Baan Lealay

Baan Lealay stands high on the hillside above Bophut, and the reward is a sweeping panorama over Koh Samui’s north coast and out to sea. The house is light and modern, with white walls, warm timber and walls of glass that keep the view in sight from almost every room. Up here it is quiet, breezy and private, yet Bophut beach and the restaurants of Fisherman’s Village are only a short drive down the hill.

The infinity pool is the heart of the villa, its edge lined up with the horizon and its terrace wide enough for everyone to find a lounger. A pavilion at the end of the pool gives shade, and a covered outdoor dining table makes the most of long lunches and sunset dinners. Inside, the open-plan living room has deep sofas and full-height glass, and the kitchen is fitted with a dishwasher, oven and everything needed for home cooking. For active guests there is a fitness room with cardio machines and weights, plus a sauna with a window onto the view.

Three bedrooms have double beds and the fourth has two single beds, and each has its own bathroom. Several rooms open onto private balconies, and some bathrooms have a deep bathtub set by the window, so you can soak with the sea in view. Breakfast is included, an airport transfer is included both ways, and a guest assistant and housekeeping keep everything running smoothly.