Going For Golf Villas - Private Luxury Going For Golf Villas for Rent - list view - Miskawaan - Villa Hibiscus, Miskawaan - Villa Waterlily, Miskawaan Residences - Villa Sila, Miskawaan Residences - Villa Sila and Wayu, Miskawaan Residences - Villa Wayu, Miskawaan - Baan Tamarind, Mullion Cove, Villa Niloufar

Miskawaan - Villa Hibiscus

Although none of the villas at Miskawaan infringe on each other, Villa Hibiscus is perhaps the most private of the bunch and we happily wondered around the grounds in varying states of undress, totally relaxed in our own sheltered beachside world. The days passed gently, time between meals happily filled with regular dips in the pool interspersed with naps, reading and ‘Googling’ on the beachside terrace (which is covered, so no need to rush in if it rains). For sun soaking sessions we headed to the beach, and staff obliged by moving the sun loungers down onto the sand for us. The water here is a balmy 28 degrees Celsius year round and deep enough for a long swim (during the monsoon in November the tides are higher, so the beach gets quite narrow).

The villa manager and her team were friendly and amenable throughout, regularly appearing from nowhere to offer drinks and snacks and efficiently setting tables and serving our pre-ordered meals. Alfresco breakfast was well prepared and varied, with special touches such as the homemade jams – be sure to try the unusual but delicious coconut jam. The estate manager was also there to welcome us when we arrived and not only answered our questions but also offered useful tips and insights about things to do in the area.

In the end though, we resisted the temptation to explore the island in favour of relaxing and enjoying the villa to the full: we saw little reason to go out when we had everything right on our doorstep. We explored the menu in depth and offset our guilt with regular swims and walks along the beach. Luckily our stay included a Thursday night, so we were able to enjoy an evening at the nearby festive walking street market. On our return, the room has been turned down, the air-conditioning set at just the right temperature, and flowers placed on our pillows.

Although Hibiscus lacks some of the high-end facilities (such as a private gym or cinema room) available at more opulent private residences, we were quite content to enjoy the various holiday pleasures on offer – particularly the villa’s beachside setting – and marked the evening switch from outdoor to indoor indulgences with sunset drinks in the poolside sala.

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TBA

Bedrooms 4

Sleeps 8

Our
Rating 7.7

Miskawaan - Villa Waterlily

Thailand » Koh Samui » Mae Nam

Villa Waterlily is a rare beachside delight. Even on an island known for easy access to sand and sea it's not always easy to find such comfortable and private accommodation so constantly connected to both. We slipped into holiday mode immediately, even postponing our usual tour of the rooms and facilities to just sit back and soak in the surroundings. When we did summon the energy to explore a little, we were impressed by the quality of the furnishings and decor, which is all meticulously maintained (not always the case in rental villas, even at this level).

We also appreciated what architects and designers sometimes call the 'flow' of the building, which suits the location and makes the most of the island experience. Despite the villa's substantial size, you can wander easily between the various spaces and, thanks to the discreet yet efficient staff, even if you choose to set up in one spot for the entire day, you can be sure they will appear at regular intervals to refresh and feed you, sometimes even popping up unprompted with pleasant surprises like a plate of fresh fruit or a glass of iced water.

A late breakfast (included, but with optional extras charged) in the breezy beach-view sala set a suitably relaxed tone for the day. Over our toast and marmalade we agreed that Villa Waterlily is not somewhere you rush to explore the island from. A far better schedule here is to sink into a routine of sun, swim, snack and snooze. To ease the guilt of such sloth, we did manage a sunset walk along the beach one evening to browse the weekly 'walking street' market in Mae Nam village (Thursdays). We returned to a delicately prepared meal of fresh crab curry and crisp local vegetables, accompanied by a decent Chilean red and our favourite playlist of tropical itunes.

For those in search of peace and relaxation, Villa Waterlily certainly makes life simple and easy. Having said that, the multi-functional design, staffing and idyllic location also make it ideal for a more sociable gathering or family-oriented holiday.

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TBA

Bedrooms 5

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 8.2

Miskawaan Residences - Villa Sila

Thailand » Koh Samui » Mae Nam

The two Miskawaan Residence villas are positioned so as not to infringe on one other, allowing privacy in a sheltered beachfront world. However, clever design means that if you’ve booked both, it’s like having a luxury resort all to yourself.

