The Headland Villa 1
What You Get
Air-con
Internet (WiFi)
Swimming Pool (Private)
TV (Satellite/Cable)
The Experience
If you have a Mac, make sure you take it to The Headland Villas. The five properties on this luxury development are elegant, stylish, compact and desirable enough to have been designed by Apple Inc. There's something extremely satisfying about reclining on a cushioned sunbed by a blue-tiled swimming pool, tropical islands silhouetted in the distance while you chat on Skype, courtesy of the villa’s WiFi access, knowing that you fit the scene perfectly.
But it's not just the modern touches that make this villa (and neighbouring Headland Villas 2, 3, 4 and 5) so special; it's the way its design is so perfectly integrated into the stunning, natural setting. Clever features like folding doors (front and back), with roller blinds for daytime shade, add new meaning to the well-used phrase ‘bringing the outside in’ and keep the villa blissfully cool. These touches, along with an intelligent use of space make what is essentially quite a compact residence feel very roomy. It's therefore easy to switch between pleasures on a whim. You can wander straight from your king-size bed down to the pool to float in peace surrounded by tropical greenery and the soothing sound of crickets, then pop back to your bright, open-plan bathroom for a refreshing rain shower before grabbing a snack and freshly brewed coffee on your way upstairs to watch a movie in the TV lounge overlooking the sea.
The staff, like the decor, are discreet. There's an efficient daily maid and a friendly, knowledgeable on-site manager, but once you've enjoyed your healthy continental breakfast (included) you can turn the service on or off to suit your day (a full-time chef and provisioning are available at extra cost). It's a steep climb down to Taling Ngam beach but well worth the effort as you'll probably have it to yourself most days. Restaurants and resort-style amenities are in nipping distance, while boat trips, fishing trips and elephants rides are easily arranged. Drinking in the cinematic views with Vivaldi flowing through the Bose surround-sound system in the lounge is nothing short of living poetry.
Our review
- Overall Rating:
-
8.2
- Reviewed:
- 24-Apr-2013
Versatile private comfort in a secluded natural setting.
For those craving company and variety, being virtually inside the grounds of a luxury resort means the options for dining and entertainment are far more diverse than you would expect in such a secluded location. The cool, white decor and uncluttered interiors not only show off your sun tan, but also mean you don't worry too much about drifting between the pool, terrace and fridge in your beach gear. The staff keep a low profile and are 'on-call' rather than 'in-situ' for most of the time (although extra hands can be brought in, as needed, at extra cost), so you're left to do your thing in satisfied peace.
Being part of a small estate also gives you the option of hiring more than one of The Headland Villas for a family gathering or celebration. Once ensconced in your own villa, however, you neither see nor hear your neighbours unless you want to. It's quite rare, even on Samui, to find such modern comforts so close to unspoilt nature and traditional island life. The combination of the two makes for a memorable holiday indeed.
Since our initial visit three years ago, the Headland Villas have flourished and now blend even more naturally into their surroundings as the gardens have become more established. The properties have been well-maintained, with little evidence of wear-and-tear.
Individual Scores:
| Character/Charm: | 9 | Location: | 9 | Outside Area: | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living Area: | 8 | Bedrooms: | 8 | Bathrooms: | 8 |
| Kitchen: | 8 | Facilities: | 8 | Staff: | 8 |
| Value: | 8 |
Highlights
There are views - and then there are these views. You never tire of the panoramic vistas from all five of The Headland Villas and this is one of the few places on Samui where you can watch the sun melt into the horizon. The outdoor spaces take full advantage of this and with the entire villa designed as an open space, you quickly feel the benefits of sunshine and sea air.
Surprises
No TVs in the bedrooms may put some people off, others (especially families with kids) may appreciate the break from constant visual gratification and with a dedicated AV room upstairs you still have the choice to slouch in front of the box. Being so open to the elements means insects might also feel welcome. The roll-down blinds do not completely close off the rooms so a swift lock down in the early evening is advisable to prevent mosquito stress (the four-poster has netted drapes).
