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.