It's wasn't until we drove from the airport and saw how developed Samui is becoming that we realised just how special Baan Sairee is both in terms of its design and the secluded location. Authentic wooden buildings and unspoilt surroundings make the villa feel very

For families there is more than enough space and although the villa is a fair distance from the main tourist centres, there’s plenty to keep you occupied onsite. A combination of swimming, volleyball, badminton and frisbee sessions on the lawn, plus the added treat of kayaking (there are two provided with the villa) when the tide comes up, will keep the kids smiling all day and sleeping well at night. Unless you feel the urge to venture out often, perhaps to visit a waterfall or ride on an elephant, it’s hardly worth hiring a rental car (and the staff can organise transport if needed).

The villa manageress couldn't do enough for us and the chef carefully caters for all tastes. The staff are also used to coping with kids’ food requests (although the manageress told us she often manages to get them to try new things – apparently chicken satay is now on quite a few ex-guest's weekly menu). There is no real need to venture out in the evenings as you will never tire of sunset drinks followed by dinner on one of the terraces. For special occasions such as birthday parties the staff will set the table on the lawn and organise fireworks on the beach.

Baan Sairee offers the chance to experience an authentic but luxurious Thai home and enjoy it as your own. It's not a place for people looking to dine out and party all night. That would be a waste of the villa's special charm.

Ban Laem Sor is one of the more modest villas we've seen on Koh Samui, but what it lacks in extravagant amenities it makes up for with privacy and tropical ambience. Not everyone needs a flat-screen TV in their bedroom or a private jacuzzi tub in the ensuite. In fact, removing

This is not really a base for lovers of nightlife though: Lamai is a little too far away for late-night driving and once you leave the main ring road there's not much in the way of street lighting. Relaxed, home-based entertainment was our preference: with some soothing music on the stereo (bring your favourite CDs) and a nice bottle of wine with dinner (in-villa wine list available).

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

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.

A villa with the ambiance and amenities of an exclusive private-island-hotel, but one where guests have the luxury of dictating their own schedule and choosing who they share precious holiday time with. This was the impression we took away with us following our recent stay at