Words by Nadia Willan
In 2019 and beyond, luxury hospitality for families is all about experiential travel, of connecting with a destination, yourself and your loved ones with a personalised vacation; where everyone can truly relax, recharge and recalibrate by doing what they want, when they want in your own personal space. Promising happy shared moments and freedom too, this is the year of the luxury holiday villa.
Incredible features, beautiful architecture and stunning interiors, real luxury affords privacy too. The crème de la crème of villa stays inspire with beautiful vistas and sparkling infinity pools, not to mention your own in-villa butler and perhaps a special dinner prepared by a private chef.
The Private World boasts an exclusive portfolio of curated vacation villa rentals in Thailand, and Indonesia each with its own A-list charisma and inimitable charm.
They reveal to Luxury Lifestyle Magazine five of the best high-end villas on the gorgeous, sun-drenched Thai island of Koh Samui that are perfect for a luxury family holiday experience.
Villa Akatsuki
With a Japanese and Thai design aesthetic, Villa Akatsuki is the epitome of a relaxing beach retreat for the whole family. Three chemical-free infinity pools, including a kids’ pool with shaded sala, create a cascading effect which is fun for youngsters. Grown-ups can chill-out on loungers or a nest bed set on a green lawn this close to the whitest sand possible.
Lipa Noi, in the west of the island is a tranquil beach, appealing to families because of the shallow waters that stretch out for 100 metres. Meanwhile, the five-bedroom villa has a state-of-the-art gym, home-theatre and games room, with outdoor dining and a BBQ by the beach. Bedrooms are also designed as family suites that are ideal for couples travelling with children.
Villa Anavaya
In the north of Koh Samui, with spectacular sunset views to the west, six-bedroomed Villa Anavaya is fresh, modern and a fabulous family favourite. Overlooking the blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Choeng Mon Beach can be easily reached down through this exclusive villa estate, offering a superbly simple seaside experience with soft sands, a rocky end for snorkeling and a small island that can be reached by kayak.
Family-friendly outdoor spaces are discovered next to a glorious saltwater infinity pool and whirlpool, where there is also an outdoor kitchen with grill. Indoors, a fitness area, a steam room, entertainment zone and a games room add interest as does an in-villa cinema.
Villa Sangkachai
Yet another Choeng Mon beauty, Villa Sangkachai is within easy reach of Fisherman’s Village with its shophouses filled with restaurants and boutique shops by the water. A hilltop coastal retreat, the four-bedroom villa has a bold, funky design feel.
A retro-classic style complete with vintage movie posters and a red-carpeted steps gives the private cinema character as do leather sofas in the games room. There is also an infinity pool with a bed floating on the water and a fitness centre, plus a rooftop BBQ with sunken-seat dining. Blackout curtains mean families can enjoy quality siestas too, while open-plan spaces are all about shared family experiences.
Villa Sairee
In the quiet south of the island, at Laem Sor, nine-bedroomed Villa Sairee is the ultimate Koh Samui luxury family holiday stay with two master bedrooms connecting to kids’ rooms with bunk beds and their own en-suites, plus other rooms which can be set up with single beds too; perfect for two families vacationing together.
With direct beach access, including paddle boards and kayaks, the villa comes with a trampoline, space to play volleyball or badminton, a ping-pong table, swimming pool and a tennis court. Set in wooden pavilions, the traditional Thai design is nothing short of outstanding, with wonderful communal deck spaces too.
Villa Praana
A villa gem within a rainforest setting, overlooking Bophut Beach, the six-bedroomed Villa Praana offers families a unique oasis of activity and relaxation, fun and frivolity. It has to be said that few villas, anywhere in the world have their own nightclub, but this one does, right next to its own tennis court. There is also a Muay Thai boxing ring, cinema, games room and a gym.
Contemporary and classic design touches create a relaxing space with two infinity pools along with a whirlpool, steam room and sauna, plus massage room, inspiring wellness. With lots of terraces for families to get together, a great touch is the kids’ playroom filled with toys.