The villa manager and her team were friendly and amenable throughout and we found the level of service to be exceptional – all staff were very professional and the villa manager speaks impeccable English. Alfresco breakfasts were enjoyed at the shady sala overlooking the bay and staff regularly appeared from nowhere to offer drinks and snacks, efficiently set tables, and prepare and serve meals to our schedule. Although we visited as a couple, we could appreciate how a large group would be well taken care of with this team, particularly for a corporate event.

The days passed gently, time between meals happily filled with regular dips in the pool interspersed with naps, reading and ‘Googling’ on the beachside terrace. For sun soaking sessions we headed to the beach, and staff obliged by moving the sun loungers down onto the sand for us. The water here is a balmy 28 degrees Celsius year round and deep enough for a long swim (during the monsoon in November the tides are higher, so the beach gets quite narrow).

We enjoyed the villa to the full, seeing little reason to go out when we had everything right there on our doorstep, and so explored the menu in depth and offset our guilt with regular visits to the fitness room and sauna interspersed with long beach runs and paddles in the villas’ kayaks. On the Thursday night, we enjoyed an evening at the nearby festive walking street market. On our return, our room has been turned down, the air-conditioning set at just the right temperature, and local coconut candy placed on our pillows. (It’s worth noting that the air-conditioning is so quiet, that had the room not been cool, we would have questioned whether it was on.)

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TBA

Bedrooms 7

Sleeps 14

Our
Rating 8.4

Miskawaan Residences - Villa Sila and Wayu

Thailand » Koh Samui » Mae Nam

The two Miskawaan Residence villas are positioned so as not to infringe on one other, allowing privacy in a sheltered beachfront world. However, clever design means that if you’ve booked both, it’s like having a luxury resort all to yourself.

The villa manager and her team were friendly and amenable throughout and we found the level of service to be exceptional – all staff were very professional and the villa manager speaks impeccable English. Alfresco breakfasts were enjoyed at the shady sala overlooking the bay and staff regularly appeared from nowhere to offer drinks and snacks, efficiently set tables, and prepare and serve meals to our schedule. Although we visited as a couple, we could appreciate how a large group would be well taken care of with this team, particularly for a corporate event.

The days passed gently, time between meals happily filled with regular dips in the pool interspersed with naps, reading and ‘Googling’ on the beachside terrace. For sun soaking sessions we headed to the beach, and staff obliged by moving the sun loungers down onto the sand for us. The water here is a balmy 28 degrees Celsius year round and deep enough for a long swim (during the monsoon in November the tides are higher, so the beach gets quite narrow).

We enjoyed the villa to the full, seeing little reason to go out when we had everything right there on our doorstep, and so explored the menu in depth and offset our guilt with regular visits to the fitness room and sauna interspersed with long beach runs and paddles in the villas’ kayaks. On the Thursday night, we enjoyed an evening at the nearby festive walking street market. On our return, our room has been turned down, the air-conditioning set at just the right temperature, and local coconut candy placed on our pillows. (It’s worth noting that the air-conditioning is so quiet, that had the room not been cool, we would have questioned whether it was on.)

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TBA

Bedrooms 14

Sleeps 28

Our
Rating 8.4

Miskawaan Residences - Villa Wayu

Thailand » Koh Samui » Mae Nam

The two Miskawaan Residence villas are positioned so as not to infringe on one other, allowing privacy in a sheltered beachfront world. However, clever design means that if you’ve booked both, it’s like having a luxury resort all to yourself.

The villa manager and her team were friendly and amenable throughout and we found the level of service to be exceptional – all staff were very professional and the villa manager speaks impeccable English. Alfresco breakfasts were enjoyed at the shady sala overlooking the bay and staff regularly appeared from nowhere to offer drinks and snacks, efficiently set tables, and prepare and serve meals to our schedule. Although we visited as a couple, we could appreciate how a large group would be well taken care of with this team, particularly for a corporate event.

The days passed gently, time between meals happily filled with regular dips in the pool interspersed with naps, reading and ‘Googling’ on the beachside terrace. For sun soaking sessions we headed to the beach, and staff obliged by moving the sun loungers down onto the sand for us. The water here is a balmy 28 degrees Celsius year round and deep enough for a long swim (during the monsoon in November the tides are higher, so the beach gets quite narrow).

