Beach In Ten Villas - Private Luxury Beach In Ten Villas for Rent - list view - Shiva Samui Resort - Baan Chanchai, Shiva Samui Resort - Baan Khwam Rak, Villa Sipo, Siri Wedamedura, Surin Springs - Villa 6, The Tamarind, Villa Tangguntiti, The Teak House, The Edge, The Cliff at The Edge

Shiva Samui Resort - Baan Chanchai

Arriving at Shiva Samui Resort on a very hot day, we were met by friendly guest service staff who escorted us to Baan Chanchai and its inviting swimming pool. Eager to see what the estate had to offer, we strolled the 100m to the beach after a refreshing swim and were stopped in our tracks by the view – a white sandy beach, vivid blue of the shallow sea, and a bright blue sky with wispy white clouds. But punctuating the scene were dashes of colour from the kite surfers’ catching the breeze. Lower down, someone was gently paddling a duck-yellow kayak along the shore, and further yet, a local fisherman was stringing up nets. It’s hard to ignore a view like this, and we wanted nothing more than to be a part of it, so before even unpacking our bags we were enquiring about kite surfing lessons.

We found ourselves torn between wanting to make the most of all Shiva Samui Resort has to offer, and just relaxing and enjoying the sea breeze by the pool. The solution: to wake early, head to the gym or for a sunrise run on the beach, and then relax by the pool. When the kids get restless, the kids’ club comes in handy and mum can book a spa treatment at the same time. For the energetic, you’ll find plenty of country roads to explore by mountain bike, as this is the quieter side of the island. Or, perhaps a friendly tennis challenge will work off some energy before another dip in the pool.

Come evening time, the Clubhouse Restaurant is festive, with live music on some evenings, happy hour and a games room with pool and table tennis. We were lucky enough to stay on a Monday night, when the à la carte menu is replaced by a Thai buffet. The tasty spread was well presented and offered a good selection. Thursday evenings present a barbecue buffet for another change from the usual menu. We were equally impressed by the selection on offer at the breakfast buffet, a great way to start the day.

Although the villa is small, we found it perfect for our little group (two adults and two kids) and enjoyed the outdoor living spaces, comfortable beds and rain showers.

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TBA

Bedrooms 2

Sleeps 4

Our
Rating 7.6

Shiva Samui Resort - Baan Khwam Rak

Thailand » Koh Samui » Laem Set

Arriving at Shiva Samui Resort on a very hot day, we were met by friendly guest service staff who escorted us to Baan Khwam Rak and its inviting swimming pool. Eager to see what the estate had to offer, we strolled the 100m to the beach after a refreshing swim and were stopped in our tracks by the view – a white sandy beach, vivid blue of the shallow sea, and a bright blue sky with wispy white clouds. But punctuating the scene were dashes of color from the kite surfers’ catching the breeze. Lower down, someone was gently paddling a duck-yellow kayak along the shore, and further yet, a local fisherman was stringing up nets. It’s hard to ignore a view like this, and we wanted nothing more than to be a part of it, so before even unpacking our bags we were inquiring about kite surfing lessons.

We found ourselves torn between wanting to make the most of all Shiva Samui Resort has to offer, and just relaxing and enjoying the sea breeze by the pool. The solution: to wake early, head to the gym or for a sunrise run on the beach, and then relax by the pool. When the kids get restless, the kids’ club comes in handy and mum can book a spa treatment at the same time. For the energetic, you’ll find plenty of country roads to explore by mountain bike, as this is the quieter side of the island. Or, perhaps a friendly tennis challenge will work off some energy before another dip in the pool.

Come evening time, the Clubhouse Restaurant is festive, with live music on some evenings, happy hour and a games room with pool and table tennis. We were lucky enough to stay on a Monday night, when the à la carte menu is replaced by a Thai buffet. The tasty spread was well presented and offered a good selection. Thursday evenings present a barbecue buffet for another change from the usual menu. We were equally impressed by the selection on offer at the breakfast buffet, a great way to start the day.

We found Baan Khwam Rak perfect for our group, sleeping six comfortably, and enjoyed the outdoor living spaces, comfortable beds and rain showers.

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TBA

Bedrooms 3

Sleeps 6

Our
Rating 7.6

Villa Sipo

Indonesia » Bali » Greater Seminyak » Seminyak

If, like us, you enjoy being close to the action but also being able to withdraw to a peaceful haven when the mood strikes, then Villa Sipo is the place for you. Quietly and securely situated within the Sentosa Villa estate, and yet only minutes away from Bali’s most fashionable playground, we definitely enjoyed the best of both worlds here. This is a sociable, easy-to-live-in villa. We found ourselves comfortably spread out, with the teenagers lazing on loungers by the main pool, dads reading the newspaper over a coffee at the breakfast bar or catching up on the news in the study/TV room, mum’s reading up on shopping options under the garden balé but all still very much together and enjoying the villa equally.

The well-equipped kitchen is incredibly enticing so, despite the talents of the villa chef (who sensibly suggested we order our meals a day-ahead and leave him to go out and buy the groceries with a cash float from us to cover the cost), you may find yourself tempted to go shopping at one of a handful of nearby deli’s (Bali deli, Grocer & Grind or The Bali Catering Co deli) and do it yourself (with someone else to wash the dishes of course) – at least for one or two nights during your stay.

