Villas in Phuket, Thailand

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 7.7

Paresa Grand Villa 5

Water, water everywhere! From the expansive sea views to the three swimming pools to the fabulous baths, there's no escaping from aquatic delights at Paresa Grand Villa 5. Soothed by its cool earthy tones, gorgeous Southern Thai design and seamless outdoor and indoor spaces, our worries simply floated away in a sea of serenity. We loved the openness of all the rooms -- there's nothing quite as refreshing as peeling aside an entire wall to greet the morning's tropical breezes. Equally as nice, as evening arrived, was the ease in which the bedrooms could be made cosy by drawing the curtains and switching on the romantic lighting, while the air conditioning cooled down hot bodies after a day in the sun. Paresa's picturesque location and impressive facilities are ideal for a wedding or other celebration, with a full contingent of resort services and staff on hand to help. As a resort-style villa, Paresa does not have the live-in staff that regular villa guests may anticipate but a butler is easily reached by phone. We felt that the subtlety of the interior design made the villa a bit generic looking; some splashes of colour would have added flavour. However, what the villa lacks in character, is made up for by the Paresa Resort staff's smooth professionalism and the good range of activities on offer such as cooking classes, yacht trips, spa sessions or market excursions (additional charges apply). Paresa's many staircases will make it difficult for those with limited mobility and a watchful eye on young children will be needed with the open pools and lack of barriers on some steep areas.

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TBA

Sleeps 8-12*

Our
Rating 7.6

Patong Hill Villa (4BR)

Thailand » Phuket » Patong

In our several journeys up and down Phuket’s busy west coast, we’ve whizzed past the entrance to the narrow, lush lane of Patong Hill Estate many times and always wondered what it looked like inside. The estate is a property pioneer of sorts, being what we understand is the first luxury villa estate in Phuket, built in the early 1990s at the dawn of the island’s tourism boom. This four-bedroom Patong Hill Villa and its sister five-bedroom villa next door were built more recently (2004) at the top of the estate. Though it lacks the flashiness of some of the newer Phuket villas, it’s a lovely, welcoming place with an easy charm that we felt at home in immediately. Patong Hill delivers the full Phuket Island experience: impressive sea views, a jungle setting with whirring cicadas and birdsong, subtle touches of luxury and loads of comfort. The service here is friendly and casual, and there’s a lack of formality that can be a welcome thing if you just want things taken care of with little fuss. If you’re seeking turn-down service and a line of crisply-dressed staff greeting you with garlands on arrival you’ll need to go elsewhere. The villa’s serene setting was marred somewhat on first impression as we arrived to the sound of a blaring TV, which wasn’t turned off till we asked. Once the peace was restored, however, we happily settled in to a routine of watching clouds drift by while sipping cool drinks on the terrace and languid sunbathing sessions by the pool. Though the villa provides a tranquil escape, we think it’s also an ideal launching point for a more action-packed holiday with the bright lights of Patong so close by. Patong is teeming with restaurants to explore, too, though you’d be hard-pressed to find a Thai meal as good as those prepared by the villa cook. Dining in-villa also offers better value since, typically for any tourist-oriented place, there can be some hair-raising prices at some of the better-known eateries in Patong.

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TBA

Sleeps 8

Our
Rating 7.5

Patong Hill Villa (5BR)

Thailand » Phuket » Patong

In our several journeys up and down Phuket’s busy west coast, we’ve whizzed past the entrance to the narrow, lush lane of Patong Hill Estate many times and always wondered what it looked like inside. The estate is a property pioneer of sorts, being what we understand is the first luxury villa estate in Phuket, built in the early 1990s at the dawn of the island’s tourism boom. This five-bedroom Patong Hill Villa and its sister four-bedroom villa next door were built more recently (2004) at the top of the estate about eight years ago. Though it lacks the flashiness of some of the newer Phuket villas, it’s a lovely, welcoming place with an easy charm that we felt at home in immediately. Patong Hill delivers the full Phuket Island experience: impressive sea views, a jungle setting with whirring cicadas and birdsong, subtle touches of luxury and loads of comfort. Patong Hill Villa is a great choice for those who like to spice up their holiday with some nights out on the town. Though the villa offers a tranquil setting, we think it’s also an ideal launching point for a more action-packed holiday with the bright lights of Patong so close by. Patong is teeming with restaurants to explore, too, though you’d be hard-pressed to find a Thai meal as good as those prepared by the villa cook. Dining in-villa also offers better value since, typically for any tourist-oriented place, there can be some hair-raising prices at some of the better-known eateries in Patong. The service here is friendly and casual, and there’s a lack of formality that can be a welcome thing if you just want things taken care of with little fuss. If you’re seeking turn-down service and a line of crisply-dressed staff greeting you with garlands on arrival you’ll need to go elsewhere.

