Villa Maria

Villa Maria is a spacious, two-storey family home in a peaceful corner of Nai Harn, the laid-back southern tip of Phuket. Nai Harn Beach, one of the island’s loveliest stretches of sand, is about three minutes away by car or an easy fifteen to twenty minute stroll, yet the villa itself sits behind high garden walls in complete privacy. With five bedrooms and pull-out beds for extra guests, it comfortably takes up to fourteen, which makes it a natural fit for families travelling together.

Outside, a large free-form pool curves through a lawned garden shaded by swaying palms, with blue parasols, loungers and outdoor sofas set around its edge and showers by the water. Past guests have noted that the pool stays pleasantly warm thanks to its sunny position. A long outdoor dining table sits beside the water for lazy lunches, and when the lights come on in the evening the house glows warmly over the pool. Upstairs, a covered balcony with deep cushioned sofas looks down over the garden.

Inside, Thai silks, Chinese antiques and oriental art meet dark teak furniture and soft leather sofas, and glass doors fold back to the pool terrace. There are two living rooms, a home cinema, a long dining table for the whole group and a modern kitchen with an island and stainless steel appliances. The master suite has a four-poster king bed and a deep tub, and the two ground-floor bedrooms each come with their own sitting area and kitchenette, giving grandparents or a second family a little independence. Daily housekeeping is included, and meals, massage and childminding can be arranged.