We enjoyed the villa to the full, seeing little reason to go out when we had everything right there on our doorstep, and so explored the menu in depth and offset our guilt with regular visits to the fitness room and sauna interspersed with long beach runs and paddles in the villas’ kayaks. On the Thursday night, we enjoyed an evening at the nearby festive walking street market. On our return, our room has been turned down, the air-conditioning set at just the right temperature, and local coconut candy placed on our pillows. (It’s worth noting that the air-conditioning is so quiet, that had the room not been cool, we would have questioned whether it was on.)

more...

TBA

Bedrooms 7

Sleeps 14

Our
Rating 8.4

Miskawaan - Baan Tamarind

Thailand » Koh Samui » Bang Rak-Big Buddha

We loved the simplicity of Baan Tamarind. The villa’s uncomplicated layout and its easy access to Koh Samui’s tourist attractions make it an excellent choice for a family holiday. We found several local restaurants offering a good light lunch for when we wanted to get out and about, but when we didn’t feel like a walk, the in-house chef prepared tasty meals for us from the villa menu.

A sea breeze meant that evenings could be spent outdoors with little bother from mosquitoes and the seafront sala was just the spot to enjoy a glass of wine while watching the sailboats returning at sunset. We remained outdoors long after the sun waned, and enjoyed our dinner alfresco. Of course, if the weather doesn’t allow, or you’ve had too much sun, the indoor dining room makes an equally appealing setting, with windows looking out to the lights twinkling across the bay.

We were pleased at how clean the staff kept the beach directly in front of the villa and an energising early morning walk along the sands brought views of the fishing boats leaving for the day and locals digging at the waterline for shellfish. With our appetites charged, breakfast was ready and waiting on our return, a most welcome treat.

With villa manager Khun Adul at the helm, the staff are attentive yet unobtrusive. While we lounged outside enjoying the sunset they prepared our rooms for night time, setting air-cons to the right temperature, lights to the right ambiance, lighting fragrance oil burners and adding special touches such as flowers on our pillows. With its comfortable furnishings and blissful beachfront setting, we found it easy to adjust to the delights of Baan Tamarind and tough to return to reality at the end of our stay.

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TBA

Bedrooms 5

Sleeps 8-10*

Our
Rating 7.5

Mullion Cove

Thailand » Koh Samui » Bophut

We found Mullion Cove a refreshing change from many of the villas of this grade we've inspected on Koh Samui, some of which feel a little impersonal or built-to-rent. The cool white decor and homely furnishings here reminded us of a more traditional European style, but with a light, bright and energetic feel that suits the tropics. Because the garden is constantly in the sun, the glass-fronted living room and the bedrooms do get rather warm, but the air conditioning and closed bedroom curtains cooled things down and once we acclimatized, it was just as pleasant to stay outside from breakfast until sunset, switching between the pool, sun beds and sala. Although the master suite in the main pavilion is an extravagant affair, we chose the front bedroom pavilion as it was closer to the trees with its own private terrace. Waking up to the sound of the birds and flinging open the curtains to soak in the panoramic sea views more than made up for any lack of beach.

Mullion Cove lets you mix your holiday pleasures with ease. If you tire of the sun you can retreat to the lounge to catch up on films and books, constantly within reach of a tasty snack or cold drink. There's even an intercom in the kitchen to call the maid if she's not within sight and she's happy to help prepare meals beyond the included breakfast if you choose not to hire a chef. Bo Phut is perhaps Samui's least spoilt beachside village, so trips down the hill are a treat, especially to eat out and enjoy the beachside ambience. It's an easy drive, but you have to be careful at night because there are few lights on the road that leads to the villa. If you're sharing with family and friends, you probably won't venture out much as Mullion Cove is a fabulous place to relax and escape from the world.

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TBA

Bedrooms 2

Sleeps 4

Our
Rating 7.4 Guest Rating 8.7

Mullion Cove

Thailand » Koh Samui » Bophut

We found Mullion Cove a refreshing change from many of the villas of this grade we've inspected on Koh Samui, some of which feel a little impersonal or built-to-rent. The cool white decor and homely furnishings here reminded us of a more traditional European style, but with a light, bright and energetic feel that suits the tropics. Because the garden is constantly in the sun, the glass-fronted living room and the bedrooms do get rather warm, but the air conditioning and closed bedroom curtains cooled things down and once we acclimatized, it was just as pleasant to stay outside from breakfast until sunset, switching between the pool, sun beds and sala. Although the master suite in the main pavilion is an extravagant affair, we chose the front bedroom pavilion as it was closer to the trees with its own private terrace. Waking up to the sound of the birds and flinging open the curtains to soak in the panoramic sea views more than made up for any lack of beach.

