The Racha Phuket

The Racha is Thailand’s premier sanctuary for mind, body and spirit. Located on Racha Yai, one of the Andaman Sea’s most beautiful and pristine islands, the resort offers ultra-luxurious accommodations for guests who wish to ‘get-away-from-it-all’ without taking anything away from the environment.

One of the world’s most stunning destinations can be found 12 nautical miles south of Phuket, on the Andaman island of Racha Yai. An expansive white-sand crescent bay with azure waters creates the postcard-perfect backdrop for the five-star luxury island resort, The Racha.

With eco-chic luxury living, guests choose to ‘get-way from-it-all’ without taking anything away from the environment. Experience the exquisite Racha resort – a sanctuary for mind, body and spirit.

Architecture & Development
All the resort’s structures are built in harmony with the island’s natural topography. No land was cut or filled in the building process. Minimizing rainwater run-off from flowing into the sea that would otherwise be detrimental to coral life in the bay.

Through a series of innovatively designed gutter drains and underground sump tanks, rainwater run-off is pumped back to the center of the island and allowed to flow back freely into the ground, replenishing the earth’s water bank.

The coconut tree, the symbol of The Racha, takes pride of place at the resort. Many of the trees you see are the island’s original inhabitants. Villas were built around them. For every coconut tree that was cut, two were planted to replace it.

Villa Features
Condensation water from air conditioning is used to fill the footbath outside every villa’s front door. Special heat exchangers are used to provide an ample supply of zero-energy hot water for the bathrooms from each villa’s air conditioning system.

Shower and bath toiletries are contained in ceramic vessels instead of plastic. All bath products are made from the highest-quality locally sourced organic products. All villas have double thick exterior walls – reducing the energy load on air conditioning.

There are no fabric curtains in all villas – thus no laundry required to clean them. To save on power, energy saving bulbs or LED rope lights are used throughout the resort. Instead of using chlorine, all swimming pool water is ozone treated – the most environmentally sound, chemical free, skin-friendly technology available.

Resort Grounds
Water features play a vital part on the grounds. Ecologically, they also act as water catchment areas. The rare Rak Talay trees, fronting the resort, are found only on a few islands in the Andaman Sea.

Many species of butterflies – among them Glassy Tigers Parantica aglea maghaba & Common Indian Crows Euploea core gordatii are drawn to these trees when in bloom.

The lush greenery provides a stable ecosystem for many of the island’s animal inhabitants. Many creatures, from the Green Tree Frog Litorai caerulea (also a mascot for The Racha) to the giant placid Water Monitor Varanus salvator, feed on the insects that co-exist with the plants.

Mountain bikes and low emission ATVs are available for guests to explore the island. The Anumba Spa uses the highest-grade essential oils and organic spa products. Whenever possible, only the highest quality locally sourced, paraben-free spa products are used.

Villas
Spread over 20 acres of verdant tropical grounds and built in low-rise harmony with the environment, 85 villas of eight category types provide for every creature comfort.

The Lighthouse
At fifteen meters and five stories high, The Lighthouse stands like a beacon amongst the low-rise villas of The Racha. But its uniqueness doesn’t end there. Within its very private compound, many lovingly curated spaces abound, designed to delight the senses.

Light-filled indoor and outdoor living is the order of the day here – with outdoor showers, multiple lounging areas, generous terraces and balconies for shared quality time with friends and family. Entertainment systems are state-of-the-art.

Accommodations include two exquisite master bedrooms on the two lowest floors, both with gorgeous ensuite bathrooms and jacuzzi tubs. Additional bedrooms on the third and fourth levels share landscaped outdoor bathrooms on the third and ground floors.

A scented garden and a spectacular deck leads to a sun-drenched 3.5 m by 8.5 m ozonated pool complete with jacuzzi jets, mood-changing lights and underwater music.

Atop The Lighthouse is a magnificent observation lounge complete with a bespoke circular paramour daybed. Here, 360° views of Racha Yai and the Andaman Sea is the place to contemplate life from a higher perspective. The Lighthouse has been fully renovated as of end October 2021.

