Feel like a Hollywood star at these cinematic villas in Koh Samui, designed to impress on the big screen as in real life.
Drawn to Koh Samui because of The White Lotus Season 3 hype? Even before Piper or Rick stepped onto its beautiful sandy shores, this popular island has long attracted travellers seeking a picturesque escape.
Up the glamour factor of your tropical vacation by staying in designer villas worthy of the big screen. These stylish holiday homes set the stage for a memorable island getaway: Think photogenic infinity pools, drop-dead gorgeous views and amazing resort-like amenities, plus a dedicated villa team at your service. Here’s where to go when you want to holiday like an A-list Hollywood star.
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Kelapa House
Where: Chaweng Noi
Style: Batman mansion meets Bond-style hideaway
Meet Kelapa House, the latest addition to our portfolio of gorgeous villas in Koh Samui. Feel like you’re 007 before he sets off on his next mission; or more playfully, like a supervillain enjoying your otherworldly lair. Have your martini shaken, not stirred, as you admire the fantastic views from the outdoor deck.
The villa attendants can also be the Alfred to your Bruce Wayne vacation persona. On-demand massages and spa services can be arranged, enjoyed in the privacy of a wood-clad spa pavilion equipped with a Finnish-style sauna. When hunger strikes, trust the in-villa private chef to whip up delicious meals, tailored to your cravings and preferences.
Keeping fit won’t be an issue with a private trainer who can coach you through your workout in the villa’s dedicated gym; you’re also free to use its top-tier Technogym equipment as you please. Even when you need to work, Kelapa House has one of the most stylish workspaces we have ever seen. There won’t be a need for a digital background; you’ll want to showcase this chic office.
With such fabulous amenities, who needs to head out? If you decide to, Kelapa House is just a short drive to the quiet Chaweng Noi beach, the Central Festvial Samui shopping mall, a Muay Thai Stadium, as well as many other bars and restaurants.
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Praana Residence
Where: Bophut
Style: A contemporary take on The Great Gatsby
If Jay Gatsby was reincarnated in modern-day Thailand, we’d like to imagine he could be living in Praana Residence. Feel like you’re the king of the hill in the massive 3,200 sqm villa that’s the crown jewel of Panacea Retreat.
An amazing 25m-long infinity pool? Check. A cinema, karaoke den and your own speakeasy bar? You got it. That’s not to mention it has a private gym, tennis court, aquarium and even a Muay Thai boxing ring of your own at this fully-staffed villa.
If there’s a place to truly live large, it’s the gorgeous open-plan living pavilion. This space impresses with its soaring ceiling height, and comes with a kitchen well-equipped with cooking appliances ready for you to play out your Master Chef dreams. Or simply leave it to the private chef to prepare a fabulous feast to be enjoyed in the air-conditioned dining area or al fresco at the covered dining pavilion next to the pool.
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Villa Akatsuki
Where: Lipa Noi
Style: Lost in Translation meets The White Lotus
You’re not in Japan darling, but the soothing ambience at Villa Akatsuki suggests that you could be. Immaculately executed in every corner, you’ll feel like you’re in a film set while staying here. Designed by Riccardo Tossani Architecture, this enthralling beachfront property instantly puts you instantly into a state of Zen, from the moment you step in. Feel like you’re in the real-life version of The White Lotus Season 3, with this villa presenting the ultimate luxury of having resort-like facilities all to yourself.
The lofty living room has a moon-like chandelier and low-height side tables reminiscent of modern Japanese homes. One of the bedrooms has a mezzanine area, furnished with futon-style beds. Wooden slats, lamps with wicker and paper shades, and other subtle touches offer nods to the Land of the Rising Sun.
The amazing spa room might make you briefly think you’re in a Japanese onsen. A pair of massage beds face a bubbling private Jacuzzi, where you can enjoy a leisurely soak and find your inner peace. What’s more, the pristine white sand of Samui’s exclusive Lipa Noi Beach is mere steps away. Plus, the villa’s location on the western coast means you get front row views of the sunset. Channel main character energy as you walk along the sandy stretch, admiring the scenery and having the time of your life.
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Ban Sairee
Where: Laem Sor
Style: A Crazy Rich Asians wedding waiting to happen
If your idea of a holiday runs to grand entrances and big family celebrations, Ban Sairee is your set. This nine-bedroom estate sprawls across three acres of manicured lawn dotted with palms, running down to a private beach that’s swimmable all year round. It’s the sort of private-island fantasy that Araminta booked out for her bachelorette party, except here the whole estate is yours.
Two Ayutthaya-style teakwood pavilions and a pair of converted rice barns give it the look of a period drama, with gabled roofs and solid teak panelling included. Inside, antique furnishings blend with contemporary pieces and bright pops of colour.
The rooms come with their own cast of characters. There’s the master Sairee Suite for the boho bride, the antique Big Barn (aka the Honeymoon Suite), plus interconnecting king rooms and children’s bunk quarters. No wonder it’s one of Samui’s most sought-after wedding venues, with room for up to 120 guests.
Days here follow a barefoot-luxury script. Laze by the 20m beachfront pool, take the kayaks out, or play a set on the private tennis court, then reconvene on the lawn for a BBQ laid on by your private chef.
For your establishing shot, walk uphill to the nearby temple, Wat Kao Chedi, in the early morning. It’s the sort of scene that makes the highlight reel.
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The View Samui
Where: Taling Ngam
Style: Tony Stark’s holiday home in the tropics
Perched on a cliff along Samui’s western coast, The View has serious main character energy; we imagine it as the glass-walled cliff house that Iron Man Tony Stark would happily call home. Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap each bedroom and living space in 180-degree ocean views, tied together by a run of floating glass staircases. All that’s missing is a suit of superhero armour in the basement.
The tech backs up the fantasy, from smart sound and lighting systems to fitted speakers and an indoor projector screen. It’s about as close as you’ll get to having JARVIS run the place.
Cross the flat lawn, built for a game of football or lawn croquet, towards the 16.5m infinity pool and jacuzzi. Add a bar and a few lounge areas, and come five o’clock, you’ve got the best seat in the house for Samui’s much-photographed sunset. Cue your genius-billionaire-philanthropist moment, drink in hand.
For all its high-tech swagger, The View keeps things cosy. The high-ceiling children’s room is pure storybook, with large windows framing the garden and bunk beds primed for a slumber party. An al fresco massage area, yoga deck, fully equipped gym and indoor waterfall garden mean the resort experience never leaves the property, and the private chef handles catering so you can worry less about the dining preparations.
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