Wa Ale Island Resort

Sitting just off the Andaman Coast, the Myeik Archipelago hides in plain sight. Among a collection of 800 islands and islets quietly adrift off Myanmar’s southernmost tip, the private island of Wa Ale bakes beneath a dazzling tropical sun. You probably haven’t heard of it. Wa Ale remains a place where intrepid travelers take a chance on a rumor—whispers of a tented camp enveloped by lush mangrove forest; where azure shallows wash over golden sands; and visions of a half-mile-long, sugar-fine beach beckon to barefoot escape artists.

There are no accidental guests at Wa Ale Resort—the island’s only lodging—but if you are up for the journey, you’ll be rewarded with a most extraordinary and exclusive castaway experience.

To reach Wa Ale Resort, you’ll arrive by boat. Pass through the protected waters of Lampi Marine National Park before disembarking on the beach. The Main Pavillion is the resort’s convivial beating heart. In the Beach Restaurant & Bar, dig into tantalizing Asian and Mediterranean comfort foods made with ingredients grown in the chef’s organic garden. Three Treetop Villas are situated closest to the Pavillion, sitting aloft on stilts amid the forest canopy.

A beach path leads to 11 safari-style tented villas strung across the beach. (The property accommodates just 28 guests at any given time.) Rinse off the day’s sun, sand, and saltwater in outdoor showers and imbibe ocean vistas from wooden decks adorned with chairs and loungers. The River Cafe bookends the villas, serving light fare and drinks to diners seated on bean bag chairs with toes in the sand. An ambient River Spa is situated along a small waterway, offering a soundtrack to the massages and Ayurvedic treatments. On-site amenities also include a jungle gym, a conservation center, and an activity center.

On Honeymoon Beach, a 10-minute boat ride from Wa Ale Resort, you’ll find The Beach House. A handsome, four-bedroom villa, it handily accommodates larger families or small groups in total privacy. Guest stays are fully catered and serviced by a private butler, housekeeping, and in-house dining.

Pass splendid on Wa Ale days exploring the depth of nature that this privileged location affords. Remote and untouched, activities here feel truly adventurous. On guided excursions, snorkel or dive to unspoiled reefs that teem with manta rays, whale sharks, ribbon eels, and dolphins. SUP through mangrove forests, kayak the Salet Galet River, and hike along jungle trails rife with native flora to reach island summits. Sea safaris, turtle conservation, abundant birdlife, and even some small mammals are a joyous reminder of how wild this far-flung sanctuary remains.

Guest stays at Wa Ale Resort contribute to the conservation and protection of Lampi Marine National Park with the intention to set a precedent for future tourism projects in the Myeik Archipelago—making it both a memorable and feel-good experience.

Wa Ale Resort Nice-to-Know

The best time to visit Wa Ale Resort is November through March when skies are the clearest and winds are the calmest. April is hot, and May sees the start of the rainy season which can last through October.

Due to the nature of boat transfers, Wa Ale has a three-nights minimum stay.

You will need to clear customs when traveling to/from Thailand to Myanmar, but Extraordinary Journeys will ensure the process is smooth and easy.