Take a break from all the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life and indulge yourself in the luxury and comfort of a sea resort. And what better way to do it than to stay on the Andaman Sea’s largest private island, Koh Mai Ton, which sits about 9km from Phuket. Maiton Private Island (100 Moo 7, Wichi, Muang, Phuket) operates more like a family-run Airbnb than a resort.
Guests can use the beachfront pool villas either for the day (starting at $243) or stay overnight ($811/two people, inclusive of breakfast and dinner right at the villa and a barbecue lunch at the lobby area) where you’re guaranteed complete seclusion on the unspoiled 1km-long beach. Those prices include speedboat transfer, but you can add an extra $81 for a catamaran upgrade.
Activities on the island include outdoor massages with a view (from $41/hour), or a spot of diving at the underwater reef ($122/30 mins), kayaking, snorkelling and trekking for a view of Nam-Hong and Chong Lom bays as the sun sets over the coast. Scuba-diving programs for newbies are also available upon request, while overnight guests can also take a boat around the island for a dolphin-sighting trip.
Only want to stop by for a daytrip? Speedboat or catamaran transfers depart from Dolphin Pier twice a day at 9am and 1pm, inclusive of hotel pick-up, priced at $117 and $158, respectively. Bookings can be made here.
There are currently only six villas available on the island, but more will be built in the near future.
Several airlines fly between Singapore and Phuket. Tickets start from $133 on AirAsia, and $200 on Tigerair. Then, to get to the island, you’ll need to take a 15-min speedboat ride.
