Villas in Kamala, Phuket

Sleeps 8

Our
Rating 8.2

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 $2,060 Special 5br Rate

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 8.2

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 $2,295

Sleeps 12

Our
Rating 8.2

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

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

Villa Chada

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.

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From $1,530 Special 4br Rate

Sleeps 8

Villa Chada

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.

more...

From $1,824 Special 5br Rate

Sleeps 10

Villa Chada

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.

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From $2,177

Sleeps 12

Villa Minh

Perched at the windswept edge of a lush Kamala promontory, Villa Minh is an enthralling escape. First, the views. Not only were we treated with a breathtaking panorama of blazing sunsets over the sea, but also of the crags and jungle-clad hills of the headland, most impressively from the lower-level master suite that offers a dreamy view of a palm-tree studded outcrop surrounded by the swirling emerald sea. During our stay the skilled and friendly staff certainly freed us from any worry or discomfort, and Minh’s exceptionally elegant design provides plenty of inspiration. This would be a special place to get married, and we were told that a wedding with 40 guests was to be staged here soon. The marble-tiled infinity pool makes for an indulgent dip. We discovered why the villa manager referred to it as the “bling pool” when purple and white lights began twinkling from its depths after dark! A lot of thought went into the art collection here, which is an interesting mix of bright contemporary paintings and Asian antiques. Certificate books on the living room’s coffee table provide insight into the age and origin of each of the antiques. Here we must praise the Minh team for ensuring that every sense is enlivened, most obviously with the sights, but even the olfactory experience has been well thought out. Every room has its own aromatic incense and we can declare that Minh has the best smelling bedlinens we’ve ever encountered. Really, we just wanted to bury our heads in those pillows and never get out of bed! We’re still miffed that we forgot to ask the cleaning staff about their scintillating scent secrets.

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From $2,001

Sleeps 12

Villa Saan