The Allure of Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago

Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago (also referred to as Myeik Archipelago) seemed destined to remain one of those places known only to hardcore travelers who get a rush from one-upping each other with the magnificently obscure. For most of us, though, the 800 islands in a stretch of the Andaman Sea off Myanmar’s southern coast barely feature on a map, let alone our list of places to go for Spring Break. Those who did make it there had to charter a live-aboard boat and pack a dopp kit full of Dramamine. Now you can take luxury speedboats to two new island resorts. Wa Ale Island Resort opened in October with three treetop and 11 beachside villas (how the Swiss Family Robinson would have lived had they won a Mega Millions jackpot). There’s also Awei Pila on Kyun Pila Island, 90 minutes from the coast, set to open this month with 24 superluxe beachfront yurts. All to say, a trip here pretty much guarantees bragging rights.