Villa Himmapana Terraces 5

Villa Himmapana Terraces 5 is the largest home in Himmapana Terraces, a private collection of just seven contemporary villas stepped into the hillside above Kamala. Its sweeping timber roofline and walls of glass were shaped to echo the rice terraces of northern Thailand, and from the garden, the pool deck and almost every room the view runs down over the treetops to Kamala Bay and out across the Andaman Sea. It is a home built for a big family or a group of friends who want space to spread out without losing that hillside sense of calm.

Outside, a forty-five square metre pool curves along the edge of the terrace, lined with sun loungers and backed by a long sunken lounge piled with cushions, the natural spot for an unhurried breakfast or a slow evening as the sky turns pink over the bay. Indoors, the ground floor opens through floor-to-ceiling glass into a bright lounge, a long dining table that seats the whole group and a sleek kitchen with a central island, stools and a dishwasher. Upstairs, a second family room with deep sofas and a billiard table gives everyone a place to unwind away from the main living space, and a private lift links the levels.

Five air-conditioned bedrooms are dressed in crisp white linen and pale wood, and each has its own bathroom with a freestanding bathtub and a desk for anyone who needs to work. Four have king beds and one has two single beds, ideal for children or teenagers. The upper rooms open onto glass-fronted balconies with rattan chairs and wide sea views. A private chef can be arranged, the estate has round-the-clock security, and a complimentary shuttle runs down to Kamala Beach as often as you like.