Travel Guide: The Racha - SHA Extra Plus, Phuket

Introduction

Nestled on the quiet, sun-drenched shores of Koh Racha Yai (better known to travelers as Emperor Island), just a 35-minute speedboat ride from the main island of Phuket, The Racha - SHA Extra Plus is Phuket’s ultimate secluded luxury escape. Free from the crowds of Patong and Kata, this beachfront resort delivers barefoot elegance paired with world-class service, ideal for romantic getaways, wellness retreats, and slow travel lovers craving unspoiled Andaman Sea views.

Hotel Overview

Perched at 42/12-13 Moo 5, Amphoe Muang, Phuket, 83130 Koh Racha Yai, the resort caters to every comfort across its sprawling grounds. Three outdoor swimming pools welcome all guests: one adults-only landscape pool for quiet relaxation, and two family-friendly pools with complimentary pool towels and sun umbrellas for all-day swimming. Private, ocean-facing villas and rooms come with air conditioning, soundproofing, a private en-suite bathroom with a bathtub or separate shower, free premium toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers, plus in-room coffee and tea facilities, a flat-screen satellite TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi across the entire property.

Dining is a highlight here: the resort’s breakfast earns rave reviews from guests, with two on-site restaurants, a pool bar, and a mini-bar, plus options for paid children’s meals and custom dietary menus on request. For active guests, there’s a fully equipped fitness center, a full-service SPA and wellness center with massages, a sauna, steam room, and hot jacuzzi, plus tennis courts, bicycle rental, kayaking, cooking classes, guided hikes, fishing, and on-site water sports facilities for snorkeling and diving. Multilingual staff speak English, Chinese, Thai, and more, with 24-hour front desk service, airport transfers, daily housekeeping, and paid child care available for extra convenience. Note that there is no on-site parking, which is expected for a resort accessible only by boat.

Local Attractions

Three unmissable nearby attractions make a stay here even more memorable:

• Siam Bay Beach: The resort’s own private stretch of powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, perfect for lazy sunbathing and shallow snorkeling right off the shore.
• Koh Racha Yai Viewpoint: A short 30-minute guided hike from the resort leads to this panoramic overlook, where you can see the entire island’s coastline and the distant Phuket mainland rising from the Andaman Sea.
• Racha Yai Dive Sites: Just a 10-minute boat ride from the resort, these world-famous dive sites are home to colorful coral reefs, sea turtles, reef sharks, and schools of tropical fish, suitable for both new and experienced divers.

Travel Tips

Book the resort’s round-trip speedboat transfer from Phuket’s main port in advance to avoid long waits on arrival. If you’re planning a day trip to main Phuket for shopping or sightseeing, notify the front desk at least 24 hours ahead to reserve a spot on the scheduled boat. Pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect the area’s fragile coral when you go snorkeling or diving, and book spa treatments and cooking classes early, as these popular activities fill up quickly during peak season (November to April). For couples seeking privacy, opt for the cliffside pool villas for unbeatable sunrise views over the ocean.