Villa Haleana

Villa Haleana stands high on the forested headland above Nai Thon, within the gated Malaiwana estate, looking straight out over one of Phuket’s least crowded beaches and a long sweep of the Andaman coast. Peaked Thai-style pavilion roofs crown a two-storey home of marble, polished timber and glass, and from almost every room the view is the same: open sea, green hills and, every evening, a blazing sunset. With six bedrooms and room for up to fifteen, it is built for large families and friends travelling together.

An eighteen-metre infinity pool runs along the terrace and seems to spill into the bay below, with sun loungers and big umbrellas on the timber deck and an open sala beside the water where an eight-seat table makes lunch outdoors easy. The main pavilion rises to a soaring timber ceiling, with sliding glass walls that open the sunken lounge straight onto the pool terrace. A twelve-seat dining table and a smaller round table both face the sea, and alongside sits a guest kitchen with a breakfast counter, six stools and a dedicated wine fridge.

There is plenty to do without leaving home: two media rooms for films, a study, a gym and a spa room with a jacuzzi tub for massages and slow afternoons. The two master suites are upstairs, one with a walk-in dressing area and a marble bathroom with a freestanding tub, the other with a private balcony over the beach and a bathroom with a large tub and twin vanities. Three king guest rooms with sea-facing balconies and a twin room complete the picture. A villa manager and chef look after everything, with breakfast included each day.