Even with the resort (which was very empty) marring the scenery, the beach was peaceful. A set of stairs led up from the beach to a walkway along the cliffs. From the walkway we looked out to the ship-like island against a white cloudy sky. The water was an olive green.

It was beautiful, quiet and empty. Rowshan said, “Someone should start a service that when you get to a wonderful, perfect place, a helicopter swoops in and takes you to an airport so you can fly home with that last beautiful memory of the place.”

Cat Co 3 was also marred by a resort and a water slide. The walkway along the cliff was closed due to damage so we took the road to Cat Co beach #2. There was a recreation area with bungalows and thatched umbrellas but it seemed empty. We had the beach to ourselves and were able to finally relax on the sand and enjoy being here. Later we saw a photo of the same beach during the high season. It was packed.