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.

Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
This hot springs town in Japan sets fire across a mountain every winter in a beautiful tradition
Japanese group to hold fashion show of colostomy bags and other stoma equipment in Paris
What’s at the top of this giant escalator in Japan?
Tiny house by Muji finally goes on sale in Japan
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Japan’s Hiepita forehead cooling strips, so popular they changed the language, are disappearing
7-Eleven Japan has a hack for creating insanely delicious potato chip rice meals
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning seems to be affecting Osaka’s Namba and Dotonbori neighborhoods
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service music box to its anime merchandise shop in Japan
Studio Ghibli mixes with sporty street styles of New Era to put No Face on your head in cap series
Japanese company selling bear-proof automatic doors
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
A guide to visiting Sagamiko Illumination, one of the three biggest light-ups in Kanto
Giant new nine-floor arcade opens in Tokyo, wants to welcome new and old games fans alike
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
What’s at the top of this giant escalator in Japan?
Tiny house by Muji finally goes on sale in Japan
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Japan’s Hiepita forehead cooling strips, so popular they changed the language, are disappearing
7-Eleven Japan has a hack for creating insanely delicious potato chip rice meals
Anna Sui’s new manga accessory collection includes anime eye pouches and torso bags
What would a samurai-era cat cafe look like? Like the brand-new Edo Cat Cafe opening in Tokyo!
U.S.A. now the fastest-growing market for Japan’s high-tech toilets, now selling quicker than ever
Starbucks Japan releases the new Soupuccino, but is it everything it’s cracked up to be?
Once you hear this lady sing “Yooooooghurppe”, you may never stop hearing it
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
All-you-can-eat cake is all you need to convince us to eat at this Tokyo café
Evangelion original anime studio Gainax is now completely dissolved, Eva’s creator mourns ruined friendships