PROs
- Smoothly blends with its surrounds
- Duplex design maximises space
- Private shaded garden pool
- Covered terraces with stunning views
- Slide-open rooms catch sea breezes
CONs
- A steep climb down to the beach
- Can sometimes hear neighbours
- Tropical foliage attracts insects
Guest reviews (1)
- Tommy Teo, Singapore checked out on 21-Jun-2012
- Overall Rating:
-
9.3
- Reviewed:
- 12-Jul-2012
Individual Scores:
| Character/Charm: | 10 | Location: | 8 | Outside Area: | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living Area: | 10 | Bedrooms: | 10 | Bathrooms: | 9 |
| Kitchen: | 10 | Facilities: | 7 | Staff: | 10 |
| Value: | 9 |
Gallery
Location
The Headland Villas are set on a secluded cliff side overlooking a stunning bay with small islands stretching to the horizon. Interconnecting pathways and steps lead to each individual villa entrance and down to a semi-private section of Taling Ngam beach that's quite rocky in places but swimmable at high tide and shared only by occasional guests from the nearby InterContinental Baan Taling Ngam Resort. The guarded (public) road that leads to the villas’ car park is also used by this up-market resort. The villa manager can organise buggies to take you to the resort's restaurants and spa facilities. A one- kilometre drive (the road is walk-able, but steep) takes you to Baan Taling Ngam village and beach offering a handful of low-key resorts and restaurants, plus a peaceful temple to visit.
Places of Interest(KMs) |
|
| Nathon | 10.0 |
|---|---|
|
|
|
| Santiburi Golf & Country Club | 17.0 |
|
|
|
| Mae Nam | 18.0 |
|
|
|
| Bo Phut Fisherman's Village | 22.0 |
|
|
|
| Samui International Airport | 27.0 |
|
|
|
| Chaweng Beach | 30.0 |
|
|
|
About Taling Ngam
A holiday in Taling Ngam, deep in the south of Koh Samui island, transports you to a magically quiet, unspoilt and peaceful oasis surrounded by coconut groves, grazing water buffaloes and pristine palm-fringed beaches offering mesmerising views of the neighbouring islands of Koh Tan and Koh Madsum. The wide sandy beach is protected by a coral reef, so swimming is not possible for most of the year, but a small bay nicknamed South Beach found at the western end, is more swimmable.
Although a laid-back area, there are still many things to do in Taling Ngam. Take a cue from the imposing Elephant Gate that welcomes you into Taling Ngam village. Constructed in 1979 by the head monk of the local temple, the Elephant Gate is not just a tourist spot, but also symbolic of the warmth and welcoming nature of the locals. It was built to encourage people to visit the beautiful temple located within this secluded village.
Waterfalls and temples abound in the vicinity and the main attractions near Laem Sor are Wat Laem Sor - a golden Pagoda perched on the beach, a 'meditation' forest and Khao Chedi, a snow-white stupa, sitting atop a steep hill and surrounded by various Buddha statues. All have stunning ocean views and gather a festive atmosphere on Buddhist holy days, as monks and locals pay homage. Thai style rustic eateries, classier establishments and a small beachside pub are found in the picturesque fishing village of Thong Krut close by. Brightly coloured long-tail tour boats and speed boats lie anchored along the shoreline, waiting to transport you to the local islands. Venture out to Koh Tan for snorkelling and an amazing white beach, perfect for swimming and relaxing with an epic sunset barbecue.
On the other side, the little-visited stretch of flat, soft sand of Laem Set stretches around three kilometres from the traditional fishing village of Hua Thanon to the sheltered, rocky bays of the Laem Set peninsular. Fishermen moor and unload their catch daily close to the village market, providing excellent photo opportunities, not to mention a great source of fresh seafood. This is also the island's only remaining Muslim enclave, where the mosque is still the centre of the community. The peninsular itself boasts some of the island's quietest beaches and coves. Beyond Laem Set, Grandfather’s and Grandmother’s rocks are a short drive away.
The quiet and tranquil area around Taling Ngam is dotted with spas and wellbeing centres such as Kamalaya, Avani and Samahita. Be sure to get pampered whilst you are there.
About Koh Samui
The third largest island in Thailand, Koh Samui is just 21km at its widest point and 25km at its longest. The hinterland consists of forested limestone hills and the shoreline is made up of countless coconut palm-fringed beaches and bays.
Traditionally a coconut plantation and fisherman's haven, in the last few years the island has grown into a major holiday destination with regular connections to Bangkok and direct flights from Hong Kong and Singapore. Despite rapid development, Samui is small enough to retain its charm and its modest size also makes it a convenient, laid back location even during busy seasons.
