5-bedroom Villas in Koh Samui, Thailand

Sleeps 10-14*

Our
Rating 8.2

Baan Hinta

Thailand » Koh Samui » Lamai

The incredible beachside location and natural surroundings make it easy to slip into indulgent tropical island mode at Baan Hinta. Even though the villa covers several levels, the staff somehow manage to always be on hand with fresh fruit and cool refreshments, and the design of the villa means that even large groups can find cosy spaces to chill out when they want some down-time, and super-size social spaces to party in when they don’t. The soft natural tones and subtle lighting of the villa can also make it feel very intimate and romantic should the mood take you. Active members of our group made the most of the vast range of water sports equipment on offer at the villa (kayaks and paddleboards free of charge; windsurfers, jetskis and other motorised fun charged extra), while those of us who hankered after a little R&R had no trouble fulfilling our wishes. And there was plenty to keep the kids amused too. Aside from the above-mentioned fun stuff to do on the beach (which is only steps away), Apple TV, Xbox and a 120-inch outdoor movie screen made for entertainment heaven. The window into the pool from the ‘childrens’ bedroom was a good source of amusement too – just like having front-row seats for a show at the aquarium!

Despite being a very grown-up and stylish villa, Hinta is also an idyllic family holiday destination for those with older children. There really is something for everyone here.

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From $1,650 ++

Our
Rating 8.4 Guest Rating 9.8

Sleeps 10

Baan Hinyai

Thailand » Koh Samui » Lamai

Although Baan Hinyai is undoubtedly spacious with its lofty open-to-the-elements rooms and split levels, we still found it cosy and intimate. Days were spent sunning ourselves by the pool, enjoying an alfresco lunch in the sala, exploring the rock pools and generally relaxing in an environment that’s hard to leave. Mundane chores such as grocery shopping are all but forgotten as the staff do this on your behalf (provisions plus 20%), and before we even knew we wanted a cappuccino, they were there to offer one, or top up our iced water.

The chef previously worked at five star resorts on the island before choosing to cook in the more personal setting of the villa where he can get to know his guests. Each evening, tempting aromas would waft from the kitchen, calling us from our bubble baths where we relaxed after another tough day of lying in the sun. We enjoyed a delicious meal of chicken and cashew nuts as well as a Thai green curry (both dishes were also adapted for a vegetarian in our party).

Baan Hintai is ideal for groups of friends or families with older children, who will enjoy its adventurous layout and beachfront location with onsite and nearby water sports. Set back from the Ring Road, the villa enjoys privacy and quiet, yet it’s not far from the action if you’re after a day of shopping or a night out on the town in Lamai or Chaweng.

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From $1,650 ++

Our
Rating 8.6 Guest Rating 9.3

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 8.4

Baan Jakawan

Thailand » Koh Samui » Choeng Mon

Ten minutes after arriving at Baan Jakawan we found ourselves planning a party with celebrity guests. After an hour, the party had started (who needs celebrities?). Surrounded by a cool combination of luxury, nature and high-end technology, we hardly missed the beach, even though we could see one from virtually every point in the villa (there are some properties under construction nearby, but as yet, none spoil the views).

The chef's extensive repertoire covered everyone's taste and from the fresh and filling breakfast, right through to post-dinner drinks, the knowledgeable English-speaking villa manager and her diligent staff made sure we never felt ignored (although the one night we did head out for dinner, there was no-one around on our return). The music and visuals in the lounge caused initial consternation, because no-one could work out which remote to use, but once we had the iPod pumping soothing tunes into the views, such minor irritations disappeared. Bedroom-wise, we preferred the upper level suite to the more luxuriously appointed master, mainly because of its dramatic location and views, which made waking up an absolute pleasure. Having said that, the bathroom in the master is definitely a cut above, with a double rain shower that could rekindle even the most jaded romantic flame.

