Villa Princess Maria

High on the green hillside above Kata Noi, Villa Princess Maria is the kind of Phuket villa that makes a big group trip feel easy. It sits inside Katamanda, a gated estate with round-the-clock security, around 250 metres from the sand at Kata Noi, one of the island’s prettiest and quietest bays. A deep lawn and a long pool look out over the treetops to a band of Andaman blue, and six king-bedded suites, generous indoor-outdoor living and a calm, contemporary design mean three families or a wide circle of friends can share the place without anyone feeling squeezed.

The pool is the centre of the house: twenty metres of water edged by pale stone, with shallow ledges for lounging, a traditional Thai sala for the hottest part of the afternoon and a pool bar for sundowners. Loungers and big umbrellas line the sun terrace, and the upper decks catch the sea breeze and the sunset view. Inside, floor-to-ceiling glass slides back from a large living room with a deep sectional sofa, a long dining table that seats everyone and a sleek kitchen with dark stone counters, a breakfast bar and a wine fridge. A second kitchen, smart TVs throughout and Sonos speakers make long stays easy.

Four suites are in the main house, each with a sea view, and the master is a standout, with a jacuzzi bathtub, indoor and outdoor showers and its own small Japanese garden. Two more suites sit in a separate garden cottage, which suits grandparents, a couple wanting quiet or older teenagers wanting their own space. The bathrooms are finished in marble-look stone with double basins and freestanding tubs, daily housekeeping keeps everything in order, and a private chef can cook Thai and international dishes at the villa.