Villa Orca

Villa Orca is set into a green hillside above Choeng Mon in the north-east of Koh Samui, and from its terraces the view runs over treetops to the sea and the outline of neighbouring islands. The house is boldly contemporary, with raw stone, timber-beamed ceilings and walls of glass, yet the jungle presses in close enough to keep it feeling cool and calm. Choeng Mon Beach is about two minutes away by car, Big Buddha only a little further, and the airport a short drive across the north coast.

Life centres on a fourteen-metre infinity pool that seems to spill straight into the view, with loungers along its edge and an outdoor lounge and covered dining table on the terrace either side. Indoors, the living room soars to a ceiling around six metres high, with deep sofas, floor-to-ceiling glass and a solid hardwood table that seats twelve. The sleek island kitchen has built-in appliances, and the villa’s own breakfast is served each morning.

The five bedrooms are spread to give everyone room to breathe. The master is on the main floor beside the pool, two sea-view bedrooms share the upper level with a balcony, and the Jungle Suite on the lower floor has its own lounge, a sofa bed and a children’s bed. The fifth room, the Bali Suite, is a stand-alone apartment with a private entrance, kitchenette, terrace and plunge pool, so the villa can work as three, four or five bedrooms depending on your group.