Ban Laem Set

Ban Laem Set sits right on the sand at Bang Kao, on Koh Samui’s quiet southern coast, tucked away down a small lane where the only sounds are the palms and the sea. Three pavilions under deep terracotta roofs wrap around a central pool in a gentle C-shape, and the lawn in front runs straight down to the beach, with the islands of Koh Taen and Koh Matsum floating offshore. It feels secluded and wonderfully calm, a true hideaway for two families or a small group of friends.

Life here centres on the twelve-metre pool, ringed by turquoise loungers and big umbrellas, with a covered terrace of deep armchairs alongside for long, lazy afternoons. Inside, the main pavilion blends Thai and Mediterranean touches: soaring white ceilings, dark timber beams, woven water-hyacinth furniture and glass doors that fold open to the pool. A traditional dining room seats the whole group, a modern kitchen sits behind it, and a garden sala by the water makes a peaceful spot for morning stretches.

Four bedrooms are split across two wings, two on each side, so everyone has a little distance. Three have king four-poster beds draped in white, and the fourth has twin beds, ideal for children. Bathrooms are finished in warm sandstone, with freestanding tubs in the best of them. Breakfast is prepared each morning by the villa team, the chef can cook lunch and dinner on request, and kayaks are ready for paddling out across the bay.