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TBA

Our
Rating 7.6 Guest Rating 7.5

Sleeps 10

Villa Pra-Nang

Thailand » Phuket » Patong

With its spectacular views and spacious though intimate atmosphere we found Pra-Nang to be a very relaxing villa, ideal for families, groups of friends and couples who wish to be close to the action of Patong Bay but not right in the thick of it. The lack of garden however (the villa has only a stepped concrete terrace brimming with colourful potted plants) makes it less suitable for energetic younger children or toddlers who would need a lot of supervision. The bedrooms are all similar in décor, comfort and size which will save any squabbling about who sleeps where. Benefitting from the villa’s broad position on the headland, each room has been built on the same level to take advantage of the panoramic views. We felt that this also makes the villa more sociable as all rooms opens onto the wide pool terrace. The swimming pool is not so big, however there is a separate elevated jacuzzi pool that makes up for it. The lounge offers a comfortable place to appreciate the views, or a cosy atmosphere for watching a movie. We appreciated the gym’s private location on the ground floor, especially as kids noisily playing pool or table tennis are less likely to be a disturbance. The villa has WiFi internet access and a computer with printer/scanner/fax.

The cook prepares simple meals according to a menu (predominantly Thai food except for a couple of sandwich options) however BBQs, western meals and other preferences (special diets) can be catered for on request. We thought that the complimentary case of Singha Beer (and soft drinks) on arrival was a nice touch. While the villa staff speak only basic English, the manager is happy to assist with everything from travel arrangements (complimentary airport transfers) to restaurant reservations.

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TBA

Our
Rating 7.6 Guest Rating 9.7

Sleeps 10

Chom Tawan - Villa Samorna

Thailand » Phuket » Bang Tao Beach » Bang Tao

Villa Samorna is a very-well-cared-for and welcoming oasis. Although the villa is on an estate, its position along the banks of a stream gives it a truly private and tranquil feel. We enjoyed some lazy hours sipping drinks in the shade by the big pool, which – along with the garden – is a delight for kids. During our brief visit we didn’t dine in, but we could have asked the villa’s long-time housekeeper Khun Aon to cook for us had we wished (extra charge applies). We found her to be helpful and friendly and, having assisted the villa owners and many guests over the years, a fount of knowledge on the area – such as the best places to eat locally.

We prefer being away from busy areas on holiday and in this regard Villa Samorna was the perfect choice, with the estate set along a quiet section of the beach that so far has seen little development. Aside from a few people out on a stroll with their dogs, we didn’t come across any commercial activity at the beach in this area beyond the few simple restaurants nearby. It’s isolated enough to enjoy your own private sunset views on the sand, and yet the five-star spas and restaurants of Laguna and vicinity are an easy five-minute drive away. We had our own transport, which we’d recommend for guests staying here given Samorna’s location, though Khun Aom can easily arrange taxi services, too.

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TBA

Bedrooms 2

Sleeps 4

Our
Rating 8.0

Chom Tawan - Villa Samorna

Thailand » Phuket » Bang Tao Beach » Bang Tao

Villa Samorna is a very-well-cared-for and welcoming oasis. Although the villa is on an estate, its position along the banks of a stream gives it a truly private and tranquil feel. We enjoyed some lazy hours sipping drinks in the shade by the big pool, which – along with the garden – is a delight for kids. During our brief visit we didn’t dine in, but we could have asked the villa’s long-time housekeeper Khun Aon to cook for us had we wished (extra charge applies). We found her to be helpful and friendly and, having assisted the villa owners and many guests over the years, a fount of knowledge on the area – such as the best places to eat locally.