Grand Pool Suites
With a 35 Sq m sunlit infinity pool overlooking the Andaman Sea, Grand Pool Suites are among the most prestigious of accommodations at The Racha. These large, airy suites offer unparalleled privacy and are situated on the prime elevated sites of the resort.

Expansive sea views can be had from the deep Jacuzzi tub in the bathroom as well as from the outdoor pavilion sundeck.

This is our most popular beachfront pool villa offering panoramic views of the Andaman Sea with unparalleled privacy, just a few steps away from the beach. Soak up the views from the large sunlit infinity pool with underwater music and large private terrace.

Spa Pool Suite
The sublime Spa Pool Suites feature a luxuriously appointed bedroom and state-of-the-art living room with spa pool view. Equipped with the latest in-villa automation and multimedia entertainment systems, these accommodations ensure that guests are amply entertained indoors and out.

A 14 Sq m indoor Jacuzzi pool with spectacular fiber-optic lighting lends a touch of magic to these beautifully designed accommodations. These villas offer resort and garden views.

Grand Deluxe Villa
These standalone bright and airy villas offer guests more spacious accommodations with added privacy. Grand Deluxe Villas provide sea or lush garden views. Each villa is superbly designed and features a luxurious bathroom and a rain-shower outside.

Dining
From seafood under the stars at The Sunset Restaurant to Mediterranean at The Fire Grill, The Racha delivers delectable dining experiences.

Pick your seafood just off the fishermen’s nets. Savor authentic Thai delicacies with that perfect balance of spice and sweetness. Or delight in greens, fresh from the resort’s own Hydroponic farm. Pair your culinary adventure with a wine from our extensive Wine Cellar or a signature cocktail.

Earth Cafe
With spectacular views of Batok Bay, this is the place to start off your day. A sumptuous champagne International breakfast buffet offers choices from hearty to healthy – pan-fried dishes, grilled and deli meats, garden-fresh vegetables, cereals and crepes, freshly squeezed island fruit, homemade pastries and more.

Lunch and dinner, guests choose from a menu that showcases the diverse delights of International feasting in a chic contemporary setting.

Sunset Restaurant
Here’s the place for simple, unpretentious Thai food and light Western choices at lunch. By night, Chefs prepare a mouth-watering seafood barbeque, with the day’s catch from the island fishermen included. Guests dine al fresco on the ocean deck or under the thatched roof pavilion.

Fire Grill
Dining at this signature restaurant is a delight for the senses – from the snap-crackle of the wood fire pizza oven to the caress of the sea breeze. Watch the chefs in the open kitchen expertly prepare pasta, steak and seafood and other Mediterranean masterpieces.

Further your experience with a refreshing cocktail or discover that perfect pairing from our impressive international wine list. A Cherry Jubilee flambéed tableside and under the stars is a stunning way to end the night.

Club Del Mar
Feeling peckish after an invigorating swim? Club Del Mar is the easy-breezy place to relax in the warmth of the sun. Freshen up with a cold hand towel then sip on a tropical drink and munch on light snacks poolside to chill music.

Gerardo’s Gelato
Kids young and old will love this ice cream station. Choose from a selection of homemade gelatos or create your own sundae with choice toppings. Light refreshments are also served here.

Lobby Bar
What better way to watch the world go by than lounging on recliners, enjoying complimentary canapés and sipping an island coconut or signature cocktail? This open-air area adjoins the Reception and overlooks sublime Batok Bay.

Ice Bar
Fancy a night of karaoke or sitting back in comfortable armchairs listening to the resort’s versatile Resident Musicians? Song requests and guest participation is encouraged! A tantalising selection of tropical cocktails and snacks is offered until the wee hours.

Room Service
Let breakfast come to you or indulge in that late-night dessert in the luxury of your villa. Explore our extensive Room Service Menu and if you still can’t find exactly what you’re hankering for, let us know. Our Chefs will make every effort to fulfil special requests.

In-Villa Barbeque
What better way to enjoy your private deck than with your very own barbeque! Choose to grill it yourself or have your Chef prepare and cook for you. Our In-Villa Barbeque menu offers a selection of seafood, meats, island-grown vegetables, side dishes and dessert. All you have to bring is your appetite!