For adventurous types, a hire car is a must. With one, you're ten minutes from the bright lights and endless dining and shopping choices along Chaweng Beach (east) or the more sedate, beachside pleasures of Choeng Mon (west). There are two or three resorts with beachside restaurants quite close to the villa but with a wide selection of dishes on the in-villa suggestion menu, eating in is a much more appealing option. The lack of a gym may concern more active guests, but the provision of a proper lap pool and the many steps at the villa more than justify your next meal.

Overall, Baan Jakawan stands out as an ideal private escape – especially for a group of friends or families with older children. What's more, the attractive rates allow you to celebrate your good fortune in memorable style!

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From $1,150 ++ Special 5br Rate

Bedrooms 7

Sleeps 10

Baan Kilee

It is rare to find villas like Baan Kilee. We visited as a group of families and it worked an absolute treat. The kids had a ball and fell into bed exhausted each evening giving the parents time to enjoy their vacation. The staff could not have been more welcoming and accommodating; they continually smiled despite being run ragged all hours of the day by demanding parents and children. In true Thai style the kids were taken under their wing from day 1. The food was exquisite and cold drinks, teas, coffees and snacks just kept on appearing. The villa itself is well designed - practical, functional and eminently flexible. All the bedrooms are generous and have good bathrooms. We have no problem recommending Baan Kilee - it is one of the best villas we have seen.

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From $1,550 ++ Special 5br Rate

Our
Rating 9.0 Guest Rating 9.1

Sleeps 10-14*

Baan Ora Chon

Ora Chorn is huge with a very dignified refined feel. It is in a wonderful setting – one of the very best in Koh Samui, if not Asia. We loved the open airy feel with so much space (there is room for another two or three bedrooms). The villa has a tranquil but serious vibe which, if we were really picky, would benefit from some warm touches to make it more homely. Don’t get us wrong, it is still eminently comfortable with huge bedrooms, great bathrooms, fabulous views and an extremely private and peaceful setting. We particularly liked the poolside sala for dinner: great views and a lovely evening temperature (beware of the slippy floor though). The staff were lovely; the villa manageress in particular, who, once relaxed, proved to be a real character – confident, efficient, friendly and full of useful information. Her English is excellent (the other staff were average) and she was very determined to make our stay enjoyable – which she easily succeeded in doing.

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From $1,100 ++

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 8.1

Baan Puri

Our visit to Baan Puri involved two families and the kids had an absolute ball, which meant we did too. Water plays a major role at the villa, with ponds, waterfalls - that huge 30m pool - and the waters of the Gulf of Thailand a constant influence. A particular joy is that, despite the villa's opulence, it remains refreshingly simple and focuses on what matters most during a beach holiday: comfort, privacy and the opportunity to enjoy the location to the full.

The staff were an absolute delight with the villa manager taking the kids under her wing as only the Thai’s know how and a superb chef who could cater for all tastes.Every room is designed to keep you all but physically attached to the view and the options for outdoor enjoyment are countless. A particular pleasure was the large circular daybed on the terrace in front of the beachfront bedroom, reclining with a chilled drink, breathing in the breeze with the pool and ocean before you can only be described as sublime. Versatility is another advantage.

The sheer size of the property, combined with its sensitive design, mean Baan Puri can happily host several families. There's even a table tennis table, beach toys, a Kayak, bikes and DVDs to keep the kids entertained when not in the pool or on the beach. But the villa would also be perfect for a large gathering of friends or a special celebration. Who could resist a party on the lush beachside lawn? Of course, not even high-end residences escape the odd architectural over-indulgence, but at Baan Puri, the few there are add character rather than inconvenience. A cliché I know but the only real disappointment was leaving.

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From $1,450 ++ Special 5br Rate

Our
Rating 8.1 Guest Rating 8.1

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 8.4

Ban Haad Sai

Thailand » Koh Samui » Bang Rak-Big Buddha

It's not difficult to settle into 'the House on the Beach'. As soon as the sliding gate shuts out the roadside bustle, a relaxed atmosphere takes hold, coaxing you to kick off your shoes and switch into holiday mode.

