This is tropical life at its best. Lazing on a cushioned lounger staring out across an undisturbed, indigo bay, cold beer in hand delivered by the gentle, smiling Thai villa manager. Surround-sound beats chill the sea breeze and the prospect of a live match on a massive plasma

Some clever design touches add to the overall enjoyment. Walk-through showers open onto the pool from the master bathrooms so you don't drip all over the bedroom floor, sliding doors in the two masters conceal or reveal ensuite bath tubs and there are fridges just about everywhere, so you're never far from a refreshing beverage. Two lounge and dining spaces may seem excessive unless you're in a large group, but there's a certain pleasure that comes with switching from the beach to indoor comforts after your evening shower. If you wake up one day and realise there's still time to see what the rest of island has to offer, the bright lights of Chaweng are just around the corner, which also means it's easy to get home after a big night out. Just make a mental note of the route. The villa may be close to everything, but part of the joy of staying at Baan Mika is that it's difficult to find.

Villa Belle catches the breeze perfectly from its hilltop position. And the views! We loved the couches on the deck – with their white cushions and low coffee table they made the perfect spot for an afternoon read over a cup of tea. The WiFi signal is good out here too, so

Our time at Villa Michaela can be summed up in two words, ‘luxurious’ and ‘romantic’. We chose the villa for its privacy and facilities and were thrilled with our choice. The light, contemporary interiors felt calm and peaceful and our blissful white

Watching 'Singing in the Rain' on the big screen downstairs, complete with popcorn and snacks surrounded by a group of my oldest friends was also a classic holiday moment. On nights when the group wanted to dine out, the villa manager was able to drive us to great restaurants and show us the right night clubs, so we all felt very well taken care of. And those who stayed behind were able to enjoy the beautiful villa by moonlight.