Magical Islands

Koh Yao Noi is a 30- to 60-minute boat ride from Phuket (depending on type of boat). Even on an overcast, wet day, you can glimpse the magical islands of Phang-Nga Bay, made famous by the iconic image of James Bond Island. The boat ride tempts one to travel even farther, into the heart of the bay and be dwarfed by the karst (limestone) cliff formations seeming to burst straight from the water and reaching hundreds of metres high.

My last visit was on a quite grey, overcast day, with only a glimpse of sun here and there. But even on grey days it’s magical. On sunny days it’s magical in a different way, though perhaps tempting one’s curiosity a little less as everything is on full-colour display. But when the weather is on the dreary side, only hints of the magical islands poke out between the haze, beckoning to you.

Coconut palms standing sentinel on the sandbar

The beach at Koyao Island Resort looking north. This small beach has minimal waves and is very calming. A mere few steps separate the gentle wash from eco-chic luxury

The beach looking south. If you turn right between the islands, you’ll head back to Phuket

The resort’s restaurant nestled in front of a coconut grove; magical views from here

The view from the restaurant: pool, bay and Krabi sits behind those islands

Thatched-roof villas have no air conditioning but mosquito nets are available

A view you could look at all day long

Come to paradise to do nothing but relax, unwind, meditate and chill out. But if you must do something, why not swing?

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30/07/2012 - 12:11

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