The staff are ever smiling and ready to serve whilst also being discreetly unobtrusive which was also a big plus for us. We imagine that with everything Sipo has to offer, both within the villa and on its doorstep, it will get many repeat guests.

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TBA

Bedrooms 5

Sleeps 8-10*

Our
Rating 8.5 Guest Rating 8.9

Siri Wedamedura

Sri Lanka » South Coast » Mirissa

Chirruping squirrels, meowing peacocks and croaking frogs are just some of the orchestral sounds we heard at Siri Wedamadura. The tropical grounds stretch up a hillside (the house and pool are located on the lowest part of the land) and this expanse makes you feel like you are in the countryside yet the house is centrally located in Mirissa. The beach (where you’ll find lots of simple restaurants) is less than a five-minute walk away, and embarking on whale- and dolphin-watching trips couldn’t be easier as you only have to walk 200 metres or so to reach the harbour. Lined by colourful catamarans the harbour is an attraction in itself, so save some time before or after your whale-watching trip to explore.

We felt that Siri Wedamadura would be a perfect escape for families. The grounds are vast, the pool is generous, the beach is close by and the friendly staff are on hand to cook, clean and tidy. Of the four bedrooms, three are twins, but can be pushed together to make kings if required. Aside from the pool and gardens (and a lonely bluetooth iPod dock), there are few facilities here, so if you think you’ll need more entertainment, bring your laptop, DVDs and a stack of books with you. The staff were helpful and the management team (based in Galle Fort) are on call at any time.

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TBA

Bedrooms 4

Sleeps 8

Our
Rating 7.6

Surin Springs - Villa 6

Thailand » Phuket » Surin

Surin Springs Villa 6 is a tranquil base from which to comfortably enjoy this upmarket area of Phuket. The swimming pool looks over the lagoon and is a very relaxing place to soak up the sun whilst the lovely Surin beach is only a ten-minute walk down the road.

We thought the villa would be especially suitable for families, as kids will enjoy the independence of the upper-floor rooms whilst the master suite has a lovely situation beside the pool overlooking the lagoon. The shallow section of the pool, closest to the villa, means that younger children can safely make the most of the water. The kitchen is well equipped with appliances but only has the bare essentials in terms of cooking utensils, however with such a great choice of restaurants in the area – from local Thai food at the end of the road to fabulous upmarket dining (most including children’s menus), you might not be cooking much at home. A Thai chef can also be arranged to cook for you at the villa (with 24 hours notice and at extra cost) if you fancy a change.

We were able to contact the management company at any time of the day when we needed help with tour bookings and transport. They also provide a laundry service and can do your food shopping for you (an itemised list with prices is available in the villa information pack) if you really want to have a break from the usual household chores.

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TBA

Bedrooms 4

Sleeps 8

Our
Rating 7.3

The Tamarind

Thailand » Pattaya » Sattahip District

As soon as we were whisked away from Bangkok airport by the villa driver on our two-hour journey to The Tamarind, we knew we were in good hands. Turning into the flamboyant tree-lined driveway of the Buraran Estate we totally got into the privacy vibe of the place and relished the fact that this enormous empty estate was virtually all ours.

Dining was an absolute treat and we looked forward to each meal like lions at the only watering hole for miles. The staff, being Thai, certainly know how to cook this (in our opinion) most tantalising cuisine the world has ever seen. That said, they still throw together a mean pasta, and an even better English breakfast, and will serve it up anywhere you like. We breakfasted by the pool, lunched by the lake and ate nibbles and sipped champagne on the rooftop Sunset lounge.

Each bedroom is a themed adventure to another country, and together they have been designed to cater to all combinations and permutations of guests. We slept in the Africa room, surrounded by leopard prints and animal skins which made us feel like we were on safari. We were lucky enough to spend four days here and were never at a loss for things to do. We swam in the pool, went for walks around the estate, played tennis, billiards and petanque and spent many hours reading, watching the huge TV, eating or just being horizontal in the myriad places provided for just such a position.

The villa driver is on call for 10 hours a day (at a very reasonable charge) so do take advantage of the service to get out and see the local area. We had a great time sightseeing, including an outing to observe some of the infamous ‘netherworld’ tourism that Thailand is famous for.

Note: Guests at The Tamarind can also use the facilities of the adjacent Buraran Clubhouse (unless already occupied) with its two tennis courts, 16 x 9.5m swimming pool, additional 9m kids’ pool, and seminar room with drop-down screen projector and WiFi. There are six bedrooms here, which can be rented by the room to accommodate any overflow of guests at The Tamarind, up to a total of 12.

