31/05/2026
The Story Behind Secret Garden.
Welcome to Secret Garden Koh Yao Yai.
If you are reading this, you may have already wondered:
“How did a French guy end up here, in the south of Koh Yao Yai?”
The story began a long time ago.
I come from the south of France, near Avignon, not far from Marseille. I first discovered Thailand at the age of 18 during an organized trip… and like many travelers, something about this country stayed with me: the peaceful way of life, the smiles, the warmth of the people, and the slower rhythm of life.
A few years later, fate — or maybe life itself — brought me to Phuket.
That’s where I met my wife.
At the time, she was working in a bank, handling currency exchange. A simple and unexpected meeting… that would eventually change our lives forever.
My wife is originally from Koh Yao Yai, an island that has remained authentic, peaceful, and deeply connected to its traditions. Her family still lives here, and little by little, the idea of building a new life project began to grow.
We wanted something different. More peace. More simplicity. A place where we could create something meaningful and truly our own.
When we first found this land, there was almost nothing here — just jungle, coconut trees, wild nature, and a lot of imagination.
We immediately fell in love with the south of the island: more tropical, more peaceful, and more untouched. A hidden corner of paradise… almost secret.
That is how the name Secret Garden was born.
Building here was not always easy. Every material had to be transported from Phuket by ferry. It took time, patience, energy, and many challenges. Little by little, over several months, the first bungalows and our café slowly came to life in the middle of nature.
At times, this project felt almost impossible.
But today, when we see travelers relaxing here, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, listening to the birds in the morning, or simply having a coffee in the garden… we remember exactly why we started this adventure.
Our wish is simple:
We want you to feel a little bit at home here.
Thank you for being part of the Secret Garden story.
— With gratitude,
The Secret Garden Team 🌿
