With its huge windows and bright open plan, Nautilus has an easy elegance that made us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. Not that we weren’t dazzled by the spectacular views across Phang Nga Bay, too! It’s a villa ideal for a family holiday of play and rest, with its 20-metre pool extending across the front making it easy for us to relax inside in the comfy living area while keeping an eye on the kids splashing around. We loved having the delightful dilemma of whether to dine inside at the stately dining table or out on the terrace, with superb views to enjoy either way. And the food did not disappoint, with the chef preparing a delicious medley of Thai dishes including spicy steamed sea bass and Penang chicken curry that even our picky pre-teen was keen to try. Staying on the lesser-travelled east coast of Phuket may not be to everyone’s taste, but we love it here! Ao Po with its mangrove-fringed coastline and rural landscapes is one of our favourite areas of the island, with a still-undiscovered feel about it. And anyone keen to hop aboard a boat or kayak will find Nautilus to be a handy base for their sea exploration.