Phuket and Ko Yao Noi: Beachside Honeymoon(s)

For a change of pace from crowded buses, motorscooter adventures, and bustling metropolises, we decided to spend our final week in southeast Asia at the beach.  Furthermore, for a change of pace from rustic cottages, hostels, and eco-resorts, we opted for a taste of real honeymoon luxury.  

Beachside Honeymoon Part 1: Modern Luxury

Our flight touched down in Phuket late last Sunday night and we straggled into our modern all-villa hotel a few hours later.  Our large backpacks and borderline scruffy attire proved to be a bit incongruous in our spacious glass-walled villa boasting unbeatable views of the Andaman Sea.

We spent much of our time in Phuket trying to decide which infinity pool was the best: the private one adjacent to our villa or the almost-always empty giant one on the beach.

We also continued Giorgio’s birthday celebrations with a New York-style steak dinner (thanks #donandsusan!) and continued the honeymoon celebrations with a romantic barbecue at the villa.

Beachside Honeymoon Part 2: Island Luxury

On Thursday, we reluctantly left our super-modern new home (which included far more space than most NYC apartments) and took a taxi to Phuket’s marina.  Hopping onto our resort’s ferryboat, we quickly motored out into the bay.  Next stop: The Six Senses Ko Yao Noi! 

We spent the second half of the week on the small island of Ko Yao Noi, reveling in the luxury of our own villa overlooking the crystal clear waters and picture-perfect islands to the east.  The Six Senses was also well aware that it was our honeymoon, resulting in yet more classy bed decorations and a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine.  (That complimentary bottle of wine was appreciated even more than usual after we discovered that Thailand imposes so many taxes on wine that they accumulate to over 400%!)

At the Six Senses, we discovered the best infinity pool yet (in Asia at least) – boasting incredible views of the islands in Phang Na Bay and equally incredible fruity cocktails.  (We still think, however, that the pool at Namibia's Grootberg Lodge cannot be beat.)

We explored our surroundings via kayak.  Despite Stephanie's super strong paddling skills, it turned out to be much more fun to jump out for swim in the bay and an impromptu synchro routine.

Via long-tail boat, we sped through the neighboring islands and found our own private beach for the day.

We spent plenty of time exploring our resort...

...enjoying the unlimited supply of free ice cream...

...and trying a few too many fruity cocktails.

When we could tear ourselves away from the vistas, we spent as much time as possible out on the beautiful blue waters of the bay.

Since this was our honeymoon after all, there was a romantic dinner for two on the beach... 

...plus a beautiful sunset viewed (along with champagne) from our own desert island.

We are now en route back to the US, eager to catch up (briefly) with friends in NYC and attend what is sure to be a beautiful wedding to celebrate #fioreandniall!

#stephandgio