Ultimate Dining
For a truly exceptional dining experience, enjoy exquisite cuisine from our Chefs in the setting that you desire.

Most requested for locations include our Timber Deck overlooking Batok Bay or at the elevated Star Deck. Guests will be treated to a leisurely-paced multi-course dinner customised in consultation with our Chef, accompanied by wines, beer or craft cocktails.

Themed Buffets
On exceptional cool, breezy nights when the stars are out, the resort prepares themed Barbeque Buffets at the Lawn fronting Batok Bay. Especially popular are the Thai, International and Seafood spreads. A perfect opportunity to sample a wide range of food, some exotic, others familiar but all prepared with love.

Weddings
When it comes to saying “I do”, couples won’t find a more romantic destination than Asia’s Leading Wedding Venue*. It’s no wonder that so many honeymoon and wedding couples choose to celebrate at The Racha.

Whether it’s a simple barefoot beachfront ceremony for two or a grand affair, the resort’s enthusiastic and dedicated wedding specialists plan every event to its last detail – from luxurious accommodations to the intricate touches on a wedding cake.

Experiences
There are a thousand things to do at our island hideaway. Or nothing at all. At The Racha, the island is your playground.

For starters, the five-star Racha Dive Center provides personalized scuba instruction and trips to the Andaman Sea’s most beautiful sites. Energetic guests may choose to kayak, snorkel the island’s famed house reefs, learn Thai craft making, ride ATVs or hike the island.

For those preferring serenity, one might wish to connect with nature while strolling the resort’s grounds, swim in three ozonated pools, peruse the library, or indulge in treatments at The Racha’s famed Anumba Spa. Alternatively, there’s the luxury of simply watching the world go by.

Anumba Spa
How apt is it that one of the Andaman Sea’s most beautiful islands also plays host to one of Asia’s top ten island spa destinations? At The Racha’s serene Anumba Spa, expert and caring therapists restore and rejuvenate mind and body with signature natural treatments and oils.

VIP couples’ suites, steam rooms and rain showers are just part of the pampering. Within the lush spa grounds, an ocean-facing balance-fitness gym and OM studio offers guided holistic movement classes. Relax, stretch and breathe. And find oneself.

OM Studio
At 42 Sq m, OM Studio’s cool teak floor, natural light and floor-to-ceiling views provide an inspiring, healing environment for yoga, Pilates and other mindful movement forms. Guided daily yoga classes are taught here.

Balance Fitness Gym
Located absolute oceanfront. Cool towels and spa drinking water provide for a pleasurable workout. Life Fitness machines for cardio and resistance training is placed alongside rowing machines, free weights and physiotherapy fitness balls.

The Racha Dive Center
The five-star Racha Dive Center is fully equipped with a purpose-built three-meter deep ozonated instructional pool, air-conditioned classroom and spacious retail shop. The center offers personalized PADI scuba instruction and diving trips to the Andaman Islands most unique and beautiful sites.

Racha Yai Diving
Superb water clarity and abundant marine life makes diving at our island home one for the bucket list. Water temperature ranges from 27-30 degree Celsius. Coral begins almost immediately at the waters edge and starts to taper off around 20 meters.

Beginners start their dive in a shallow bay with a sandy bottom, surrounded by coral gardens. Certified divers will be dropped in deeper water and can enjoy drift dives encountering blue-spotted stingray, shoals of barracuda, grouper, and a many unforgettable colorful reef fish.

Dive Sites
A brief introduction to some of the island’s best sites… just minutes from the resort. The east side contains the majority of the dive sites – gently sloping Lucy’s Reef is home to moray eels, lionfish, nemo and a good selection of tropical reef fish.

Staghorn Reef has large staghorn corals, giant clams, visiting olive turtles, titan triggers and if you are lucky, manta rays. At Lah Bay, you’ll find 3 boat wrecks at a depth of 18-25 meters with resident batfish, shoals of glassfish, giant morays and large groupers under the wrecks.

