Casa Koh Samui
KOH SAMUI, SURAT THANI, THAILAND
5 BR | 5 BA | SLEEPS 10
A grand, open-plan living room that places an emphasis on the word “grand,” this seaview villa showcases soaring, multi-story sliding glass doors that open onto a waterfront panorama and fully furnished poolscape. The bold villa’s generous glass slider theme continues throughout, connecting the generous estate to its lush natural surroundings.
This open-air tropical villa for rent in Thailand brims with oversized, operable glass doors and windows and big-plan art canvases behind its majestic, black-lacquered steel and glass front doors. A stunningly soaring grand room topped by a teak ceiling offers ample space to unwind, execute culinary inspiration, eat (breakfasts are included), and play poolside.
Vistas include Koh Phangan Bay and the generous infinity pool inlaid with grey marble limestone and flanked by an outdoor shower. Interior styling tends toward the luxe yet natural—hinting at a glamorous tropical lifestyle—with a palette of pale blues and soft greys found in the plaster, stone, and sisal, mixed with an abundance of tropical hardwoods and sleek stone flooring.
AROUND
Set on a tranquil hillside of protected forest, this villa for rent in Thailand feels like an exclusive oasis yet is enviably within easy reach of many of Koh Samui island’s most popular beaches and commercial offerings, such as the nearby Big Buddha Temple (3 minutes). Koh Samui is set in the Gulf of Thailand and was once the exclusive reserve of fishermen. The island, Thailand’s second largest, is better known today for its turquoise waters and palm-dominated tropical backdrop, and its beautiful, powdery beaches. The family-friendly sands of Choeng Mon Beach are only a couple minutes away from the villa, and the sandy, 4-kilometer-long stretch of Bangrak beach is only a little further down the road, a favorite spot for beachfront runs and sunset walks, plus the departure location of ferry services to neighboring islands.
Further west, the traditional Fisherman’s Village stands at the heart of Bophut Beach. Full of bars and hip cafes, stylish restaurants and boutiques, it is transformed into a street market, Walking Street, every Friday, a zigzag of local artisans and food vendors, entertainment and crafts. A drive south will lead you to Chaweng, with its buzzing shopping center and entertainment venues and a 6-kilometer-long beach that spreads into crystal clear water. Divers and snorkelers come to Koh Samui for its dizzying array of fish, especially visible within the boundaries of Anthong National Park, a marine preserve that covers 42 islands, extensive wide-open waters, and some 102 kilometers of tropical landmass.
Location
Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand. Nearest airport: Samui (7 minutes); Bangkok (approximately 1½ hours)
AROUND
Passing through jaw-dropping natural beauty on mountain roads leading from the coast, the cooler jungle highland regions give way to the famous inland town of Ubud.
Tourists have begun to descend in larger numbers but it's also a traditional town with arts and cultural centers, fine dining and a laid back vibe.
There are several beautiful spots just minutes from the villa including the Campuhan Ridge Walk, the Ayung River for rafting, and the Taro Elephant Sanctuary, where you'll have a firsthand glimpse into authentic village life with all its rituals, beautiful dress and traditional ceremonies.
Kecak Fire Dance is a must-see while in Ubud, with several temples offering evening performances.
Just an hour outside of the sprawling and slightly chaotic capital of Denpasar, you are also within an hour of the coastal beaches and surfing in Seminyak. You won't want to miss the stunning Taman National Reserve which sits at the farthest western tip where the nearby Pulaki Hindu Temple and its monkey inhabitants make for a fun day trip.
The island's abundant rice terraces are lush and peaceful and a romantic reminder of the way of life that has flourished here for centuries.