Villa Vera

Villa Vera is a new single-storey residence less than 100 metres from the soft sand of Plai Laem Beach, in Samui’s peaceful north-east corner. It is the larger of the two villas on the White Lotus Estate, and it shares its neighbour’s bold, artistic character: dark stone, black-framed glass and weathered timber, set off by deep blue cushions, custom furniture, hand-carved sculptures and striking contemporary portraits. Materials were sourced from Bali, Vietnam, India and the Philippines, and the whole house feels like a private gallery wrapped in tropical garden.

Outside, a fifteen-metre pool of green stone stretches along a 215-square-metre terrace, lined with plush blue sunbeds, shaded lounging corners and an alfresco table for ten. Palms and dense planting screen the garden, so it feels secluded even though the beach is only a short stroll away. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors open the living room onto the pool, and inside there is a second dining table for ten. There are two kitchens: a sleek guest kitchen with an induction hob, oven, dishwasher and coffee machine, and a separate chef’s kitchen for private dining.

All four bedrooms have king beds, air conditioning, smart TVs, safes and stylish en-suite bathrooms in grey chevron stone. The master suite opens straight onto the pool terrace and has its own lounge, a bathtub, a rain shower and twin basins, and two further bedrooms have private terraces and sitting areas. A daily continental breakfast, daily housekeeping and an English-speaking villa manager come with every stay, and a Thai chef can be booked. Big Buddha is just over a kilometre away and Choeng Mon Beach under two.