Villa Tievoli

Villa Tievoli sits right on the sand at Natai Beach, just north of Phuket, part of the private Sava Beach Villas estate. This is one of the most unspoilt stretches of coast within easy reach of the island: a long, quiet ribbon of pale sand, fringed with palms and washed by the Andaman Sea, where you are more likely to see a couple of local fishermen than a crowd. Phuket airport is only around 25 minutes away, yet the pace here feels a world apart.

Everything faces the water. A twenty-five-metre infinity pool runs out towards the beach, crossed by stepping-stone paths and lined with loungers, umbrellas and round cocoon daybeds, with a shaded outdoor lounge and a long dining table under white sails beside it. Retractable glass walls fold back so the living room, with its timber ceilings and wide sofas, opens straight onto the pool deck. Kayaks sit ready on the sand, and there are bicycles for exploring along the coast.

Indoors there is plenty to keep a big group happy: a media room with a large screen and surround sound, a pool table, games and a PlayStation, plus a private spa room, sauna and beauty salon room for slow afternoons. The seven bedrooms include two sea-view master suites upstairs with private balconies, and a children’s room with bunk beds and a slide. A villa manager, chef and housekeepers look after the house, with breakfast included every day.