AYU Family Office Principals’ Retreat with ÀNI Private Resorts
A beautiful and restorative retreat at ÀNI Private Resort Thailand brought together family office principals for several days in an exceptional setting.
There are destinations that offer a beautiful backdrop, and then there are rare places that manage to create a genuine shift in how people feel, connect, and engage with each other. Our recent family office retreat at ÀNI Private Resort Thailand delivered exactly that: the kind of experience that not only resets the body and mind, but also strengthens the relationships that sit at the heart of successful private markets. Set on the unspoiled island of Koh Yao Noi, with sweeping views of the limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay, ÀNI Thailand offered us a setting where conversation flowed effortlessly, ideas expanded organically, and community was built quietly but powerfully.
From the outset, ÀNI’s reputation for exceptional service became evident. After a seamless VIP welcome at Phuket International Airport, our group was met at the exit by the resort’s team; warm, polished, and possessing an intuitive sense of hospitality. The transfer to Phuket Royal Marina was efficient, and the 40-minute private boat ride that followed was nothing short of cinematic: turquoise water stretched endlessly, tall karst cliffs rose from the sea like ancient monuments, and the pace of life shifted palpably with each passing minute. A brief drive across the mangrove-lined interior of Koh Yao Noi completed our journey to ÀNI, revealing an island still shaped by rice paddies, palm-fringed beaches, and the gentle rhythms of Southern Thai culture.
We arrived at the resort to a thoughtful welcome ceremony, where the team introduced themselves with genuine warmth. There was no sense of formality for formality’s sake, only an honest desire to make us feel at home. A private resort designed exclusively for one group at a time, ÀNI immediately conveyed the feeling of stepping into a space created just for us. Villas were spacious, beautifully appointed, and filled with small touches - Thai delicacies, handcrafted local items, notes from the staff - that signaled just how seriously ÀNI takes personalisation.
Our first lunch at the Dining Sala introduced us to the culinary signature of ÀNI Thailand: refined yet approachable, rooted in local flavors yet globally inspired. But it was the leisurely first afternoon that allowed everyone to decompress fully. Guests drifted between the 43-meter saltwater infinity pool - complete with pool butler service - the pristine beach, and the watersports area, where paddleboards, kayaks, and even a waterslide invited spontaneous moments of play. Massages under shaded pavilions provided another layer of restorative calm.
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, the group gathered at the Longtail Boat Bar for sunset cocktails, a ritual that would become a highlight each evening. Dinner on the main lawn followed, complete with traditional Thai dance performed by local students and an atmospheric night market-style culinary setup. It wasn’t just dinner; it was cultural immersion done with intention, warmth, and care.
The next morning began with options: sunrise over the karsts for early risers, Muay Thai for those craving movement, or a more leisurely wander before an abundant breakfast at Café Sala. Our excursion to Batang Island later that morning was a standout experience: crystal-clear waters, a relaxed beach picnic, swimming, and a memorable stop at Monkey Island. Some retreats force interaction, ÀNI simply creates an environment where connecting feels natural.
That afternoon, a joyful Thai cooking class brought the group together once more, followed by sunset drinks and an evening dinner accompanied by a theatrical Hanuman performance. The interplay of culture, cuisine, and conversation created the kind of shared memories that strengthen relationships in ways formal meetings rarely can.
Our third day began with yoga overlooking the water, followed by breakfast and a scenic sidecar tour through Koh Yao Noi’s rice paddies. Visiting the ÀNI Art Academy was a meaningful moment for many in the group. Founded alongside ÀNI Resorts by Tim Reynolds, the Academy trains local artists in classical drawing and painting techniques at no cost. Seeing the students’ extraordinary work underscored a core truth about ÀNI: it is not just a resort; it is a mechanism for empowerment and community development.
The afternoon offered more free time - some headed to the beach, others to the pool, and many chose another massage. That quiet, transitional time is where some of the richest conversations emerged: ideas shared casually, collaborations explored organically, and relationships deepened without the constraints of structure. A private long-tail boat cruise at sunset set the scene for a joyous evening, capped by dinner and a mesmerizing fire-juggler performance.
Departure day arrived with an unhurried flow; morning kayaking, one final breakfast together, and a final stretch of beach time before packing and the farewell ceremony. Even the journey home felt considered: transfers were seamless, the team attentive until the very last goodbye.
Why Personal Connection Matters for Family Offices - Especially in Private Markets
This retreat wasn’t simply a getaway. For family offices, personal relationships are the foundation upon which trust, deal flow, and long-term alignment are built. In private markets, where opportunities are increasingly relationship-driven, where diligence depends on shared insight rather than public data, and where collaboration often leads to stronger outcomes, connection is a strategic asset.
What ÀNI Thailand made clear is that these connections thrive not in boardrooms, but in environments where people feel at ease; where conversations stretch beyond transactions into values, objectives, and shared vision. The retreat allowed families and principals to discuss opportunities without urgency, to get to know one another’s philosophies, and to build a foundation of trust that will carry into future investments and partnerships. When people gather in a space that feels safe, inspiring, and deeply human, the quality of interaction transforms.
This is why retreats like this matter, and why we will continue curating them.
Looking Ahead: AYU Family Office Retreats 2026
Following the success of our time at ÀNI Thailand, we are delighted to share that we will be hosting additional family office retreats around the world in 2026. These gatherings will continue to focus on connection, community, and sharing insight, set in exceptional environments that encourage meaningful dialogue.
Attendance at future retreats will be open exclusively to members of AYU, our global private markets community. For family offices seeking deeper connection, high-quality deal flow, and a trusted network of peers, AYU provides a gateway into a world where relationships and opportunities grow in tandem.
If you would like to be considered for our 2026 retreats, we invite you to join AYU and become part of a community that values integrity, collaboration, and high-touch connection.
In Closing
Our days at ÀNI Private Resort Thailand were restorative, inspiring, and profoundly connective. More than a retreat, it was a reminder of the power of shared experience—and of how essential human connection is in both life and private markets. ÀNI offered us not just luxury, but the rare luxury of time together, fully present, fully cared for.
We leave with gratitude, and with excitement for all that comes next.
ÀNI Private Resorts is the world’s first collection of all-inclusive private estates, offering rare hideaways in some of the most beautiful and remote destinations on earth. Claiming panoramic ocean views in pristine natural settings, each ÀNI destination is an exclusive estate: expansive living, dining, and entertainment areas are positioned around sparkling private swimming pools, and generous hosts are dedicated to creating unscripted experiences and memories to last a lifetime.