As well as fine beaches, Samui is known for recreation, relaxation and fine food. The blue waters of the Thai Gulf provide a wealth of possibility for water sports, while on land the island is well known for its professional and indulgent spas and health retreats. Fresh seafood is a specialty at most of Samui's restaurants, but you can also enjoy food from almost every corner of the globe thanks to the island's strong international influences.
Each beach on Samui has its own particular character and ambience. The east coast beaches of Chaweng and Lamai are busy, commercial areas with everything from beach vendors to fast food chains, while to the north, Bang Rak and Bo Phut have a more relaxed local village atmosphere. Beaches like Lipa Noi and Laem Set on the western and southern shores feel much more remote and untouched.
Koh Samui combines comfort and convenience with a sense of real escape and this has made it a popular choice for residential as well as tourist development. The island is an eclectic blend of nature and sophistication, one that draws repeat visitors every year to indulge in its tropical delights.
Rooms
From a communal car park, landscaped steps and walkways lead to the five Headland Villas. Climbing the stone steps to Villa 1, you first reach the 14m infinity swimming pool, backed by an attractive rockery, with loungers placed for sun and views. From there, more steps double back to the main olive and white, thatch-roofed building, fronted by a wide, partially covered terrace that affords 180 degree coastal views (particularly beautiful at sunset). Outdoor furniture includes comfortable cushioned rattan couches, daybeds, coffee tables and white marble statues. These couches are as ‘flop-in comfortable’ as the inside sofas, perfectly extending the interior living spaces with the exterior.
The first room inside the main pavilion is the airy master bedroom that boasts folding doors opening on two sides and roller blinds for day-time shade. There's a contemporary king-size four-poster bed with draped netting, built-in storage, striking contemporary artwork and steel bedside lamps to complete the scene. The room opens onto a spacious ensuite with rain shower, beyond which is a private garden, guaranteeing plenty of natural light. The adjacent room is a mirror image of the master, boasting the same cool bathroom amenities, but with twin beds.
A small passageway separates the bedrooms from the living area (you can see through so keep the bedroom blinds down!) and leads behind the villa to a guest bathroom on one side and a wood and steel stairway rising to the mezzanine TV lounge on the other. This room looks over the main living space and is furnished with a comfortable double sofa bed poised in front of the TV and DVD player. (This area, along with the downstairs shower room, could be used as an extra bedroom for a larger group.)
Back downstairs the spacious (made more so by a mirrored wall), white, open-plan living and dining area is served by a well-equipped (with brand name appliances) kitchen and breakfast bar. Built-in cupboards have enough crockery, glasses and cutlery for a dinner party. One also houses the mood lighting controls and a powerful stereo system which feeds white, Bose speakers mounted on the lounge walls. The dining table seats eight, and there's an inviting sofa close by to sink -into when you're full. The entire room appears to fold out front and back to welcome the views and sea breezes, but there's the option of air conditioning and ceiling fans (throughout the villa) to supplement.
Key Amenities
-
Air-con
-
Car
(Extra)
-
Internet (WiFi)
-
Swimming Pool (Private)
-
TV (Satellite/Cable)
Other Amenities
- Baby Cot (On Request)
- BBQ
- Bed Linen
- Bicycles (Extra)
- Board Games/Toys
- Book Selection
- Car Parking
- CD Library
- CD Player/Stereo System
- Ceiling Fans
- Coffee Machine
- Dish Washer
- DVD Library
- Equipped Kitchen
- Extra Bed (Roll away/mattress) (On Request)
- Food Starter Pack
- Hairdryers
- High Chairs (On Request)
- Home Theatre System
- Hotplates
- Iron/Board
- Laundry Service (Extra)
- Main Dining (8 persons)
- Microwave
- Oven/Hotplates
- Safe
- Toiletries
- Towels
- Tumble Dryer
Villa Staff
- Babysitter (Extra)
- Chef/Cook (All meals) (Extra)
- Chef/Cook (Breakfast only)
- Housekeeping (Full time)
- Manager
- Masseuse/Spa Therapist (Extra)
- Security
- Service Staff (Extra)
.jpg)
Headland Villa 1 is an ultra-stylish yet supremely comfortable 2-bedroom villa with spectacular panoramic views over a classic island-studded bay on Samui’s west coast. One of five striking, contemporary pool villas built right into the cliffside, cutting-edge design meets peaceful, natural indulgence in an inspiring, private location near a quiet beach.
http://www.thevillaguide.com/villa/the-headland-villa-1.aspx
