Villa Astra

Villa Astra sits on the green slopes above Plai Laem, on the north-eastern tip of Koh Samui, looking down over palm tops to a sheltered turquoise cove and a wooded headland. It is a calm, light-filled home in white and soft grey, with shuttered windows, pale stone and a few well-chosen pieces of Asian antique furniture that add warmth and character. Everything is oriented to the water, so the view follows you from the pool to the sofa to the bedroom.

The infinity pool runs along the front of the house, its edge dropping away over the garden so the blue of the water meets the blue of the bay. A shaded lounge beside it, with wicker sofas and armchairs, is the natural spot for an afternoon with a book, and the terrace has loungers and room to dine outdoors, with barbecue equipment for easy evenings. Inside, the open-plan living room, a long timber dining table and a sleek white kitchen with an island share one bright, airy space beneath a floating staircase.

Three air-conditioned bedrooms each have their own bathroom, finished in stone-grey tiles with walk-in showers and generous vanities. The sea-facing rooms open through tall glass doors onto the view, while another looks out to the tropical garden. With space for six, the villa suits two couples or a young family, and the beach at Plai Laem, local restaurants and the Big Buddha area are a short drive away, as is Samui International Airport.