Christopher & Farina Kingsley

Independent Minds: Christopher & Farina Kingsley, Wa Ale Resort

Castaway to an eco-conscious island which is making waves with its conservation and community-minded efforts

On a remote archipelago off the coast of MyanmarWa Ale Resort is redefining the private island experience. Founded by teak furniture designer and craftsman Christopher Kingsley and his wife Farina, a culinary instructor and cookbook author, this previously untouched island is in the safest possible pair of hands on the design and food front – but it’s the couple’s passion for purpose-driven, positive-impact travel which really sets this Considerate Collection resort apart.

We feel that we've built a haute bohemian utopia that all began with our adventurous spirit and desire to explore the world in a more considered, and considerate, way.

Do you have a vision for the future of the hotel?

We consider Wa Ale to be one of the most environmentally conscious hotels on the planet, and sustainable tourism, conservation and the efforts of our Lampi Foundation continue to be the core of who we are and why we operate the resort. 20 percent of our profits and three percent of all room revenue funds our Lampi Foundation, which in turn pays for all of our conservation and social welfare programmes.

Our vision of becoming a leader in sustainable tourism is unwavering, as demonstrated by our ‘green homes’ building project on Honeymoon Beach, opening in October 2024. These homes are carefully being built on the other side of the island, and boast three bedrooms, a living area, kitchen, and large deck facing the ocean. This section of Wa Ale will be for large family gatherings on a beautiful bay.

The five homes and cottages are for those larger groups that wish for privacy yet still have the exclusive service of our existing resort at their fingertips. Honeymoon Beach will also have its own beach club where loved ones can gather for meals and entertainment. We’re excited to be expanding our island’s offerings in an equally environmentally sensitive way.

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