Villa Amylia Emerald

Villa Amylia Emerald is a striking architect-designed home in Narayan Heights, a quiet gated hillside community in North Chaweng with no big hotels nearby. Clean white lines, pale timber and walls of glass open the house to sweeping views over the sea, the offshore islands and the green hills behind. It is close to the airport and a short drive from Chaweng Beach, Big Buddha and Fisherman’s Village, yet up here the loudest sound is usually the breeze.

Life centres on the infinity pool, fourteen metres long and set on a wide timber deck with parasols and loungers that look straight out to the islands. Beside it, a sunken lounge with deep sofas offers shade on the hottest afternoons and the best seats for sunset. Below the main level, the house has its own media room with plush recliners and a big screen, a fully equipped gym with views into the jungle, and a spa room for in-villa massages.

The open living room faces the pool, with soft sofas, a long dining table behind and a sleek modern kitchen alongside. Five bedrooms, all with king beds, are spread over the upper floors of this four-level house, and each has its own bathroom with a shower or bathtub, several with twin basins. The master suite opens straight onto the pool terrace, and other rooms have their own balconies or a sunny terrace framed by glass. Housekeeping is included, and a welcome drink is waiting when you arrive.