Baan Hen Kata

Baan Hen Kata sits on the hill rising above Kata, a pair of Thai pavilions under steep, peaked roofs with wide views across the treetops to the Andaman Sea. Inside, rich dark timber floors, carved panels, antiques and detailed ceilings sit alongside cool, light-filled rooms, so the house feels both traditional and relaxed. It is a lovely size for one or two families: big enough to spread out, small enough to stay close.

The sandstone pool deck is the heart of the villa. Tiered infinity pools step down the slope, with stepping stones across the water, a built-in jacuzzi and cushioned loungers under large umbrellas, while a traditional Thai sala on the edge frames the sea view for long, lazy afternoons. A poolside barbecue makes outdoor dinners easy, and the terraces and balcony are where everyone drifts as the sun goes down. Indoors, a comfortable living room with sofas and antiques leads to a timber dining table for eight and a well-equipped kitchen, plus a media room with satellite TV and games.

Five bedrooms are split between the two pavilions, three on one side and two on the other. The master has a four-poster king bed, a sunken bathtub and a quiet study corner, and the second bedroom also has a king bed and its own bathroom. The other three rooms each have twin beds, which in the third bedroom can be joined into a double, making the villa an easy fit for families with children. The villa can also be booked with three or four bedrooms for smaller groups, and on-site staff including a guest assistant, housekeeper, chef and security look after everything during your stay.