We prefer being away from busy areas on holiday and in this regard Villa Samorna was the perfect choice, with the estate set along a quiet section of the beach that so far has seen little development. Aside from a few people out on a stroll with their dogs, we didn’t come across any commercial activity at the beach in this area beyond the few simple restaurants nearby. It’s isolated enough to enjoy your own private sunset views on the sand, and yet the five-star spas and restaurants of Laguna and vicinity are an easy five-minute drive away. We had our own transport, which we’d recommend for guests staying here given Samorna’s location, though Khun Aom can easily arrange taxi services, too.

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TBA

Sleeps 8

Our
Rating 8.0

Samsara Estate - Villa Benyasiri

The view at Villa Benyasiri is to die for: a truly spectacular panorama. The villa is perfect for those who enjoy a private, luxury experience with little desire to leave the amazing views that the villa offers. Groups would also enjoy this villa for a party or reunion, but remember that two of the five bedrooms are twin-share and more oriented to families holidaying with children.

A definite party pad, Villa Benyasiri offers Vogue-style views, modern living and contemporary spaces. The owners, who frequently holiday here, have two energetic kids, but if you are travelling with young children who need lots of space, Villa Benyasiri may be a little constraining; families with older children looking for ‘action’ may prefer a less secluded location although Patong is really not far away.

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TBA

Our
Rating 8.2 Guest Rating 9.1

Sleeps 10

Samsara Estate - Villa Fah Sai

We thought that Villa Fah Sai was very homely and thoughtfully designed so that the views can be admired and enjoyed to the max. The dining deck offers the best panoramas and is perfect for entertaining, with its barbecue and built-in speakers. The kitchen is also a very sociable space with its breakfast nook and plenty of room for a couple of cooks.

The villa would be great for two families, an extended family, couples or groups of friends, although the rooms are not all equally sized; the master bedroom, with its direct staircase link to the fifth bedroom, is ideal for a family share. The well-equipped entertainment room will also appeal to kids, and the swimming pool has a shallow end (though supervision of smaller children would still be necessary around the infinity edge).

The villa would also make a good corporate escape; the master bedroom is private and has an attached lounge and office, the villa is WiFi enabled and has a telephone in each room, and there are plenty of spectacular locations for wining and dining. The management’s ‘can-do’ guest relations service and the excellent Thai chef also enhance its suitability for a business retreat; specific menus and social occasions can be arranged on request. Food is prepared according to a villa menu, and staff will do your shopping (provisions at cost, plus a shopping charge added to guest account).

The villa’s spa room (when not being used as the fifth bedroom!) is a delight, and means that you don’t have to travel anywhere for a pampering treat! Twin massage tables allow for romantic double treatments too.

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TBA

Our
Rating 8.5 Guest Rating 8.2

Sleeps 10

Samsara Estate - Villa Hale Malia

For privacy, location and facilities Villa Hale Malia takes a lot of beating and we loved the modern architecture which is very different to other villas we’ve experienced in Thailand. However the real stand out is the view – you will be hard pressed to find anything like it.

Service is very good, discreet yet attentive and the home-cooked meals are excellent. The bathrooms are modern and clean, bedrooms comfortable with pleasant patios and views but it is the common areas which shine with cathedral style ceilings and extensive use of glass and that stunning panorama.

It’s not easy for a villa to be adaptable all types of clientele but we felt that Villa Hale Malia comes very close. For those travelling with young children, it’s perhaps not the perfect choice – there are steep drop-offs in the sloping garden and from the edge of the pool – and it’s a little too secluded for multiple trips into town. We’d recommend it more for those looking to stay in and enjoy the villa, the views and the polished service. That said, many of the owners of these villas have young families and we know they have a wonderful time. The villa is a great place for hosting a party and the excellent sound system (with speakers in all living areas, including the outside sala and brbecue pit) can be cranked up quite high without having to worry too much about disturbing the neighbours.

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TBA