Villa California

Villa California is a dramatic, three-storey modern mansion on the hillside above Choeng Mon, all glass, white render and black marble, with long views over the bay to the islands. It is built on a grand scale, more than thirteen hundred square metres of living space, and it shows in the generous rooms and the wealth of facilities. It is a natural choice for large families and groups of friends travelling together who want a statement villa with room for everyone and a little bit of everything.

A wide infinity pool stretches along the front of the house, edged by artificial lawn and rows of white sunbeds, with the sea and the green headlands spread out beyond. Up on the covered terrace, woven sofas and a swinging hanging chair face the view, and a shaded patio with a barbecue and a long table is set for meals outdoors. Inside, the open-plan living and dining spaces flow into a sleek marble kitchen with an island and stools. Then come the extras: a red-carpeted home cinema, a billiard table, a large and properly equipped gym, and a sauna and steam room for unwinding after a day on the island.

All seven bedrooms have king beds, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs and a desk, and many look out to sea through floor-to-ceiling glass. Each has its own bathroom, several finished in dark veined marble with freestanding tubs, some beside windows onto the hillside. Three staff look after the villa with daily housekeeping, and a chef, massage, a car, a driver, babysitting or a boat can be arranged.