You can now stay on the Andaman Sea's largest private island, Koh Mai Ton, which sits about 9km from Phuket. Maiton Private Island (100 Moo 7, Wichi, Muang, Phuket, www.fb.com/maitonislandphuket) operates more like a family-run Airbnb than a resort. 

Guests can use the beachfront pool villas either for the day (starting at B6,000) or stay overnight (B20,000/2 people, inclusive of breakfast and dinner right at the villa and a barbecue lunch at the lobby area) where you're guaranteed complete seclusion on the 1km, unspoiled beach. Those prices include speedboat transfer, but you can add an extra B2,000 for a catamaran upgrade. 

Activities on the island include outdoor massages with a view (from B1,000/hour), or a spot of diving at the underwater reef (B3,000/30 mins), kayaking, snorkelling and trekking for a view of Nam-Hong and Chong Lom bays as the sun sets over the coast. Scuba-diving programs for newbies are also available upon request, while overnight guests can also take a boat around the island for a dolphin-sighting trip. 

Only want to stop by for a daytrip? Speedboat or catamaran transfers depart from Dolphin Pier twice a day at 9am and 1pm, inclusive of hotel pick-up, priced at B2,900 and B3,900, respectively. Bookings can be made at www.maitonprivateisland.com. 

There are currently only six villas available on the island, but more will be built in the near future.