The villa was originally designed as two separate residences and although this creates a few anomalies (such as two lounges, which seems a little excessive), we felt the symmetry between the left- and right-hand accommodation would allow families or friends the choice to spend time with or without each other when sharing the villa.

The more significant division perhaps, is between the front and rear. Staying in one of the front-facing master suites is a real treat as you enjoy constant sea views, instant pool access and special additions like sunken outdoor bath tubs but, depending on the group dynamic, this may cause a little bedroom envy with those occupying the rear guest rooms. Having said that, everyone benefits from abundant communal comforts and homely touches (including a good selection of books and DVDs) which, combined with the great sound system and the huge flat-screen TV in the AV room, add to the general sense of privilege.

Days slip by gently at the poolside, with the wide, comfy hammock providing the ultimate excuse to do nothing but read, swim and snooze. To really appreciate the villa's idyllic location and make the most of the relaxed atmosphere that pervades, ask the helpful staff to set a table on the deck or lawn in the early evening, then drift from sundowners into dinner before turning up the music for a pool party.

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From $923 ++ Special 5br Rate

Bedrooms 7

Sleeps 10

Ban Mekkala

Thailand » Koh Samui » Laem Sor

Ban Mekkala is now considered one of the grand dames on Koh Samui's ever-expanding luxury villa list. Although the fixtures and furnishings are a touch faded, there’s no lack of indulgent comforts and private holiday bliss, and the multitude of fine facilities on offer are well thought out, especially for a large group or family holiday. We enjoyed the natural Thai elegance of the place, which fits perfectly with the secluded tropical setting.

Even though we’d hired a car, it remained in the car park for most of our visit as we opted to stay put and enjoy the relaxed confines of the villa. Waking up to the stunning blue seascape, breakfast served on our poolside terrace by the gentle staff, set the scene for days of idle pleasure as we switched between the pool, the jacuzzi, the massage table, the beach and the dining sala.

Balmy evenings begged for outdoor repast and we explored the suggestion menu with gusto before retiring to the poolside loungers to stargaze. A proliferation of TVs makes it well worth stocking up on films, while the poolside bar and barbecue are great for impromptu parties. Once you begin to adjust to the peaceful surroundings though, you may find that early nights become one of your holiday treats.

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From $1,650 ++ Special 5br Rate

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 7.8

Ban Suriya

Ban Suriya is one of those villas where, as reviewers, you find yourself looking for something negative just to tick the ‘Surprises’ box. We failed.

Our time passed far too quickly at Ban Suriya. In fact, a month would probably be needed to enjoy the villa to the full. It's not only the salubrious surroundings that stand out, it's the way everything seems to go that extra mile to please. There's not just a computer, there's an iMac packed with tunes that you can play through Bose speakers in the lounge and poolside sala (gazebo). The gym is not only well-equipped, it has a fridge, and a plunge pool bigger than some other villas' main pool. Even the DVD collection includes films you wish you'd remembered to buy at the airport.

Ironically, even with so many options we found ourselves drawn to the simplest – the tree house by the beach. The staff is clearly proud to be part of the Ban Suriya experience and the live-in manager was knowledgeable and keen to help us appreciate the villa's pleasures. Although each bedroom is noticeably different, with no one losing out, the master is clearly the most extravagant with its terrazzo bath tub and ensuite lounge. Clever design touches in the guest rooms like direct pool and jacuzzi access, indulgent semi-outdoor bathrooms and hand-picked, stylish furnishings ensure everyone is content, while those staying the twin bedroom by the games room and gym or cosseted in the beachfront pavilion also enjoy complete privacy and independence.

Eight people is probably the minimum number you would need to fully appreciate this villa (there's an option to rent four bedrooms outside peak season), otherwise you might struggle to appreciate its exuberance.

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From $1,675 ++ Special 5br Rate