Sun & Snow Escapes

Rhythm, gastronomy and wildlife phenomena: set forth on the season’s most exciting escapes to peaks, plains and far-flung islands.

- Lauren Hill

ISLAND WILDERNESS

Seek out the seclusion of a private island in Myanmar’s isolated Mergui Archipelago

When Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago opened up to tourism in the late ‘90s, it was the dive companies on Thailand’s Andaman Coast who first led sailing and diving excursions to the remote region. Even then, the archipelago of around 800 islands remained largely untouched due to its isolation and size: it’s only in recent years that luxury travel made its appearance here.

The high-end yacht company Burma Boating began sailing through the region in 2013 and 2018 saw the arrival of luxury eco resorts, Wa Ale and Awei Pila. A two-hour speedboat ride from Kawthaung in southernmost Myanmar takes you to the island Wa Ale Resort calls home at the heart of Lampi Marine National Park. Wa Ale’s founders, Chris and Farina Kingsley, set the resort up with the primary intention of supporting the local communities and establishing conservation projects. These efforts, which are now in full swing, come hand in hand with the endeavour for optimum sustainability.

Boardwalks lead you through wild mangrove and the open-sided pavilion overlooks the roaring ocean. Safari-style tented suites hide within the island’s foliage and beautifully crafted tree houses sit within the canopy. All accommodation comes with uninterrupted views of the waves as they come rolling in. Days here are spent hiking the island’s forest trails, snorkelling over thriving reef and kayaking wild jungle channels.