Villa Baan Laemson 1

Villa Baan Laemson 1 sits on a rocky, tree-covered point at the edge of Kamala Bay, where the Andaman Sea breaks white against granite boulders just below the gardens. Steep Thai roofs with carved gable ends rise above clipped lawns and frangipani, stone paths wind between the pavilions, and a pathway leads down to a small, private stretch of sand. Set in around five thousand square metres of grounds, it feels like a hidden coastal retreat rather than a holiday house.

The long, dark-tiled infinity pool is the centrepiece, its edge lining up with the horizon so that sea and water seem to merge, with blue cushioned loungers, shady umbrellas and a Thai sala alongside. At dusk the pool lights up and mirrors the palms. Below, a stone viewing platform perched on the rocks has its own seating for sunset over the bay. Inside, the living pavilion is full of character, with exposed timber trusses, Asian artwork and antiques, bright cushions and windows onto the garden. There is a separate media room with a large screen, a lounge with deep armchairs, and a veranda where a round dining table looks straight out to sea.

Six bedrooms are finished in dark mahogany and teak, with crisp white linen, modern art and large windows over the garden or the water, and there is room for twelve guests in all. The bathrooms pair warm wood with stone, and one has a large sunken tub. A team of four looks after the villa, led by a head of staff who is also an accomplished chef in both Thai and Western cooking, and 24-hour guards and electronic security keep the grounds secure.