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 Situated
amidst the awe-inspiring scenery of Phang Nga
Bay,
the quiet island of Yao Noi provides the perfect
antidote for jet lag and wedding-related stress.
The island is home to just a handful of locals
and tourists, putting it well off the beaten path.
Reaching this secluded spot requires a
picturesque boat ride across calm, blue-green
water from Phuket. Along the way, you may
even see a pod of dolphins playing in the boat's
wake! Before you know it, you will pull up
to the dock at the Six Senses
Hideaway Resort Yao Noi, your exclusive home for
the next few days.
 In such an idyllic place, with views
right out of your dreams, it may be difficult to believe that your
room could compare to the surroundings – but it will.
Your 1600-square-foot villa features a
200-square-foot private, infinity-edged swimming
pool and a large outdoor deck nestled among the
trees. Wake up each morning, gaze out your
picture window at the sea, and sip a tropical
fruit juice cocktail out of a freshly-cut
coconut. This is paradise.
While you may choose not to leave your sumptuous
accommodations, and we don't blame you, there
are plenty of worthwhile diversions if the mood
strikes you. Yoga, Tai Chi, and meditation
classes soothe the mind, while a starlit couple’s
massage on the beach soothes the body. For more
active pursuits, the beautiful waters
surrounding the resort are great for snorkeling, diving, fishing and
general exploration.
 Now
that you are totally relaxed, it's time
for a change of scenery and a bit more activity.
Up north you go to Chiang Mai, a city full of regional delights
including vibrant markets, delicious restaurants,
impressive temples, and plenty of colorful culture.
One day, try your hands at a Thai cooking class
where you learn to dish it up like locals do. Another day, you'll venture into the
highland jungle to visit a local hilltribe and
ride an elephant through brilliant green rice
paddies.  Returning to the city, you'll travel
gondola-style by handmade bamboo raft, drifting
slowly down calm waters with lush foliage on
either side. When
in need of some downtime, you can always return to
the perfectly-located Chedi Hotel, your base
while in Chiang Mai. Arguably the top
boutique address in town, this luxurious
property is within
walking distance of the city's main sights,
yet still exudes a calming Zen-like vibe as the Mae Ping River flows
serenely along its side.
 Up next, it's
onto bustling
Bangkok for some urban excitement. Whether
you choose to visit elaborate, gold-plated
temples, sprawling markets overflowing with
fruit and vegetables, or mega-malls filled with
top local and international brands, there's
no doubt that Bangkok will delight. But there's
more to see than just the city; a few hours up
the Chao Phraya River lies Ayutthaya, the
ancient capital from which King Ramathibodi I
expanded his empire to include most of
modern-day Thailand. Your transport for part of
the excursion will be a luxuriously-appointed private
rice barge, where you’ll enjoy gourmet hors
d'oeuvres en route. Your
hotel in Bangkok is
the Four Seasons, a refined oasis in
perhaps the city's most central location.
 Your final stop
takes you to another country well-known for unique culture – Cambodia. Your
destination here is Siem Reap, home to the
enigmatic Angkor Wat, considered by many to be
the most beautiful and important religious
sight in all of Asia. It's actually
comprised of an
entire complex of ancient temples, their stones
crumbling but their religious significance
intact. You'll spend a full day with an expert
guide, exploring the various temples and the
nearby
countryside. The next morning you'll
return at dawn to witness the sunrise, a truly magical experience.
The contemporary Hotel de la Paix is your home
in Seam Reap, a socially
responsible operation where – should you like –
there are opportunities to get out and meet the
locals. After a long day out exploring,
there's no better way to re-nourish than by
feasting on a traditional 7-course Khmer tasting
menu at the hotel's Meric restaurant.
With some reluctance, you'll now wave goodbye to
Southeast Asia. Still buzzing with excitement at all of
the amazing and wonderful experiences you've
just had, you'll have to somehow explain what
you've seen and done to your friends and
family. At least you'll have the photos to
prove it!
Who
will enjoy this trip:
Couples
who enjoy smart, full service hotels. Those
looking to get off the beaten path.
People who have a deeper interest in
historical and cultural sights.
Who
should avoid this trip:
Couples who would prefer less moving around.
Those with a primary focus on rest and relaxation.
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