As much as Samui has to offer, we struggled to pull ourselves away from Baan Tao Talay’s comfortable terry cloth covered sun loungers, except perhaps for a dip in the pool every so often, or to take a stroll on the beach with its postcard-perfect sunset views. As dusk approaches, the villa puts on her party dress. Candles are lit by the staff who, though for the most part unseen, are always there when you need them. Tea-lights are dotted across the lawn, lanterns lit and cocktails prepared: we highly recommend Khun Joy's Mojito, bursting with mint and lime, and a perfect way to welcome the sunset.

The villa emits a warm glow, and delicious smells waft from the kitchen as dinner is prepared for us to enjoy in the beachside sala. The villa's talented in-house chef has no problem preparing special requests. His repertoire of vegetarian dishes is vast and he even makes his own tofu. With seafood literally on the doorstep – bought from the fishermen who walk the beach – fish is a regular item on the menu.

Oh the beds! If your goal is to get some rest during your stay at Tao Talay, you won't be disappointed. Dressed in crisp white linen, a duvet to snuggle into and with both foam and down pillows, these beds will guarantee you wake refreshed each morning, ready for another day of doing as you please. We also admired how silent the air-con is. But don't be tempted to sleep away too much of your time when there's so much else to enjoy at the villa. Should you fancy a massage, ask Khun Joy to arrange a professional masseuse and relax with a treatment either at the beach sala, or in the comfort of your room.

Although the ferry pier is only 200m away, it's no bother, and you'll only hear a short horn toot as boats depart and dock. In fact, it adds interest to what would otherwise be an uneventful, albeit pretty beach scene.

As much as Samui has to offer, we struggled to pull ourselves away from Baan Tao Talay’s comfortable terry cloth covered sun loungers, except perhaps for a dip in the pool every so often, or to take a stroll on the beach with its postcard-perfect sunset views. As dusk approaches, the villa puts on her party dress. Candles are lit by the staff who, though for the most part unseen, are always there when you need them. Tea-lights are dotted across the lawn, lanterns lit and cocktails prepared: we highly recommend Khun Joy's Mojito, bursting with mint and lime, and a perfect way to welcome the sunset.

The villa emits a warm glow, and delicious smells waft from the kitchen as dinner is prepared for us to enjoy in the beachside sala. The villa's talented in-house chef has no problem preparing special requests. His repertoire of vegetarian dishes is vast and he even makes his own tofu. With seafood literally on the doorstep – bought from the fishermen who walk the beach – fish is a regular item on the menu.

Oh the beds! If your goal is to get some rest during your stay at Tao Talay, you won't be disappointed. Dressed in crisp white linen, a duvet to snuggle into and with both foam and down pillows, these beds will guarantee you wake refreshed each morning, ready for another day of doing as you please. We also admired how silent the air-con is. But don't be tempted to sleep away too much of your time when there's so much else to enjoy at the villa. Should you fancy a massage, ask Khun Joy to arrange a professional masseuse and relax with a treatment either at the beach sala, or in the comfort of your room.

Although the ferry pier is only 200m away, it's no bother, and you'll only hear a short horn toot as boats depart and dock. In fact, it adds interest to what would otherwise be an uneventful, albeit pretty beach scene.