October/November 2007

GYPSY TALES
ISLAND HIGH LIFE

The October opening of Evason Hideaway & Six Senses Spa at Yao Noi (66-76/418-500; yaonoi@evasonhideaways.com; villas from about US$745) catapults a formerly sleepy Thai island of Muslim fishing villages into the luxury-tourism stratosphere. From afar, the 56 palm-thatched wooden villas, secreted in a leafy hillside overlooking Phang Nga Bay, resemble their traditional local counterparts. Up close however, it's a different story: all boast infinity edge pools, wine stocked fridges, Bose music systems, and at least one butler. The 1,500 square-meter Hilltop Reserve villa is even more decadent, as befits its US$12,300 a night price tag: it features a dedicated staff of four, three master bedrooms, accommodation for servants/security staff, a 500-bottle wine cellar, private gym and an enormous swimming pool. Starting in March, transfers from Phuket Airport will take just 15 minutes via the resort's own helicopter.

Copyright © 2007 Jennifer Gampell