Beach In Ten villas in Phuket, Thailand

Villa Abiente

Abiente is a superb holiday villa for active, modern couples and groups of friends, with its chic styling and setting on Phuket’s east coast, on the doorstep of the region’s best sites for yachting, kayaking and other outdoor adventures. For those of us with less ambitious holiday plans, it’s also a fine place to do absolutely nothing but relax poolside and bask in the tropical sun! The open-plan layout invited us to gather, relax and flit between the cool white interior and the pool with ease. Each of the three bedrooms is similarly designed and furnished with king-size beds and TVs, though only two enjoy a sea view and poolside setting – so there might have to be a coin-toss on arrival. We were among the first to visit this newly built villa (mid-2017) and loved its bright and welcoming ambiance with a no-fuss minimalist edge and a few touches of whimsy here and there including a big mural splashed across the entry hall. Abiente is among the newer villas in Baan Yamu, a decade-old estate with exceptional guest facilities available including a well-equipped gym, which we didn’t try out (lazy!), and the huge 75-metre pool, a good option for serious swimmers.

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From $1,059

Bedrooms 3

Sleeps 6

Our
Rating 8.2

Villa Amanzi Kamala

Thailand » Phuket » Kamala

We just had so much fun staying at Villa Amanzi. We were blown away by how beautifully its unusual modern design fits with the tropical setting. On seeing the villa for the first time, we could just imagine this scenario: A man meets his architect at a bar to discuss plans for a new villa. The man orders a drink: "I'd like it on the rocks, please!" The architect dutifully executes this request, et voila! Amanzi is born.

But this was no accident, of course. Amanzi's design takes full advantage of the property's unusual natural features and does not impose – less imaginative people might have simply blasted the rock out to make way for the villa.

We enjoyed trying out all the high-tech bells and whistles such as the touch-screen control panel and were constantly surprised by all the fun little design details such as the two 'windows' on the swimming pool's bottom that formed funky blue 'skylights' to the floor below – one in the family room, the other above the balcony.

Another plus was that all the electronic controls and buttons were clearly labelled and easy to use even for techno-phobes such as ourselves. In the end, however, nature won out as we delighted in listening to the crashing waves and birdsong, and watching in awe as the sunset skies turned the infinity pool into a luminous blaze of gold, pink and red.

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From $2,060

Bedrooms 6

Sleeps 12

Our
Rating 8.2

Baan Paa Talee Estate

Thailand » Phuket » Kamala

We've seen some villas in our time, but Baan Paa Talee Estate took our breath away. The quality and scale of the villa; the wild beauty of its surroundings; the vast ocean panoramas from almost every room; the warm welcome from the exceptional staff and the creativity of the villa's skilled chef are all in a class of their own. We were particularly happy to learn all about the villa and the surrounding area from the villa’s knowledgeable, guest-relations manager, who made our stay even more special.

Although Baan Paa Talee is spread across four levels of accommodation, we found ourselves drawn to two special spots: the reception lounge on the 'top deck' - so beautiful at sunset – was the obvious choice for evening cocktails before moving into the glass-enshrined dining room for another memorable dinner; and the whole pool area, which worked brilliantly with its options for lazing, swimming, soaking in the jacuzzi, enjoying a game of pool in the bar area, or cooling off in the media room with a favourite movie.

The bedrooms are really well arranged, offering total privacy if you want it (especially in the Ocean Villa), or flexibility for families in adjoining suites. All are beautifully fitted and furnished and very comfortable. Our stay was perfect and we can only hope we get a chance to return.

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From $2,750 Special 7br Rate

Bedrooms 9

Sleeps 16

Our
Rating 9.3

Baan Paa Talee Estate

Thailand » Phuket » Kamala

We've seen some villas in our time, but Baan Paa Talee Estate took our breath away. The quality and scale of the villa; the wild beauty of its surroundings; the vast ocean panoramas from almost every room; the warm welcome from the exceptional staff and the creativity of the villa's skilled chef are all in a class of their own. We were particularly happy to learn all about the villa and the surrounding area from the villa’s knowledgeable, guest-relations manager, who made our stay even more special.

