Akuvara's contemporary design may not be to everyone's taste, but once you settle into the tropical lifestyle on offer you soon appreciate the beauty of keeping things simple. The clean open spaces suit the environment and technological enhancements like the music and

The staff are courteous and try hard to meet every request. Despite the occasional language barrier they manage to run everything smoothly while remaining unobtrusive and the english speaking manager ensures the villa runs smoothly and deals with things like tour bookings and restaurant recommendations. This part of Lipa Noi offers a nice balance between seclusion and diversion. You can happily spend days doing very little, but a short drive to the other side of the peninsular brings you to some decent resort restaurants, as well as the Nikki Beach Club, which is far more sophisticated a venue than you'd expect to find in such a secluded location.

In some ways Akuvara felt like two villas in one. The studio at the rear of the property feels like an independent unit, but would certainly be a useful addition for a full family gathering. The option to rent the villa without this fourth bedroom, however, makes Akuvara a great choice as a functional but comfortable family getaway.

If there is such a thing as villa envy then staying at Akuvara may inspire it as the villas close-by are significantly larger and more opulent than this one - but come with a much higher price tag. Yet despite its compact design, Akuvara still boasts the full range of amenities required to provide a pleasant beachside escape. Between the pool and the beach you never want for daytime pleasures and lazing in the ocean-front sala with a cool drink and a book must surely rate as one of life's finer moments.

It is rare to find villas like Baan Kilee. We visited as a group of families and it worked an absolute treat. The kids had a ball and fell into bed exhausted each evening giving the parents time to enjoy their vacation. The staff could not have been more welcoming and

Ora Chorn is huge with a very dignified refined feel. It is in a wonderful setting – one of the very best in Koh Samui, if not Asia. We loved the open airy feel with so much space (there is room for another two or three bedrooms). The villa has a tranquil but serious vibe

Three generations could easily holiday together at Baan Phulay. It's the ideal private family base with enough attractions close by for everyone to occasionally drift off and do their own thing. The kids have plenty to keep them happy from the moment they arrive, from DVD

The Asian-inspired decor and furnishings are tasteful and practical, giving a real sense of a family home. The open-air (and very visible) bathrooms attached to each master bedroom take a little getting used to but, with the shutters closed to offer a little more privacy, make for a fun indulgence. Almost every room literally folds out to let in the sun and sea breezes, but when you crave cooler moments in the evenings the staff are there ready to tackle all the doors and windows. For us, this ceremonial shut down became a substitute for clock-watching as it conveniently marked the moment to head off for pre-dinner showers.

Despite the remote location, you never feel you are missing out on Samui's attractions. If you do decide to venture out to eat (it was nice to have Nikki Beach to ourselves for lunch) or to entertain the kids with elephant and boat rides, options are easily accessible. But staying at the villa just relaxing, reading and enjoying the surroundings and privacy is one of the biggest thrills.

Baan Phulay is definitely a place for independent-minded families or groups of friends looking to share some quality time. We also felt it would be a great place for a small celebration such as a wedding or anniversary get together. The central lawn and poolside area provide a picture perfect setting and guests beyond close family could stay at one of the nearby resorts to the south.

Our visit to Baan Puri involved two families and the kids had an absolute ball, which meant we did too. Water plays a major role at the villa, with ponds, waterfalls - that huge 30m pool - and the waters of the Gulf of Thailand a constant influence. A particular joy is that,

The staff were an absolute delight with the villa manager taking the kids under her wing as only the Thai’s know how and a superb chef who could cater for all tastes.Every room is designed to keep you all but physically attached to the view and the options for outdoor enjoyment are countless. A particular pleasure was the large circular daybed on the terrace in front of the beachfront bedroom, reclining with a chilled drink, breathing in the breeze with the pool and ocean before you can only be described as sublime. Versatility is another advantage.

