Paradise Found

Picture yourself on a private island, with all the luxuries of a first-class resort: beautiful accommodations, all-inclusive gourmet cuisine, turquoise water, pristine beaches. Surrounded by nature. No light pollution. The only sounds are the calls of birds and monkeys. That is Wa Ale (pronounced wah ah lay).

If you are looking for something a little different – something other than the same old luxury vacation with the same generic rooms, the same buffet breakfasts, the crowded bars and pools – then Wa Ale is the place for you. Believe me when I tell you, you won’t be disappointed! You will feel like you are in a James Bond film as you land at the tiny airport in Ranong, Thailand and then driven to the port, whisked through customs before taking a short boat ride to the nearby port in Myanmar, where you will be greeted by Wa Ale staff who will handle all your paperwork. Once through customs, you will embark on a speed boat, where you will have tasty snacks waiting, to make the roughly two-hour journey to the resort. It’s entirely up to you if you want to stretch out and nap on the comfy seats or soak up the beauty of the chain of islands, the fishing boats, and the sea life along the way.

Wa Ale is the ultimate beach paradise. Accessible only by boat, it is located in the Lampi Marine National Park, in the Myeik Archipelago off the coast of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). It is not only a stress-free zone for humans…it is a haven for marine life as well. Every detail about the place has been painstakingly thought out, in order to provide guests with the chance to enjoy the natural jungle environment while leaving only the gentlest of footprints. No trees were cut down to build Wa Ale. Water is sourced from the island’s natural springs and treated with a filtration system. Electricity is generated from the plentiful sunlight. It’s as natural as you can get and still enjoy all the perks of a top notch resort.

Accommodations include eleven ‘villas’ that stand just back from the sea, enjoying the breezes that flow off of the crystal clear water. The villas are actually South African safari tents, which contain beautifully designed, spacious sleeping and living areas. During the day, the air flows in and around the tents. At night, sheer curtains offer privacy while still allowing the air to pass through and the murmur of the waves to lull guests to sleep. There are also three ‘tree houses’ that are elevated to provide unique views of both the foliage and the sea. Plans are in the works to complete an even more private lodge with its own kitchen for larger groups.

In spite of its secluded location, you never feel isolated at Wa Alé. It’s more like you have stumbled on a secret hideaway that only a few people know about. The staff caters to each guest as if he or she was the only one on the island. Activities include guided hikes, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, yoga, personal training, and sightseeing boat rides (which sometimes involve picking up fresh seafood from local fishing boats). There is even a private barbecue on one of the surrounding islands. Dives can be arranged for an extra charge, as can spa services.

My main goal at Wa Ale was to just enjoy the peace and quiet and take a break from social media. My itinerary included kayaking through the island’s incredible mangrove forest; birdwatching; swimming all alone in the turquoise water just steps from my villa; yoga at the ‘Jungle Gym’ (an elevated platform hidden in the trees just off the beach). And I got one of the best massages of my life while surrounded by monkeys chattering in the treetops.

And the food! Fish and clams straight off the fishing boats. Fresh, local produce. Need I say more?

Alas, while on the island, I had hoped to find one of the beautiful, sweet smelling flowers for which the resort was named. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to spot any. I hope to return one day and try again.

Wa Ale has claimed a very special place in my heart. I promise that it will do the same for you, but be forewarned: once you visit Wa Ale, you will never want to go anywhere else.