Villa Baan Wanora

Villa Baan Wanora sits right on the golden sand of Bang Kao, on Koh Samui’s tranquil southern coast, where the lawn slips straight onto a quiet stretch of beach facing the sea. Traditional Thai pavilions with deep shingled roofs are set around lush gardens, lily ponds and stone paths, and the whole place has a gentle, unhurried feel. It is a superb choice for large families or friends who want space, privacy and the beach on the doorstep.

The long pool is the showpiece: a sleek, dark-tiled lap pool running between the pavilions towards the sea, lined with loungers and shaded daybeds and beautifully lit after dark. A traditional sala by the beach sets the scene for outdoor meals, and a second dining table sits under the veranda overlooking the garden. Indoors, warm timber floors, high wooden ceilings, Buddhist sculpture and contemporary art fill the living room, the dining room seats twelve beneath a chandelier, and the kitchen is a cook’s dream with a large island and professional range.

Six generous bedrooms each come with a sitting area, and many open onto private balconies or verandas with garden and pool views. The master suite has its own lounge and a partly open bathroom with a deep tub and monsoon rain shower, and every bedroom has its own bathroom. A colourful kids’ room with twin beds adds to the family appeal. A multilingual guest manager and team look after the villa, breakfast is included, and return airport transfers are part of the stay.