Villa Princess Stephanie

Villa Princess Stephanie sits on the green hillside above Kata and Kata Noi, a sleek, contemporary retreat where the sea is simply part of the furniture. Glass walls, dark timber and calm, clean lines frame a view across the treetops to the Andaman, and the beaches, cafés and restaurants of Kata are only a few minutes away. With five bedroom suites set in separate pavilions, it suits families and groups of friends who want to share the holidays and still enjoy plenty of privacy.

The heart of the villa is a twenty-metre infinity pool that seems to run straight into the horizon, lined with loungers and flanked by pavilion-style rooms on either side. Late in the day the sky over the bay turns orange and gold, best enjoyed from the pool deck or the open-sided sala with its deep sofas. There are several spots for dining in the open air, including a glass-topped table on the terrace looking out to the hills and sea, and a landscaped garden softens the edges of the pool terrace.

Inside, the living room is bright and airy, with comfortable white sofas and floor-to-ceiling glass facing the ocean. Two dining areas mean meals can be relaxed or more formal, the main table seating eight, and a fully equipped kitchen sits alongside, with a pool table nearby for lazy afternoons. The master suite has a jacuzzi bath for long soaks, and every bedroom has air conditioning and its own bathroom. Daily housekeeping and a friendly team keep everything in order, breakfast is included and a chef can be arranged for other meals.