Villas in Bang Rak-Big Buddha, Koh Samui

Our
Rating 6.4 Guest Rating 8.6

Although we were only on a short break, we would happily have stayed longer at Bacaya if only for the deserted beach and delicious pool. The roadside location caused initial concern, but once ensconced and surrounded by tropical greenery looking out over the untroubled bay, the traffic noise quickly dissolved and the holiday took hold. For a private house at this level, palatial surroundings were never an expectation. Happily though, the layout, facilities and warm welcome exceeded our predictions.

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.

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From $400 ++

Bedrooms 2

Sleeps 4

Ban Haad Sai

Our
Rating 8.1 Guest Rating 8.1

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 $1,850

Bedrooms 7

Sleeps 14

Tassana Pra

Staying at Tassana Pra feels a little like travelling back in time. Walking barefoot on teakwood floors surrounded by antique, homely touches it is easy to imagine life in a more genteel era. Anyone with artistic or literary aspirations would certainly feel at home in this villa, but it has also been carefully designed to offer a range of material indulgences. The free-form pool is a particular delight, especially with the playful addition of a hanging dive platform from the upper terrace. All the living areas are comfortable as well as being beautifully decorated. Options for reflection and relaxation range from lying by the pool to reclining on a soft daybed on the terrace, sinking into one of the deep sofas in the living room or relaxing with a book in the garden gazebo. Meals can be taken in or outside – it’s particularly enjoyable to have dinner served on the terrace, allowing you to enjoy the softly lit garden and twinkling lights of Big Buddha bay beyond.

The master and upstairs guest bedrooms are also worthy of special mention. They are decorated with such delicate antique style you could be forgiven for thinking you'd been invited to a royal residence. The master suite’s dressing room definitely gives this part of the villa a stately ambiance, with the large wooden dresser and built-in panelled wardrobes fit for most princesses.

Whichever spot you choose, the views and surroundings at Tassana Pra inspire a sense of quiet contentment. The managers, Khun Aoy and Khun Wally, could easily be characters from a Victorian novel. Their calm dedication to duty, smiling faces and knowledge of all things relevant make them as much a feature of the house as its stunning architecture.

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From $360 ++ Special 1br Rate

Sleeps 2

Tassana Pra

Staying at Tassana Pra feels a little like travelling back in time. Walking barefoot on teakwood floors surrounded by antique, homely touches it is easy to imagine life in a more genteel era. Anyone with artistic or literary aspirations would certainly feel at home in this villa, but it has also been carefully designed to offer a range of material indulgences. The free-form pool is a particular delight, especially with the playful addition of a hanging dive platform from the upper terrace. All the living areas are comfortable as well as being beautifully decorated. Options for reflection and relaxation range from lying by the pool to reclining on a soft daybed on the terrace, sinking into one of the deep sofas in the living room or relaxing with a book in the garden gazebo. Meals can be taken in or outside – it’s particularly enjoyable to have dinner served on the terrace, allowing you to enjoy the softly lit garden and twinkling lights of Big Buddha bay beyond.

The master and upstairs guest bedrooms are also worthy of special mention. They are decorated with such delicate antique style you could be forgiven for thinking you'd been invited to a royal residence. The master suite’s dressing room definitely gives this part of the villa a stately ambiance, with the large wooden dresser and built-in panelled wardrobes fit for most princesses.

Whichever spot you choose, the views and surroundings at Tassana Pra inspire a sense of quiet contentment. The managers, Khun Aoy and Khun Wally, could easily be characters from a Victorian novel. Their calm dedication to duty, smiling faces and knowledge of all things relevant make them as much a feature of the house as its stunning architecture.

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From $460 ++ Special 2br Rate

Sleeps 4

Tassana Pra

Staying at Tassana Pra feels a little like travelling back in time. Walking barefoot on teakwood floors surrounded by antique, homely touches it is easy to imagine life in a more genteel era. Anyone with artistic or literary aspirations would certainly feel at home in this villa, but it has also been carefully designed to offer a range of material indulgences. The free-form pool is a particular delight, especially with the playful addition of a hanging dive platform from the upper terrace. All the living areas are comfortable as well as being beautifully decorated. Options for reflection and relaxation range from lying by the pool to reclining on a soft daybed on the terrace, sinking into one of the deep sofas in the living room or relaxing with a book in the garden gazebo. Meals can be taken in or outside – it’s particularly enjoyable to have dinner served on the terrace, allowing you to enjoy the softly lit garden and twinkling lights of Big Buddha bay beyond.

The master and upstairs guest bedrooms are also worthy of special mention. They are decorated with such delicate antique style you could be forgiven for thinking you'd been invited to a royal residence. The master suite’s dressing room definitely gives this part of the villa a stately ambiance, with the large wooden dresser and built-in panelled wardrobes fit for most princesses.

Whichever spot you choose, the views and surroundings at Tassana Pra inspire a sense of quiet contentment. The managers, Khun Aoy and Khun Wally, could easily be characters from a Victorian novel. Their calm dedication to duty, smiling faces and knowledge of all things relevant make them as much a feature of the house as its stunning architecture.

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From $560 ++ Special 3br Rate

Sleeps 6

Tassana Pra

Staying at Tassana Pra feels a little like travelling back in time. Walking barefoot on teakwood floors surrounded by antique, homely touches it is easy to imagine life in a more genteel era. Anyone with artistic or literary aspirations would certainly feel at home in this villa, but it has also been carefully designed to offer a range of material indulgences. The free-form pool is a particular delight, especially with the playful addition of a hanging dive platform from the upper terrace. All the living areas are comfortable as well as being beautifully decorated. Options for reflection and relaxation range from lying by the pool to reclining on a soft daybed on the terrace, sinking into one of the deep sofas in the living room or relaxing with a book in the garden gazebo. Meals can be taken in or outside – it’s particularly enjoyable to have dinner served on the terrace, allowing you to enjoy the softly lit garden and twinkling lights of Big Buddha bay beyond.

The master and upstairs guest bedrooms are also worthy of special mention. They are decorated with such delicate antique style you could be forgiven for thinking you'd been invited to a royal residence. The master suite’s dressing room definitely gives this part of the villa a stately ambiance, with the large wooden dresser and built-in panelled wardrobes fit for most princesses.

Whichever spot you choose, the views and surroundings at Tassana Pra inspire a sense of quiet contentment. The managers, Khun Aoy and Khun Wally, could easily be characters from a Victorian novel. Their calm dedication to duty, smiling faces and knowledge of all things relevant make them as much a feature of the house as its stunning architecture.

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From $660 ++

Sleeps 8

Miskawaan - Baan Tamarind