Villa M

The third largest island in Thailand, Koh Samui is just 21km at its widest point and 25km at its longest. The hinterland consists of forested limestone hills and the shoreline is made up of countless coconut palm-fringed beaches and bays.
Traditionally a coconut plantation and fisherman's haven, in the last few years the island has grown into a major holiday destination with regular connections to Bangkok and direct flights from Hong Kong and Singapore. Despite rapid development, Samui is small enough to retain its charm and its modest size also makes it a convenient, laid back location even during busy seasons.
As well as fine beaches, Samui is known for recreation, relaxation and fine food. The blue waters of the Thai Gulf provide a wealth of possibility for water sports, while on land the island is well known for its professional and indulgent spas and health retreats. Fresh seafood is a specialty at most of Samui's restaurants, but you can also enjoy food from almost every corner of the globe thanks to the island's strong international influences.
Each beach on Samui has its own particular character and ambience. The east coast beaches of Chaweng and Lamai are busy, commercial areas with everything from beach vendors to fast food chains, while to the north, Bang Rak and Bo Phut have a more relaxed local village atmosphere. Beaches like Lipa Noi and Laem Set on the western and southern shores feel much more remote and untouched.
Koh Samui combines comfort and convenience with a sense of real escape and this has made it a popular choice for residential as well as tourist development. The island is an eclectic blend of nature and sophistication, one that draws repeat visitors every year to indulge in its tropical delights.
Thailand » Koh Samui » Lipa Noi
Thailand » Koh Samui » Bang Rak-Big Buddha
Bacaya was clearly built as an alternative to hotel accommodation and in that respect more than lives up to requirements. The main living and dining area resembles a studio apartment. Everything is close to hand, with additional benefits such as a fully equipped kitchen and standing fridge freezer that we quickly stocked from the local supermarket as a value substitute for the in-room facilities provided by hotels in a similar price range. The full-time maid prepared a fine daily breakfast and was a mine of local information despite limited English. She was more than happy to help with provisioning (everything from sunscreen to electrolyte), so the absence of more full-time staff was never a cause for complaint.
With a varied choice of restaurants and bars within walking distance, it would be easy to hit the town every night. For pleasant evenings in, we found the garden gazebo proved an ideal spot for extended dinners, while late night dips in the private pool added to the joy. Although the master suite outshines the smaller guest bedroom, both are comfortable with plenty of space to make them your own. Bacaya is not a choice for large families or gatherings, but certainly a great place for couples or small families to get away from it all without completely cutting off from the island's diversions.
Thailand » Koh Samui » Mae Nam
Thailand » Koh Samui » Mae Nam
We stayed poolside well into the evening, enjoying a glass of wine as the sun set over the bay, and chatting to some locals grilling shellfish they’d just caught, right there on the beach. Only the delicious aroma of our dinner wafting from the kitchen drew us inside to the air-conditioned dining room. Having a chef on hand was a treat, as a day in the sun made us too lazy to venture out. The chef is skilled in both Thai and Western cuisine, and in the open-plan kitchen we enjoyed watching the preparation of some favourite local dishes. The villa’s simple furnishings are comfortable and homely and we slept well in the master suite’s pretty four-poster bed after relaxing in a bubble bath.
As the villa is set back from the main road, we heard no traffic noise other than the occasional ‘put-put’ from long-tail boat engines. From the security guard who saluted us every time we passed, to the bubbly chef who prepared out dinner and breakfast, and even the unobtrusive housekeeper, we found all staff to be not only professional, but also pleasant and friendly.
Thailand » Koh Samui » Mae Nam
The villa’s furnishings are comfortable and homely and it’s well equipped when it comes to audio-visual gadgetary – each bedroom has a TV/DVD, and the master suite and living room also offer satellite channels. There’s an iPod dock too should you wish to bring your own music. We stayed by the pool well into the evening, enjoying a glass of wine as the sun set over the bay. Only the delicious aroma of our dinner wafting from the kitchen drew us inside to the air-conditioned dining room. We took advantage of the option of a private chef (extra charge), as a day in the sun made us too lazy to venture out. The chef is skilled in both Thai and Western cuisine, and in the open-plan kitchen we enjoyed watching the preparation of our favourite local dishes. To work off our over-indulgence, we appreciated the private, well-kitted-out gym.
As the villa is set back from the main road, we heard no traffic noise, other that the occasional ‘put-put’ from long-tail boat engines. From the security guard who saluted us every time we passed, to the bubbly villa manager, and even the unobtrusive housekeeper, we found all staff to be not only professional, but also pleasant and friendly.
Thailand » Koh Samui » Bang Por-Nathon
Renting a vehicle is highly recommended if you plan to eat out a lot, although the in-villa menu suggestions are varied if you opt to pay extra for an in-house chef. A jolly cleaner arrives every morning after breakfast and again in the evening, she's accompanied by the helpful villa manageress who deals with special requests and will even nip to the local shops to buy basic provisions. Essentially, it is the beautiful garden, quiet beach and stunning views that appeal most. The somewhat remote location makes the holiday home (villa may be a tad generous) feel your own as soon as you arrive and although the neighbours are very close by, walled grounds create a pleasant, personalised holiday environment. As a private alternative to Samui's more upmarket resort accommodation it is an attractive choice.
Thailand » Koh Samui » Taling Ngam
Thailand » Koh Samui » Taling Ngam
Being part of a small estate also gives you the option of hiring more than one of The Headland Villas for a family gathering or celebration. Once ensconced in your own villa, however, you neither see nor hear your neighbours unless you invite them over (it's a great venue for sunset cocktails). It's quite rare, even on Samui, to find such modern comforts so close to unspoilt nature and traditional island life. The combination of the two makes for a memorable holiday indeed.
Since our initial visit three years ago, the Headland Villas have flourished and now blend even more naturally into their surroundings as the gardens have become more established. The properties have been well-maintained, with little evidence of wear-and-tear.
Thailand » Koh Samui » Taling Ngam
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