They say getting to a destination can be the highlight of the travel experience – and nowhere could that be truer than the journey to Thailand’s just-launched, ultra-luxury Irene Pool Villa Resort.
It is located on Koh Lipe, an island within the Tarutao National Marine Park in the Andaman Sea, close to the border with Malaysia.
There are several ways of accessing the resort. Guests travelling to the resort from Hat Yai International Airport can transfer by van to Pak Bara Pier, where Irene Pool Villa Resort has its own reception lounge, and from where a speedboat will take them to Koh Lipe, a 1hr 30min journey.
A trishaw will convey guests the final five minutes to the resort.
Public ferry services also operate from Phuket and from Langkawi. A private seaplane service will soon be available from Phuket International Airport, landing just off the beach in front of the resort.
With 16 pool villas in its initial opening phase, the resort is set directly on Sunrise Beach, rated by many the most beautiful beach in Thailand.
The resort has the first Mediterr-Asian restaurant on Lipe, Bok e’tto, located on the sands and with its name taken from the Japanese word for the act of gazing out in the distance towards a faraway horizon.
There are three sizes of villa, each with its own outdoor swimming pool. Sand Beachfront Pool Villa has a living area of 110 sqm, Sun Beachfront Pool Villa has 118 sqm, and Tree Pool Villa, 138 sqm.
Under the second phase of opening, 41 additional accommodations will be added in Q4 2023.