinner. 

The Beach House Grill & Chill offers casual, al fresco dinners on the sands of Loh Bagao Bay with some of the island's finest drinks and live entertainment. Think of seafood platters, fresh catches of the day such as tiger prawns, lobsters, steaks and more! 

Famed for its exceptional authentic cuisine, Ruan Thai Restaurant is the place to experience a true taste of the kingdom. Classic Thai favourites are served alongside stunning sea views at our rustic hillside setting modelled after a traditional Thai home. Dishes that stood out were their Gaeng Poo, a crabmeat spiced yellow coconut curry, which is from Southern Thailand, Moo Hong, a Phuket-style Chinese spiced braised pork belly, Massaman Neua, a braised beef curry with potatoes. 

Thai-Style Bungalows with Garden and Sea Views

This eco-conscious tropical beach resort sits on a private 800-metre stretch of pristine white sandy beach lapped by the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. Set amid 70 acres of coconut palm plantations, there are 189 traditional Thai-style bungalows and 12 exclusive hillside pool villas to choose from. 

Powered by solar panels, SAii’s operations have been aligned with 9 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Zero Hunger, Affordable & Clean Energy, Sustainable Cities & Communities, Responsible Consumption & Production, and Life Below Water.

We overheard a guest saying that he’s stayed an entire month and he still does not want to head back home and we absolutely feel the same way! 

How to Get To SAii Phi Phi Island

Arrive at Royal Phuket Marina Pier and there are 2 transfers a day to the resort by a private speed boat. Do check the website for the latest timings. 

Alternatively, you can also stay the night at SAii Laguna Phuket at Bangtao Beach. Their newly refurbished rooms are rather spacious and boast either a beach or lagoon view. There is no shortage or activities or discoveries for all ages.