Phi Phi’s New Barefoot Luxury Escape Brings a Softer Side of Island Living

OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort opens on Laem Tong Beach with private villas, Southern Thai dining, and immersive experiences shaped by the Andaman Sea

There are still corners of Phi Phi where the soundtrack is nothing more than longtail boats drifting across emerald water, cicadas humming through coconut groves, and waves folding gently onto the sand. On the quieter northern tip of the island, far removed from the crowds and nightlife that many travelers associate with Phi Phi, a new resort is inviting guests to slow down and reconnect with the rhythm of the Andaman coast.

OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort has officially opened on secluded Laem Tong Beach, bringing a barefoot luxury concept to one of Thailand’s most iconic island destinations. Accessible only by boat and surrounded by the protected landscapes of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, the resort offers a different perspective on Phi Phi, one rooted in nature, local culture, and understated island elegance.

The resort features 63 suites and villas designed around the idea of “Nitra,” described as the spirit of rest and relaxation. Interiors blend handcrafted furniture, woven textures, and natural materials inspired by local island craftsmanship with contemporary comforts. Accommodation ranges from tropical garden villas for families to beachfront pool villas steps from the sea. The standout Hilltop Ocean View Pool Villas sit above the shoreline with infinity pools overlooking the Andaman horizon.

Phi Phi’s natural beauty is central to the experience here. Because the resort sits within a protected national park zone with tightly controlled development, the surrounding environment remains remarkably untouched. Guests arrive entirely by sea, stepping directly onto the beach against a backdrop of limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and dense greenery.

Dining also draws heavily from the region. Mala Kitchen explores Southern Thai cuisine through the concept of samrub Thai, the traditional style of communal dining that balances flavors, textures, and shared dishes. Menus spotlight local spices, fresh seafood from the Andaman coast, and recipes shaped by Southern culinary traditions. Meanwhile, the beachfront Edgewater Bar & Grill leans into sunset dining with grilled seafood, rich Thai curries, and tropical cocktails served beside the water.

Beyond the villas and restaurants, the resort encourages travelers to experience Phi Phi through its marine environment and island culture. PADI-certified diving excursions explore coral reefs inhabited by sea turtles, reef sharks, and manta rays, while longtail boat journeys visit quieter bays and mangrove-lined inlets that remain largely untouched by mass tourism. Guests can also join private Thai cooking classes, non-motorized water sports, or bead-making workshops inspired by traditional crafts from the island community.

One of the more meaningful aspects of the resort is its connection to the Urak Lawoi people, the Indigenous sea-faring community that has lived across these islands for centuries. Their traditions helped inspire both the resort’s design language and its guest experiences. Upon arrival, visitors receive handmade beaded bracelets rooted in Urak Lawoi customs, while cultural workshops offer deeper insight into the island’s artisanal heritage and historic trading routes.

Wellness also plays a role in the resort’s identity. Zeavola Spa incorporates Southern Thai healing traditions and local herbs into its treatments, while families are catered to through the Coral Kids Club and dedicated teen spaces. For travelers wanting a glimpse of the livelier side of Phi Phi, Tonsai Village remains accessible by boat within a short journey from the resort.

Sustainability has been woven into the development from the beginning. The resort was designed using natural and locally sourced materials, with attention paid to ventilation, natural light, waste reduction, and minimizing impact on the surrounding ecosystem. Operating inside a national park comes with strict environmental responsibilities, and the property positions itself around low-impact tourism that encourages guests to leave little behind beyond footprints in the sand.

The opening also strengthens OUTRIGGER’s growing presence in Thailand, adding Phi Phi to its existing portfolio in Phuket, Khao Lak, and Koh Samui. Guests staying at the property can also access the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty program, which connects travelers to more than 1,000 hotels worldwide.

[PHOTO: Courtesy of OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group]