Recent studies have warned that, for all their convenience and the social interaction they allow, our mobile devices and anywhere, any time wireless internet access could potentially be hazardous to our health. But what if you just can’t bear to power down your iPhone, tablet, laptop or games console?
If you’re in need of a getaway, and want to assure yourself that the negative effects of your array of gadgetry will be entirely offset by your relaxing surroundings, there’s probably no better place than this luxurious beach villa on the Thai island resort of Ko Samui, which is fitted with pretty much every modern convenience from iPad-controlled shutters to remote-operated pool thermostats and top-of-the-range cooking equipment – available to rent for a cool US$650 a night.
Join us after the break for a photo tour.

Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
Bat soup in Palau is pretty intense
Peko-chan Milky Time Cafe opens in Chiba and we go to check out all of the pastries and merch
Japanese women show overwhelming resistance to unisex bathrooms in survey
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
Bat soup in Palau is pretty intense
Peko-chan Milky Time Cafe opens in Chiba and we go to check out all of the pastries and merch
Japanese women show overwhelming resistance to unisex bathrooms in survey
Burger King Japan’s new Crown The One Pounder is like a cheeseburger on steroids
We taste-tested 10 convenience store roll cakes for Roll Cake Day!
Shimane has a secret hot spring town that feels like stepping into an old Japanese film
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Japanese convenience store sandwiches get extra protection from new business backpack
Daiso creates its own collectible trading card game, and yes, the packs are just 100 yen【Video】