Motsamot Villa

Motsamot Villa is a classic Thai garden retreat in the quiet north-east of Koh Samui, a few minutes’ drive from the soft sand of Choeng Mon Beach. Steep, swept-up roofs, warm teak and stone pathways give it the feel of a small traditional village, set within around four thousand square metres of lawns, flowering shrubs and shady trees. It is the kind of place where days slip by unnoticed, with the island’s beaches, night market and restaurants close enough whenever you want them.

Everything outdoors revolves around water. Stepping stones lead across a lily pond with gentle fountains, and beyond it a fifteen-metre free-form pool curves between the pavilions, lined with sun loungers and umbrellas. A long wooden table sits right beside the pool for breakfasts in the sunshine, and a gas barbecue waits at the far end for relaxed evening grills. After dark the pavilions glow against the garden, and an outdoor shower is tucked in among the plants for rinsing off after a swim.

Indoors, the living space is split between two open-sided pavilions under vaulted wooden ceilings: one a calm lounge, the other a dining room with a big timber table, a large TV and Asian artwork throughout. Six bedrooms are scattered through the gardens, so families can spread out and still meet at the pool. Daily breakfast is included, a chef can cook lunch and dinner, and the villa team handles housekeeping, the garden and the pool so that nobody has to lift a finger.