The sheer size of the property, combined with its sensitive design, mean Baan Puri can happily host several families. There's even a table tennis table, beach toys, a Kayak, bikes and DVDs to keep the kids entertained when not in the pool or on the beach. But the villa would also be perfect for a large gathering of friends or a special celebration. Who could resist a party on the lush beachside lawn? Of course, not even high-end residences escape the odd architectural over-indulgence, but at Baan Puri, the few there are (the rather emphatic wine fridge for example) add character rather than inconvenience. A cliché I know but the only real disappointment was leaving.

We particularly enjoyed the sense of space at the Baan Tawantok Villas created by the open walkways, skylights and uncluttered décor. Big groups won’t feel as though they’re on top of each other as there’s more than enough space between the lounge area,

We experienced the villa as a family. The staff were most accommodating, and it’s obvious they love having children as guests. We enjoyed the villa’s outdoor activities including a paddle in the kayaks and a game of volleyball on the beach (there’s a net set up). The tennis court is private, shared only with neighbouring Baan Tawantok Villa 2, which means that’s there’s no long waiting list to play, and the staff can even arrange a tennis coach (advance notice required). We had a long walk on the beach to build up an appetite before dinner, and this highlighted the villa’s ideal location for those seeking peace and tranquillity, but without being completely isolated. The beach is clean, and as we walked along we passed local children swimming and playing in the sand, fishermen setting out their nets and even a sunset wedding – very popular on Lipa Noi Beach. There aren’t any troublesome beach vendors along here, but there are a few resorts and restaurants if you want to stop for a drink along the way. Even better, enjoy sun-downers, as we did, lounging by the villa pool, taking in Lipa Noi’s famous sunset.

We chose our dinner from the villa’s suggestion menu and enjoyed both Thai and Western dishes – salad, pasta and a vegetarian red curry, followed by a fresh fruit platter. What a treat to come back to a perfectly prepared meal after a long walk and a sunset swim!

We particularly enjoyed the sense of space at the Baan Tawantok Villas created by the open walkways, skylights and uncluttered décor. Big groups won’t feel as though they’re on top of each other as there’s more than enough space between the lounge area,

We experienced the villa as a family. The staff were most accommodating, and it’s obvious they love having children as guests. We enjoyed the villa’s outdoor activities including a paddle in the kayaks and a game of volleyball on the beach (there’s a net set up). The tennis court is private, shared only with neighbouring Baan Tawantok Villa 1, which means that’s there’s no long waiting list to play, and the staff can even arrange a tennis coach (advance notice required). We had a long walk on the beach to build up an appetite before dinner, and this highlighted the villa’s ideal location for those seeking peace and tranquillity, but without being completely isolated. The beach is clean, and as we walked along we passed local children swimming and playing in the sand, fishermen setting out their nets and even a sunset wedding – very popular on Lipa Noi Beach. There aren’t any troublesome beach vendors along here, but there are a few resorts and restaurants if you want to stop for a drink along the way. Even better, enjoy sun-downers, as we did, lounging by the villa pool, taking in Lipa Noi’s famous sunset.

We chose our dinner from the villa’s suggestion menu and enjoyed both Thai and Western dishes – salad, pasta and a vegetarian red curry, followed by a fresh fruit platter. What a treat to come back to a perfectly prepared meal after a long walk and a sunset swim!

This is one of those villas where, as reviewers, you find yourself looking for something negative just to assuage your jealousy. We failed. Our time passed far too quickly at Ban Suriya. In fact, a month would probably be needed to enjoy the villa's potential to the full.

It's rare to feel the spirit of history on a modern-day holiday island like Koh Samui, especially staying in a brand new, luxury villa. But Baan Rattana Thep soon transported us into the mindset of the colonial classes. The architecture

We struggled to tear ourselves away from the comfortable sun loungers at Baan Samlarn, except to take a cooling dip in the pool every so often, or a stroll on the beach with its postcard-perfect view at sunset. As dusk approaches, the villa puts on her party dress. Candles are lit