ISLAND OF PHUKET, THAILAND
On the sparkling waters of a limestone peninsula on the coast of Phuket’s Phang Nga Bay, a few restful days at COMO Point Yamu give us a chance to experience the lesser-known side of the island.
It’s quieter here, and far enough from the crowds and bustle of mainland life to get a good night’s sleep. Not to mention the calming spirit of the hotel’s Shambhala retreat and its near 360-degree views of the Andaman Sea with its fairy-light fishing trawlers. (They look pretty, but word is they’re the cause of rampant over-fishing for squid in these waters.)
Holistic treatments here at the tip of Point Yamu are designed to improve mental quietude, physical well-being and spiritual balance—just what the doctor ordered. Think Thai massage alcoves, daily yoga and time chilling in the Jacuzzi, steam room or sauna. Help with developing a routine that we can incorporate into life back home is a nice added touch.
Precious memories worth re-living include dining at COMO’s La Sirena, where a selection of simple wood-fired Italian cuisine meets fresh seafood and salads. And at a special dinner at Nahmyaa we enjoy southern Thai cuisine, with a collection of dishes that are deliciously new to us. There’s also time for a healthy morning hike along the beach, lounging by the aqua infinity pool and a short boat trip to the resort’s off-site private beach club where our cabana awaits. For guests who want to be more active, bike trips and Thai boxing or tennis classes with personal instruction are on the menu.
With interiors crafted by well-known Italian designer Paola Navone, COMO Point Yamu has a stunning sense of place and a collection of 70 light-filled rooms and suites in the main resort, plus 27 private pool villas, with as many as seven bedrooms.
A soul-soothing place to slip out of your day-to-day life.
Off the grid
Phi Phi Island: A day excursion with magnificent views and exceptionally clean waters for snorkelling and diving.
Take a Phang Nga Bay Cruise: Travel past Khao Phing Kan, the island made famous by several James Bond movies. Explore fishing villages on stilts and local caves.
Remote Similan Islands: Part of the national park system, there are nine undisturbed islands with reefs and a wide range of coral and fish.
Shark Point: A shallow dive famous for letting divers commune with tame leopard sharks, bright purple sea anemones, snappers and schools of moray eels.
