OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort has opened on Laem Tong Beach, bringing a five-star, boat-only retreat to the northern end of Thailand’s Phi Phi Island.
Set within Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, the resort has 63 suites and villas overlooking the Andaman Sea. It began welcoming guests in May 2026, joining OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group’s Thai properties in Phuket, Khao Lak and Koh Samui.
The property previously operated as Zeavola Resort. OUTRIGGER acquired it in April 2025 before undertaking an extensive renovation and rebrand. An October 2025 reopening was initially planned, but the launch moved to 2026. The resort website describes the current phase as a soft opening, with finishing work continuing in some villas and facilities.
Suites and villas shaped by Southern Thai craft
The resort’s design centres on “Nit Thra”, a Thai concept translated as “the soul of rest”. Bangkok creative studio OPENDESIGNER reworked the property around its existing terrain, using wood, rattan, rope and stone alongside Southern Thai textiles.
Handcrafted furniture, organic fabrics and woven motifs bring texture to the accommodation without competing with the tropical setting. Natural light and ventilation are central to the design, while shaded paths incorporate seating and framed views between the resort buildings.
The Hilltop Ocean View Pool Villa sits above the shoreline with an infinity pool and broad sea views. Beachfront Pool Villas place guests directly beside the white sand, while Family Garden Villas offer a more sheltered setting among coconut palms and tropical planting.
Guests arrive by boat, stepping ashore beneath limestone cliffs with the Andaman Sea behind them.
“What we’ve created at Phi Phi Island is truly special, a resort that matches one of Thailand’s most breathtaking settings and honors the culture and environment that make it extraordinary,” OUTRIGGER president and chief executive Jeff Wagoner said in the opening announcement.
Southern Thai food beside the Andaman Sea
Mala Kitchen, the resort’s principal restaurant, follows the Southern Thai philosophy of “Samrub Thai”. Its menus balance contrasting tastes and textures through regional spices, coastal ingredients and fresh produce.
At the water’s edge, Edgewater Bar & Grill serves local seafood and aromatic curries alongside tropical cocktails. Its open Andaman Sea outlook suits sunset drinks and dinner.
Zeavola Spa is rooted in Southern Thai wellness traditions and local botanicals, and guests can also enjoy restorative treatments in their villas. The wider wellness zone features a gym, a fitness pool and a yoga sala under the open sky. The resort additionally offers a 20-metre beachfront pool plus a separate 22-metre lap pool.
Diving, island trips and Urak Lawoi heritage
The surrounding national park contains one of Southeast Asia’s biodiverse marine environments. PADI-certified diving trips visit coral formations where turtles, manta rays and reef sharks can be seen, while low-impact boat excursions reach quieter islands and coves.
Guests can also arrange long-tail boat picnics through mangrove channels or remain at the resort for Thai cooking classes and non-motorised water sports. Sunrise yoga takes place beside the sea under the name Rub Aroon.
The heritage of the Urak Lawoi people, who have lived across the islands for centuries, informs the resort’s design and arrival rituals. Each guest receives a handcrafted bead bracelet, while bead-making sessions explore the craft’s connection to historic island trade routes.
Families have access to the Coral Kids Club and a dedicated teen zone. Tonsai Village, Phi Phi’s main centre for restaurants, bars and local shops, is a short boat ride from the resort.
Boat transfers from Phuket
There is no road access to OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort. A shared transfer leaves Royal Phuket Marina once daily at 2pm and reaches the resort at about 3.30pm, with Phuket Airport pickup included. The return boat departs at 11am and arrives at the marina at approximately 12.30pm.
Private transfers for groups of up to 10 people can be arranged between 6am and 4pm, with collection available from Phuket Airport or hotels across Phuket. Travellers should plan flights around the boat schedule and allow for weather-dependent changes.
The resort is available through GHA DISCOVERY, with member rates and DISCOVERY Dollars among its loyalty benefits. OUTRIGGER is also preparing the property for Green Key environmental certification, following certification for three of its other beachfront resorts in Thailand.
