Villa Upni Duniya

Villa Upni Duniya, whose name means “Our World”, is a beachfront estate on the sand at Bangrak, a short stroll from Big Buddha Beach on Samui’s north coast. Nine suites are set in Thai-style pavilions with carved timber, rich teak and traditional paintings, linked by garden walkways, lotus ponds and giant water lilies. It is a rare place where a large family or a group of friends can stay together on the beach without ever feeling crowded.

The centrepiece is an infinity pool with palm trees rising from the water, semi-submerged sunbeds and a thatched sala floating at its edge, all facing the sea and the islands beyond. Covered terraces with deep sofas line the shore, a dining terrace sits right above the water, and a canopied daybed waits on the sand. Indoors, the main living pavilion opens through tall glass to the beach, and a long dining room seats everyone together beside a well-equipped kitchen. There is a private gym too, and a jacuzzi for slow evenings.

Seven of the nine bedrooms have king beds and two have twin beds, so the estate sleeps up to eighteen. The master suite faces the ocean through glass on three sides, and every room has its own bathroom with a rain shower. A team of fourteen staff runs the estate, breakfast is included, and a chef, massages and drivers can all be arranged. Round-trip airport transfers are included, and the airport is only about ten minutes away.