Himmapana Villa Terraces 4

Himmapana Villa Terraces 4 sits high on the green slopes above Kamala in Himmapana Terraces, a small private collection of seven contemporary villas whose stepped layout and flowing timber roofs take their cue from the rice terraces of northern Thailand. Glass, stone and warm wood frame a panorama of jungle-covered hills, valley and a glimpse of the sea, and the light changes it from hour to hour. It is a polished, relaxed home for families or friends travelling as a group of up to eight.

From the living room a few steps lead down to the pool terrace, where a curving infinity-edge pool follows the line of the hill and a row of loungers faces the view. A sunken outdoor lounge sits right beside the water, and below it a palm-fringed lawn hides a cushioned nest daybed for quiet hours with a book. Indoors, a long L-shaped sofa, a dining table for the whole group and an open kitchen with a breakfast counter share one bright, glass-walled space. Away from it all, a moody grey lounge doubles as a cinema room with a projector, and a billiard table stands on the first-floor landing.

All four bedrooms have king beds, a TV, a desk, plenty of storage and their own bathroom, several with a deep freestanding tub. Two are upstairs with glass-fronted balconies and the widest views, and two are on the ground floor opening towards the garden, a handy split for families with children or two couples who like a little distance. Housekeepers keep everything immaculate, meals can be ordered from a menu, and Kamala Beach is a short drive down the hill.