Mullion Cove lets you mix your holiday pleasures with ease. If you tire of the sun you can retreat to the lounge to catch up on films and books, constantly within reach of a tasty snack or cold drink. There's even an intercom in the kitchen to call the maid if she's not within sight and she's happy to help prepare meals beyond the included breakfast if you choose not to hire a chef. Bo Phut is perhaps Samui's least spoilt beachside village, so trips down the hill are a treat, especially to eat out and enjoy the beachside ambience. It's an easy drive, but you have to be careful at night because there are few lights on the road that leads to the villa. If you're sharing with family and friends, you probably won't venture out much as Mullion Cove is a fabulous place to relax and escape from the world.

more...

TBA

Bedrooms 3

Sleeps 6

Our
Rating 7.4 Guest Rating 8.7

Mullion Cove

Thailand » Koh Samui » Bophut

We found Mullion Cove a refreshing change from many of the villas of this grade we've inspected on Koh Samui, some of which feel a little impersonal or built-to-rent. The cool white decor and homely furnishings here reminded us of a more traditional European style, but with a light, bright and energetic feel that suits the tropics. Because the garden is constantly in the sun, the glass-fronted living room and the bedrooms do get rather warm, but the air conditioning and closed bedroom curtains cooled things down and once we acclimatized, it was just as pleasant to stay outside from breakfast until sunset, switching between the pool, sun beds and sala. Although the master suite in the main pavilion is an extravagant affair, we chose the front bedroom pavilion as it was closer to the trees with its own private terrace. Waking up to the sound of the birds and flinging open the curtains to soak in the panoramic sea views more than made up for any lack of beach.

Mullion Cove lets you mix your holiday pleasures with ease. If you tire of the sun you can retreat to the lounge to catch up on films and books, constantly within reach of a tasty snack or cold drink. There's even an intercom in the kitchen to call the maid if she's not within sight and she's happy to help prepare meals beyond the included breakfast if you choose not to hire a chef. Bo Phut is perhaps Samui's least spoilt beachside village, so trips down the hill are a treat, especially to eat out and enjoy the beachside ambience. It's an easy drive, but you have to be careful at night because there are few lights on the road that leads to the villa. If you're sharing with family and friends, you probably won't venture out much as Mullion Cove is a fabulous place to relax and escape from the world.

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TBA

Bedrooms 4

Sleeps 8

Our
Rating 7.4 Guest Rating 8.7

Villa Niloufar

Indonesia » Bali » Canggu area » Seseh-Tanah Lot

Upon arrival at Villa Niloufar, our opinion about the modern architecture was initially divided. But over the course of 24 hours it became two very positive ‘yays’. This villa is refreshingly different in that it has thrown out any pretence to traditional Bali style (thatched-roofs-and-coconut-wood) by following a rule of its own. Despite its clean lines, nature is embraced by the design. Niloufar is also way more eco-friendly than most villas profess to be, with passive cooling techniques such as cross ventilation and rooftop ponds, an advanced ioniser filter system for the swimming pool, and a water recycling system that allows waste water to be reused in the gardens. We first reviewed Niloufar in 2009, and on a recent revisit we were impressed with how well the villa has been maintained.

The staff are friendly and diligent; they are there when you need something, but also understand the importance of privacy. The infinity lap pool sits above the river valley with beautiful views, while the sun loungers at the far end are in the form of one large daybed with individual uprights, making for a very communal lazing space. Once installed in the gazebo with the drink of your choice, you can sit back and enjoy the scene in front of you: the river, banked with mature trees, giant bamboo and jungle, and a rice terrace on the far side. This is also a great place for a massage. Judging from the sights and sounds, there is an abundance of wildlife around the villa; we counted many swifts and kingfishers, and even watched a large monitor lizard lazily swim across the river. A dip in the river is fun, there are a couple of small rapids and the water is super-refreshing (but don’t swallow it). There is also a small temple and a holy freshwater spring on the river’s edge. It’s a thrill to stay in a piece of modern architecture that feels as though its roots are in the dwellings of the ancients.

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TBA

Bedrooms 5

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 8.0

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