Villa ZeniMo

Villa ZeniMo sits high on the hillside above Surin Beach, a sprawling Thai-style residence of carved timber gables, terraces and tropical gardens that looks out across the treetops to the Andaman Sea. The views run all the way along the coast, and as the sun drops the whole villa glows gold against the water. With nine bedrooms, a long list of in-house extras and a team of four staff, it is made for big families and groups of friends who want to spend most of their holiday at home.

The centrepiece is an eighteen-metre infinity pool that seems to spill over the edge of the hill, lined with cushioned loungers and big umbrellas. Beside it, an open-sided sala with deep sofas frames the view, and a long outdoor dining table sits under the trees for lunches that drift into the afternoon. Higher up, a terrace with a jacuzzi, a seated Buddha and a fire pit is the spot for watching the sky change colour. Inside there are elegant living rooms full of artwork, a formal dining room, a fully equipped kitchen and a games room with a billiard table.

Few villas offer as much to do without leaving home. There is a properly kitted-out gym with sea views, a spa room with twin massage beds, a beauty room and a dedicated yoga space. The nine bedrooms include grand suites with four-poster beds and timber ceilings, plus two self-contained apartments, one with two bedrooms and one that connects to a main-house suite. Breakfast is included, a chef can cook lunch and dinner, housekeeping is daily, and an airport transfer is part of the stay.