Batok Bay, fronting The Racha is home to 250 pH-neutral concrete Reef Balls. Reef balls, a Racha environmental initiative project, provide homes for octopus,

And Beyond…
Enjoy day dive trips to Racha Noi Island / Phi Phi Island / Shark Point / Anemone Reef King Cruiser Wreck & Dok Mai island in the Dive Center’s purpose-built dive boats.

Water Sports Center
Few settings on earth are as inspired as Batok Bay, which boasts a myriad of activities, including snorkeling, swimming, people watching and picturesque beach strolling. Stop by the Water Sports Center to inquire about activities and equipment rental, sea conditions, hike routes or just for a chat with our enthusiastic staff.

A Taste of Island Life
Much of the charm of Racha Yai is that little has changed through the years. Our little island is home to local islanders. Water buffalos are still used to work the land and can often be seen around mud holes. Many parts of the island are covered in dense jungle.

In the center of Racha Yai, you’ll find coconut plantations. The island has a small network of dirt paths that link all the beaches. Walking around the island’s pathways, you will be treated to views of tranquil coconut groves and the occasional water buffalo grazing nearby.

A great way to explore Racha Yai is by hiking, mountain biking or by ATV. Trekking the whole island takes no more than half a day. For sweeping views of the island, head to the hilltop left of Batok Bay.It will take you 30-45 minutes to reach the top.

Great sunset views can be viewed from the right side of Batok Bay, an easy walk from The Racha. The Racha is proud to be a leader in eco-responsible tourism.

A short walk along the perimeter of the resort grounds will take you to our back of the house where you will find the following environmental initiatives.

Further Afield – Land Initiatives
The Racha’s Hydroponic Farm provides guests with the freshest, nutrient-rich and pesticide-free produce. Lettuce varieties grown include Red and Green Oak, Romaine, Red and Green Coral, Mizuna, Lolla Red, Butterhead, and Iceburg.

The half acre 250 kWp Solar-Diesel Hybrid Station produces up to 50% of the resort’s daily electricity requirements, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 24% or 1,500 Kg per day.

At the Racha’s Bio-Fuel station, food waste is converted into Bio-Gas. This in turn is used for cooking in the Staff Canteen. Wood and vegetation scraps are converted into charcoal briquettes at our Charcoal Station.

These are used in the BBQ grill at our Sunset Beach Restaurant daily. Plastics, glass, paper are recycled throughout the resort.

Further Afield – Water Initiatives
Instead of a concrete pier, The Racha utilizes a floating pontoon that can be moved between Batok Bay and Ter Bay. Building a concrete pier would involve extensive damage to the marine ecology of the island.

Since 2004, The Racha and The Racha Dive Center have supported The Reef Ball Foundation – a non-profit charity that protects and restores the world’s ocean ecosystems.

Today, 250 reef balls form five man-made reefs around the island. Juvenile Clownfish and many tiny critters nest in coral colonies that have made these pH-neutral concrete Reef Balls their home.

Rainwater is collected, recycled and treated at The Racha’s own reservoirs on the island for use throughout the resort. The reservoirs are home to many species of fish including Mekong Catfish Pangasianodon gigas and Redtail Catfish Phractocephalus hemioliopterus.

All waste water is properly treated at our sewage treatment plant and the effluent water is used for landscape irrigation throughout the resort. Titanium heat exchangers recover heat from our generators providing an ample supply of zero-energy hot water for laundry machines and staff showers.

The resort’s drinking bottles are eco-friendly, reusable glass. They are sterilized and bottled in our Glass Water Bottling Facility.

How Our Guests Can Do Their Part For Nature
Turn off villa lights, air-conditioning (for extended periods) when not in use. Choose the option of having bed sheets and bath towels changed periodically instead of daily. Join the resort staff for Daily Beach Clean at 9am (weather permitting).

Take a self-guided ‘back-of-grounds tour’. At the perimeter of the resort gardens, guests are welcome to amble through many of the resort’s larger ‘green’ initiatives – the Hydroponic Farm, our Drinking Water Bottling plant, Bio-Gas station, Charcoal station, Solar Diesel Hybrid station and the reservoirs amongst others.

In doing so, the resort hopes that guests will take away with them, a deeper appreciation for conservation.

Website: www.theracha.com

Rooms: 85

Price: from 161 EUR per night