Sunset Rock Villa

Sunset Rock Villa is a hillside hideaway in the peaceful south of Koh Samui, set within the secure Santikhiri estate above Bang Kao with long views over the Gulf of Thailand to Koh Taen and Koh Matsum. Its Thai-style pavilions are tucked into some three thousand square metres of tropical garden, where great granite boulders have been worked into the walls, bathrooms and terraces. It feels wonderfully close to nature, like a cluster of treehouses with the sea always in view.

Outdoors there is a pool for every mood. The main infinity pool, with its own jacuzzi and a small paddling pool for little ones, looks straight out to sea, while a round plunge pool by the upper pavilion sits high in the trees. The estate also has a long shared pool set in a quiet lawn. Wide timber verandas run along the pavilions, and the main living pavilion opens fully through sliding glass, with a lounge, a long dining table for ten and a well-equipped kitchen all facing the Gulf.

The five bedrooms are individual retreats spread across separate levels, each with its own en-suite bathroom, air conditioning and a view of the garden or the sea. Some are raised among the canopy, others open onto private balconies, and several bathrooms have semi-open showers set against the natural rock. Massage under the trees, a private yoga session on the deck and a stocked fridge on arrival can all be arranged.