Although Baan Paa Talee is spread across four levels of accommodation, we found ourselves drawn to two special spots: the reception lounge on the 'top deck' - so beautiful at sunset – was the obvious choice for evening cocktails before moving into the glass-enshrined dining room for another memorable dinner; and the whole pool area, which worked brilliantly with its options for lazing, swimming, soaking in the jacuzzi, enjoying a game of pool in the bar area, or cooling off in the media room with a favourite movie.

The bedrooms are really well arranged, offering total privacy if you want it (especially in the Ocean Villa), or flexibility for families in adjoining suites. All are beautifully fitted and furnished and very comfortable. Our stay was perfect and we can only hope we get a chance to return.

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From $3,348

Bedrooms 9

Sleeps 20

Our
Rating 9.3

Baan Surin Sawan

Thailand » Phuket » Surin

With a warm yet elegant style, caring staff and a peaceful location on a lush hillside, Baan Surin Sawan is an all-round superb tropical holiday villa. Though the Surin hills area is becoming more built up, this villa remains well out of the fray and we were delighted to see many birds and butterflies flitting over the pool, even a squirrel scampering around in the palm trees. The trickle of flowing water and the light tinkling of brass temple bells in the breeze, made a soothing soundtrack to our stay.

The friendly, efficient service by the villa manager and chef (overseen by a professional management company) is complemented by the care of the owner’s long-term live-in maid. Thoughtful touches included being welcomed with a cold coconut drink, refreshing towels and a garland on arrival and being offered the owner’s own homemade muesli mix at breakfast (quite tasty by the way). The full-time chef specialises in Thai cuisine and we were given the chance to try some of her Southern Thai specialties including the delicious poh-pia pak (spring rolls with spicy dipping sauce). We selected our dishes individually but there’s a fixed-price set meal menu, too, which we’d recommend as a good sampler to try for guests unfamiliar with Thai cuisine. The dining room is rather grand in design and perfect for evening meals. For outdoor dining there’s a table in the back garden barbecue area and the poolside sala could be used for an informal meal. If we’d stayed longer we would have probably arranged to have the garden table brought out to the pool terrace so we could enjoy the sea views while dining alfresco.

The overall layout of the villa offers a good set-up for two families or an extended family. The entertainment room and pantry plus two ensuite bedrooms on the bottom floor give the feel of being in a separate apartment with plenty of privacy, though we expect couples might battle for the upstairs master suite, which sits majestically in its own poolside pavilion with the best sea views!

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From $800

Bedrooms 4

Sleeps 8

Our
Rating 8.3 Guest Rating 8.8

Villa Borimas

Thailand » Phuket » Surin

We couldn’t have picked a better place for our family vacation than Villa Borimas. It is cosy, peaceful and close to some fantastic beach clubs and great restaurants. But the best part was the villa staff team, who were all very friendly and warm. The views are magical, the villa overlooks the sea and the coastline, and every sunset was a spectacle to be enjoyed from a different spot each night - the poolside, the balconies, the moon deck, our bedroom, everywhere really!

Besides the amazing views, another advantage of being so high up was complete tranquillity. Traffic can get noisy in the village of Surin, but we couldn’t hear a thing from our lofty position. Our trip was all about putting our feet up. We spent a lot of time relaxing on the outdoor decks, in and around the pool, getting massages, reading or just talking with each other.

We had a delicious breakfast every day, enjoyed poolside under the shade of the pergola, and requested the chef to craft a few dinners for us when we didn’t want to go out. The food was always presented beautifully and was very tasty. On my husband’s birthday, we organised a barbecue up on the moon deck which he insists was one of his best birthday celebrations ever.

The living space is stylish and tasteful and there was plenty of room for everyone in our group. We will definitely be back!

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From $1,000

Bedrooms 4

Sleeps 8

Our
Rating 8.8

Villa Chada

Thailand » Phuket » Kamala

We have stayed in luxury accommodation plenty of times before, but we have to say that Villa Chada is amongst our absolute favourites. The landscaped gardens are fantastic, the lawns are neat, the lotus ponds swarm with colourful fish as gargoyles stare fiercely, and frangipani and bougainvillea trees give colour and scent. It really is a tropical garden oasis.

