Villa Daran

Villa Daran sits high on the green hillside above Kamala, and from almost everywhere in the house the view opens out across the whole sweep of Kamala Bay, the blue Andaman Sea and the forested headlands beyond. Tiered gardens spill with bougainvillea, palms frame the horizon, and the air up here is fresher and quieter than down by the shore. The beach, cafés and restaurants of Kamala are only around a kilometre and a half below, an easy drive when you want them.

At the foot of the garden, a twenty-metre black-tiled infinity pool runs along the edge of the hill, so the water seems to pour straight into the bay. Cushioned loungers line the deck, and at one end a timber summer house with seating makes a shady spot for lunch or a long, lazy evening as the lights come on around the pool. The main living pavilion is airy and elegant, with warm hardwood floors, a coffered ceiling, cream sofas and wide windows facing the sea, and there is a separate games room with a full-size pool table. The kitchen is large and well equipped, with a large pantry and a big island where meals can be served.

Six bedrooms sleep twelve: five with king beds and one twin room with two singles. The four rooms at the front of the villa enjoy full sea views, while those at the back look onto the garden and feel especially private. Seven bathrooms mean nobody has to queue, and several have deep bathtubs set against the windows so you can soak while looking out over the bay. Friendly English-speaking staff look after the house, and a chef, massage, laundry and a car with driver can all be arranged.