Hai Leng's postcard-perfect tropical panorama at the fringe of Ao Yon bay is about as good as a holiday escape gets. We loved watching the boats coming and going from our lavish perch on the marble terrace, with the most pressing decision we faced being whether to take another dip in

the fantastic infinity pool, venture out for a stroll along the sands, or play pétanque. Actually, we have no idea how to play pétanque but the pitch is right there on the beachfront should we have wanted to give it a try! The cooler morning hours were especially delightful, watching the bay come to life while sipping our freshly-brewed coffee presented by the friendly, efficient maids who serve breakfast daily. We also indulged in an excellent evening meal on the terrace, a fantastic Thai seafood spread prepared by the skilled chef who may be brought in to cook additional meals for an extra charge.

Hai Leng is where the owners of the three Moon Cove Villas stay when they are in Phuket, and indeed they were here when we came for a visit. Meal service was flawless and well presented. Though we were happy to remain lazily sequestered in the villa, it is worth venturing out for at least one afternoon to drive the scenic roads around the cape, with plenty of places to stop along the way to take in the views or enjoy a cool drink in a shady hut. Since our visit, an English-speaking villa manager has been hired, who helps communicate with staff, organise excursions, etc, in the owners' abscense.

Swaying coconut trees, a glassy-calm bay, vivid sunrises, jungle-clad hills: those seeking to escape into a classic tropical scene will find it here at Noble House – one of the most peaceful and picturesque villa locations we've found in Phuket. Here, you feel hidden away from the

world yet it's less than 15 minutes by car to Phuket Town or Chalong Pier. We spent a lot of time in and around the pool, taking in the view, watching the activity in the bay. Couples will especially enjoy the relaxed pace of life here. Younger kids will need to be watched closely around the pool (which is 2m deep throughout), but they will have fun at the beach collecting shells and splashing in the shallow sea. The spacious lawn that stretches across the front of Noble House and neighbouring Villa Hai Leng offers plenty of running-around space, too. This sheltered, busy bay does not have the most crystal-clear water but it's perfectly safe for swimming – just don't venture too close to the pearl farm buoys or you'll be shooed away!

Noble House is a new villa (built 2011) and the owners are hands-on and open to suggestions – be sure to give advance notice of any requirements you may have for children's equipment, bedding or other facilities. Aside from the daily breakfast service this is a self-catering villa but we do recommend hiring the private chef at least once during your stay. This can be arranged with the villa manager. We enjoyed a marvellous, beautifully presented seafood dinner on the terrace. Though we were happy to remain lazily sequestered in the villa, it is worth venturing out for at least one afternoon to drive the scenic roads around the cape. There are plenty of places to stop along the way and take in the views or enjoy a cool drink in a shady hut.

Delighting in Taipan villa's incredibly picturesque location on one of the few remaining coastal areas of Phuket that retains a traditional charm, we sunk happily into a languid life here and were very reluctant to leave. Though life at the villa is relaxed, the bay is bustling, and we

were perfectly content spending our day watching the comings and goings of the long-tail fishing boats and yachts, while wondering about the progress of the treasures hidden inside the dangling oysters at the pearl farm in the centre of the bay. Venturing down to the beach, we saw only a sprinkling of local families strolling the sands -- and no rental sunbeds or tourists in sight. Those who relish the chance to delve into the local culture of a place will really love staying here. This being a new villa, the owners are open to suggestions, however, so be sure to give advance notice of any requirements you may have for children's equipment, bedding or other facilities. Aside from the daily breakfast service, this is a self-catering villa but we do recommend hiring the on-call chef at least once – his seafood dishes are superb! Meals may be arranged with the villa manager. Though we were happy to lazily float in the villa's pool all day, it is worth venturing out for at least one afternoon to drive the scenic roads around the cape, with plenty of places to stop along the way to take in the views or enjoy a cool drink in a shady hut.

of the third bedroom downstairs doesn’t make the property seem too big (it feels quite intimate) even though the extra space is there; the villa feels languidly convivial and each bedroom is equally sized. We think that whilst older couples and groups will particularly like the secluded location of Sukaipat away from the energetic younger crowds, young children may find it a bit dull as the nearest beach is a ten-minute walk away, and even here there are few facilities. However, having the owner’s car available to use is a real highlight and makes everywhere very accessible as nothing in Phuket is ever that far away. Whilst there is a garden, the main lawn area is well below the pool terrace, which is not ideal, however it does offer children the chance to run around and let off steam! Older children who can entertain themselves would perhaps appreciate this villa more. As far as entertainment goes, there are TVs and DVD players in two of the bedrooms as well as one in the lounge with a home theatre system due to be installed (September 2009). The villa is serviced by a live-in maid who is joined by another maid as well as a Thai cook (optional extra if you don’t want to self-cater). If you do opt for the cook, food is prepared according to a menu of basic Thai cuisine on a cost basis. The villa manager can arrange restaurant bookings, spa appointments, activities and tours. Since the villa rental includes complimentary airport transfers, American breakfast, laundry and the use of the owner’s car we think that this modern out-of-the-way property offers particularly good value.