Villas in Phuket, Thailand

Villa Amanzi 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 $1,824 Special 4br Rate

Sleeps 8

Villa Amanzi 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.

more...

From $2,060 Special 5br Rate

Sleeps 10

Villa Amanzi 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.

more...

From $2,295

Sleeps 12

Baan Paa Talee Estate

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 $3,049 Special 7br Rate

Bedrooms 9

Sleeps 16

Our
Rating 9.3

Baan Paa Talee Estate

Our
Rating 8.3 Guest Rating 8.8

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 $3,707

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 $895

Bedrooms 4

Sleeps 8

Baan Taley Rom

Thailand » Phuket » Natai Beach

Moments before we arrived at the beautiful Baan Taley Rom, we had to pause in our car to wait out a Natai Beach-style traffic jam: a herd of buffalo was being ushered across the road, destined for some luscious green grazing grounds nearby, we guessed. And so began our delightful immersion into rural Thai charm.

It was well worth the wait. Once we stepped through the villa’s elegant arched entrance we found a regal yet welcoming holiday home of contemporary style that offered a fine balance to the dazzling sea and sky views beyond. Sitting in splendid isolation on an acre of absolute beachfront land, Baan Taley Rom is a rare find in the Phuket area. With so much space to work with, the villa has an exceptional range of facilities: a glittering 25-metre pool, a fully equipped gym, a spa room, wide sundecks and landscaped gardens for outdoor play. Though the villa facilities alone offered plenty to keep us occupied, having a friendly team of staff on hand ensured that we were never left wanting. Gathering for a family-style Thai meal prepared by the villa chef while watching the tropical sunset paint the sea and sky a rosy-golden glow is an experience we will not soon forget.

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From $1,824 Special 4br Rate

Sleeps 8

Our
Rating 8.8

Baan Taley Rom

Thailand » Phuket » Natai Beach

Moments before we arrived at the beautiful Baan Taley Rom, we had to pause in our car to wait out a Natai Beach-style traffic jam: a herd of buffalo was being ushered across the road, destined for some luscious green grazing grounds nearby, we guessed. And so began our delightful immersion into rural Thai charm.

It was well worth the wait. Once we stepped through the villa’s elegant arched entrance we found a regal yet welcoming holiday home of contemporary style that offered a fine balance to the dazzling sea and sky views beyond. Sitting in splendid isolation on an acre of absolute beachfront land, Baan Taley Rom is a rare find in the Phuket area. With so much space to work with, the villa has an exceptional range of facilities: a glittering 25-metre pool, a fully equipped gym, a spa room, wide sundecks and landscaped gardens for outdoor play. Though the villa facilities alone offered plenty to keep us occupied, having a friendly team of staff on hand ensured that we were never left wanting. Gathering for a family-style Thai meal prepared by the villa chef while watching the tropical sunset paint the sea and sky a rosy-golden glow is an experience we will not soon forget.

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From $2,236