LETTER from the Editor
@CKucway
Phulay Bay’s revamped Beach villas mean you have your own private
pool steps away from the shores in Krabi, Thailand.S
OMETIMES IT DOESN’T FEEL that great
to be so prescient, and this marks one
of those times. In this month’s
Intelligent Traveler section (page 41),
we’ve got a story titled “Have an
Emergency Plan” and, for obvious
reasons, it’s an excellent read for all ofus. Regardless of the global health situation, it
never hurts to prepare for medical contingencies
when you travel.
And you wouldn’t be blamed for dreaming
ahead to days when staycations are no longer
the norm—to that end we’ve got several family-
focused stories and a family-travel section (page
- for when you and your loved ones are free to
explore the world again. Our advice covers off-
the-beaten beach path stays in Vietnam that are
perfect for families, a look at hotels that cater to
children in ways you’ve never imagined, and
even a sustainable kids’ club in Bali where
cleaning the beach leads to an arts class.
To most of us, the idea of a fresh-air vacation
probably sounds just about perfect right now.
Writer Carolyn Beasley heads to Maria Island, off
the coast of Tasmania, in “Zootopia” (page 60)
with her family, and her encounters there both
surprise her and leave her in a state of bliss.
I’m not sure that was my own state of mind
as I arose early on a winter’s morning in Bhutan
to a rainstorm. We were slated to climb up to the
iconic Tiger’s Nest at 7 a.m. and, having already
been to the temples in the rain on a previous
visit, I wasn’t looking forward to a repeat of that
muddy trek. Then something magical happened.
Rain morphed into snow. At the base of the
climb, some of the other early risers were
turning back as the oak and pine trees became
more dusted with snow. I was in Bhutan to take
an early run at a photography course put on by
Como Hotels and, via long distance, New York–
based photographer Michael Turek
(“Enlightenment at High Altitudes,” page 78).
Snow lent the scene a perfect backdrop. Sure it
was cold, and yes I had left my gloves back in
Paro, but we had a Thermos of hot tea and one
of Asia’s most beautiful scenes ahead of us
peeking through a shroud of thick fog. It would
be a day to remember and, especially during a
period when we’re homebound, a perfect
reminder of why we travel.
FROM MY TRAVELS
No one needs reminding
that there’s rarely a bad
time for the beach, which is
exactly what PHUL AY BAY
(ritzcarlton.com) was
thinking when it revamped
its eight Beach villas. Floor-
to-ceiling windows look out
onto a sundeck with lounge
beds and a private pool,
perfect if the waters
around Krabi are just too
much of an effort—it is
another 10 or so meters to
the sea itself. Indoors is a
main room with a king-size
bed and cushy sofa for
some air-con lounging.
Beyond that is a bathroom
with rainforest showers and
outdoor baths. Oh, did I
mention the 24-hour butler
service? C
HRISTOPHERKU
C
WAY12 TRAVEL+LEISURE | APRIL / MAY 2020