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TBA

Bedrooms 9

Sleeps 16-20*

Our
Rating 9.1 Guest Rating 8.3

Villa Tangguntiti

Indonesia » Bali » Tabanan

I think we’ve found the best villa in Bali – the real Bali! Villa Tangguntiti is so far removed from the concrete-carpeted glitz of the south – physically and spiritually – you could easily be in another century. The villa – an inadequate singular noun for this collection of antique buildings – is gorgeous. We loved our master bedroom, with four-poster bed positioned between the joglo columns facing a wall of windows swathed in white silk opening onto the terrace. And our bathroom (bigger than many villa bedrooms) was such an indulgence, with a granite bath reached by a pontoon across a fishpond! There’s plenty to do in the area – wholesome activities include walks, treks, cycle rides through the rice fields, river and deep-sea fishing as well as trips to the black-sand surfing beaches. Our trip coincided with a significant temple ceremony in the village, and we were so lucky to witness a wonderful procession right outside the villa with Abdi, the butler, on hand to explain what was happening. Hats off to the big-hearted staff; nothing was too much trouble, and they were completely unfazed by finding a non-meat-eater in their midst, seamlessly changing tack mid-course without batting an eyelid! Every meal was a gourmet experience… we have rarely eaten better in Bali. That’s thanks to Manuel, the accomplished French villa manager whose background in hospitality and high-end F&B shows in all the details. Though we were only one couple in a five-bedroom villa, the layout was such that we were able to enjoy the spaciousness without it feeling empty. It’s such a romantic place it may even appeal to a couple seeing away-from-it-all solitude. And yet with so much to do in the area, families with active kids can be kept as busy as they want, and the villa has its own open-topped land-cruiser for exploring. But it’s not the place for anyone seeking nightlife, shops and restaurants. This is one villa we would be thrilled to return to; but that means we first have to leave – and that might be difficult!

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TBA

Bedrooms 5

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 9.1

The Teak House

Sri Lanka » South Coast » Tangalle

Tucked away on the hillside, Teak House is a place where we could really relax and forget about the outside world. We sat peacefully reading and relaxing beside the lovely new 12m swimming pool or in the hammock under the palms and watched the birds and squirrels as the ocean constantly played in our ears. The garden is large and slopes down the hill; we liked the front area the most with its many flowers and its soft lawn. A green wire fence surrounds most of the property which provided security without making us feel enclosed as we could still appreciate the jungle and views.

Inside the bungalow, we were reminded of the traditional wooden Thai houses, and although this one differs in design, the atmosphere is similarly romantic. The bungalow has an elegant design and its bedrooms are a good size; beds are large and comfortable and the bathrooms are modern with good hot-water showers. For entertainment there’s a selection of books and board games and the villa does have WiFi internet and iPod speakers, but no TVs or DVD players. However the large garden offers a good space for outdoor games such as cricket.

We felt that Teak House would be great for a family holiday and would also suit couples as it is intimately sized. It’s ideally placed to explore some excellent local beaches, wildlife parks and temples. Outdoorsy types, escapists, artists, writers and nature lovers will find it especially appealing here.

The bungalow is looked after by houseboy and multi-tasker Roshan who cleans, cooks and shops for you. We found him to be quiet, hospitable and discreet. He anticipated our needs for tea in the afternoon and let us choose our own mealtimes. He cooks on a cost basis (his repoirtoire of dishes is constantly growing). There is a washing machine for guest use, however Roshan can even do your laundry for you if you’d prefer – and the ironing (charges apply)! You can also ask him to help you arrange local transport.

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TBA

Bedrooms 2

Sleeps 4

Our
Rating 7.3 Guest Rating 9.3

The Edge

Indonesia » Bali » Jimbaran - Bukit » The Bukit

Oh, yeah baby, this is what we’re talking about. The edge is all that and more as far as we are concerned, and we were a very happy couple to be able to experience it: massive, versatile and staffed to the hilt. Guests can remain as horizontal as the horizon – lazing on sunbeds with to-die-for views by day and hunkering down in one of the eight leather lay-z-boy chairs in the home cinema with rolling surround-sound and a stack of your favourite blockbusters by night.

Facilities? We’ll give you facilities. Apart from the home cinema, there’s a cigar smoking area in the wine cellar, a huge dedicated spa, a flat-screen TV in every room and, just quietly, a bowling alley is in the planning. It doesn’t stop there though; the three and five-bedroom villas have two pools each in addition to the communal pool. Kids will be in heaven with their dedicated playroom, which has slides, murals, games, books and not one but two games systems with a TV for each – could this concept of ‘no sharing’ perhaps be the secret to successful parenting?

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TBA

Bedrooms 10

Sleeps 20

Our
Rating 9.3

The Cliff at The Edge

Indonesia » Bali » Jimbaran - Bukit » The Bukit

From the top-notch luxury, state-of-the-art facilities, impeccable service, privacy, and – of course – the view, everything about The Cliff (and indeed The edge) proved to be perfect. The dedicated 24-hour personal butlers have all undergone extensive training at Magnum, one of the foremost butler training schools in the world. Whether it was a drink or a sandwich, an extension cable or an adaptor, the butlers anticipated our every need, yet they were so discreet we hardly noticed they were there. Be sure to make at least one visit to the amazing spa: the floor is covered in three inches of water and the treatment beds seem to float between the sea and the sky behind the billowing white curtains that surround it.

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TBA

Bedrooms 3

Sleeps 6

Our
Rating 8.8

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