Villa Sammasan

The esoteric Villa Sammasan resides in the prestigious enclave of Surin Beach, in the hills above the exclusive west coast of Phuket. This three-bedroomed hideaway is one of just eight properties in a secluded estate, creating the most exclusive of getaways for any family seeking Thai bliss.

With views across the dense jungle to the glistening Andaman Sea below, each of the bedrooms is beautifully set up to accommodate guests in absolute comfort. Glass facades and retractable panels ensure unabridged views from each of the living and dining spaces, while the 9m infinity pool is the perfect backdrop to the oases that lie beyond. Recline in the soft-furnished poolside sala for a spot of serenity, or slink into the chic surrounds of the indoor dining room – a beautiful breakfast bar for more informal early gatherings, or a dining table for eight if evening formality is more to your taste.

Throughout the villa, expect vivacious décor and progressive artworks that add a lively vibe to each and every room – there is a playful splendour to otherwise clean finishes. Timber furnishing and vibrant fittings add to the free-spirited design and ensure contentment as much as cosiness.

The separate media space proffers the obligatory flat-screen TV – the allure of the L-shaped sofa may draw you in for more hours than you anticipated; and if extra guests do arrive, it also makes for an appealing queen-sized bed.

One of only a handful of villas in the esteemed Surin Heights estate, Villa Sammasan is a unique property that offers absolute exclusivity for all those lucky enough to reside. Nestled in the hillside at the end of the estate’s private drive, the dwelling boasts the best of the incredible views across Surin Beach through the length of Phuket’s wondrous west coast.

Just a short walk to Surin Beach, cotton-soft sand is at your toes and the beach is back to its natural best – all remnants of commerce removed to create an idyllic escape. Trek further and discover the beauty of Kamala, and the secretive Laem Singh Beach – few coves remain so removed from the throngs, which is amazing given the clarity of its waters and the attractiveness of the snorkelling on offer.

Bang Tao beach is the better-known sandy enclave and is just a few kilometres away: Laguna Resort, bountiful spas, innumerable water sports, famed golf courses and Michelin dining to name but a few of the activities in this livelier district. Busier, no doubt, but the allure of beachfront cocktails and ebullient parties to the tunes of the odd famous DJ can be enough to draw guests out from their own tranquil surrounds.

Closer to home, the hills of Surin are some of the most sought-after sceneries of the region: seek the delights of Amanpuri or Twinpalms for an insight into the celebrity escapes of the island, their much-loved brunch-time offerings a Sunday secret.

Fortunately, the ungainly sights of large-scale commercial development remain outside of Surin, preserving the idyllic vibe of the surrounds, while not starving visitors of the opportunity to visit more refined, artisanal boutiques. The local Surin Plaza is among the favourites of the local community.

Diverse designs and airy spaces define the living rooms of Villa Sammasan, while bedrooms are capacious in their offerings and equally ebullient.

The master suite takes over the top floor with its king-sized four poster the centre-piece, a chaise-longue available for more upmarket down-time. An ensuite offers a vanity unit for him and for her, while the Jacuzzi bath boasts stunning ocean views. A separate shower and WC unit help maximise the tranquillity of the bath time delights.

Each of the guest bedrooms is a spacious offering with either a queen-sized or twin-bed arrangement. Set on the lower level, enjoy a privacy with your own ensuite, plus astounding views and access to a private balcony through extensive glass doors.

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Indoor Living

- Bright living space opening onto pool terrace

- Dining area with table for eight

- Sleek modern kitchen with breakfast bar

- Media room with flat-screen TV, DVD player and library

- iPod dock with speaker system wired inside and out

Outdoor Living

- Stylishly furnished pool deck with built-in daybed

- Poolside relaxation sala with sunken cushioned seating

- 9-metre infinity pool

Master bedroom

- Large, upper-floor bedroom with ocean views

- Modern four-poster king-size bed

- Sitting area with chaise-longue

- Huge ensuite with jacuzzi bathtub, shower and separate WC

- dressing area with yoga/exercise space

Guest rooms

- Two similar-sized rooms with ocean-facing balconies

- One with modern, four-poster queen-size bed

- One with twin beds and additional roll-away bed, makes a great kids room

- Both rooms with ensuite bathrooms

- all bedrooms decorated with bright modern artwork

Surin Beach is a picture-perfect destination to whisk the family to. Whether sampling the delights of Bang Tao beach - with its mini-golf course and beachfront elephant rides - or revelling in some retail therapy at the Laguna Complex, pre-Michelin feast, few will tire of the district.

For active groups, Blue Canyon Country Club offers excellent golf, while the Surin Plaza is a more upmarket shopping destination. Meanwhile, honeymooners can retreat to the idylls of Surin Beach itself, and take to a sunset cocktail at the beach club of their choosing.

At just 25km from the international airport, even the kids will find the transfer short and though the end of a vacation is never enjoyable, at least the journey will be as pain-free as possible.