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

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!

Our initial concern at the location soon gave way to satisfied sighs when we settled into Motsamot's appealing, natural surroundings. The serene forested setting and abundance of space more than compensated for the lack of beach or ocean views, and with 20m of cool blue pool

The villa's intriguing design touches and framed photographs of Asia not only make it feel homely, but also had us pointing out details to each other; playing 'guess the country of origin' as we admired the owner's well-travelled taste. It's hard to confine yourself to one spot at Motsamot and we definitely wished we'd come as a group to make the most of all the different lounging, dining and bathing options. The staff happily but unobtrusively followed us around, bringing us cool drinks as we switched from pool to sala to lounge and finally to the terrace. They even moved the furniture outside for us when we decided the latter was the best place to relax with a book. Having a rental car meant both Choeng Mon and Chaweng were an easy hop for dinner by the sea. During the day we survived on the filling breakfast (included) and then snacks we bought at the local minimart. Not a choice for seasoned beach freaks perhaps, but certainly a very comfortable and original villa if, like us, you like a bit of privacy, plus the freedom to come and go with ease.

It's not often you get to sit with an iced drink in the sunshine and look out on 180 degrees of tropical splendour with twinkling bays left and right and palm-coated hills rising from the valley below. At Hill Top Villa 15 you can't

Families or groups of friends will enjoy this villa because it offers plenty of options to combine shared time with more private moments. Gathering in the TV room on the middle floor is like a trip to a laid-back cinema and it's easy to lose track of time in there, day or night, as you recline on the comfy cushions in air conditioned bliss, catching up on your movie back log. But up on the pool deck is still the best way to lose a day; floating in the pool or gazing at the view.

Although there a lot of steps to negotiate between floors (not ideal for seniors), the kids have plenty of space to explore and play safely (as long as you keep an eye on them around the pool area, which drops off sharply). Hill Top Villa 15 is also one of the few hillside properties on Samui that's genuinely convenient for trips to the main beaches and tourist attractions (although a car will be necessary).

Efficient but unobtrusive staff and a wide range of optional services give you the freedom to be totally independent but also to spoil yourself with in-house indulgences like a private chef or daily massage if you so choose. This is a great location, with versatile facilities and breathtaking views, as long as you don't mind a steep drive.