We spent most of our time in the infinity pool, it’s big enough to exercise and overlooks the ocean, and is surrounded by tall tropical trees. If we weren’t in the pool, we could be found lounging on the sunbeds, soaking up the rays. Early evenings were spent on the daybed gazing out at the ocean and not doing a lot apart from listening to nature’s sounds that one misses in hectic city life. We saw colourful longtail fishing boats pass by, and one day, to our delight, a monitor lizard hurrying for cover on the cliffs below.

We did have a small tussle over who would stay in the master suite as it has the best views and a great wraparound terrace, but it really didn’t matter as all the suites have fantastic views and with three bathtubs to choose from to bubble up, we were more than happy.

The villa staff is friendly and discreet. The food was amazing, Thai cuisine with suggestions from our very own private chef. They even ran out to the local store to buy us some wine on request. Apart from the TV, there isn’t much in the way of entertainment so bring a book or two and enjoy well-earned tranquility. There’s plenty to do outside the villa, we spent one afternoon at the luxury Andara Resort, enjoying the fine dining experience and watching children take part in cookery classes.

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From $1,412 Special 4br Rate

Bedrooms 6

Sleeps 8

Our
Rating 8.4

Villa Chada

Thailand » Phuket » Kamala

We have stayed in luxury accommodation plenty of times before, but we have to say that Villa Chada is amongst our absolute favourites. The landscaped gardens are fantastic, the lawns are neat, the lotus ponds swarm with colourful fish as gargoyles stare fiercely, and frangipani and bougainvillea trees give colour and scent. It really is a tropical garden oasis.

We spent most of our time in the infinity pool, it’s big enough to exercise and overlooks the ocean, and is surrounded by tall tropical trees. If we weren’t in the pool, we could be found lounging on the sunbeds, soaking up the rays. Early evenings were spent on the daybed gazing out at the ocean and not doing a lot apart from listening to nature’s sounds that one misses in hectic city life. We saw colourful longtail fishing boats pass by, and one day, to our delight, a monitor lizard hurrying for cover on the cliffs below.

We did have a small tussle over who would stay in the master suite as it has the best views and a great wraparound terrace, but it really didn’t matter as all the suites have fantastic views and with three bathtubs to choose from to bubble up, we were more than happy.

The villa staff is friendly and discreet. The food was amazing, Thai cuisine with suggestions from our very own private chef. They even ran out to the local store to buy us some wine on request. Apart from the TV, there isn’t much in the way of entertainment so bring a book or two and enjoy well-earned tranquility. There’s plenty to do outside the villa, we spent one afternoon at the luxury Andara Resort, enjoying the fine dining experience and watching children take part in cookery classes.

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From $1,648 Special 5br Rate

Bedrooms 6

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 8.4

Villa Chada

Thailand » Phuket » Kamala

We have stayed in luxury accommodation plenty of times before, but we have to say that Villa Chada is amongst our absolute favourites. The landscaped gardens are fantastic, the lawns are neat, the lotus ponds swarm with colourful fish as gargoyles stare fiercely, and frangipani and bougainvillea trees give colour and scent. It really is a tropical garden oasis.

We spent most of our time in the infinity pool, it’s big enough to exercise and overlooks the ocean, and is surrounded by tall tropical trees. If we weren’t in the pool, we could be found lounging on the sunbeds, soaking up the rays. Early evenings were spent on the daybed gazing out at the ocean and not doing a lot apart from listening to nature’s sounds that one misses in hectic city life. We saw colourful longtail fishing boats pass by, and one day, to our delight, a monitor lizard hurrying for cover on the cliffs below.

We did have a small tussle over who would stay in the master suite as it has the best views and a great wraparound terrace, but it really didn’t matter as all the suites have fantastic views and with three bathtubs to choose from to bubble up, we were more than happy.

The villa staff is friendly and discreet. The food was amazing, Thai cuisine with suggestions from our very own private chef. They even ran out to the local store to buy us some wine on request. Apart from the TV, there isn’t much in the way of entertainment so bring a book or two and enjoy well-earned tranquility. There’s plenty to do outside the villa, we spent one afternoon at the luxury Andara Resort, enjoying the fine dining experience and watching children take part in cookery classes.

more...

From $1,942

Bedrooms 6

Sleeps 12

Our
Rating 8.4