Smiling Albino's Top 10 Thailand Villas
12 january 2021
Privacy and seclusion are 2021 buzz words. What better way to avoid the crowds than with your own oasis? We've put together a list of our favorite villas around Thailand to highlight the best of the best of where to stay in Thailand.
Villas are the ultimate travel experience. Resort facilities meet your own private space.
When most people think of villas and Thailand, the first thought is usually a beach villa. Don’t worry, we’ll get to that! But, we kick off the list with two of the country’s most unique luxury villas, and they are located in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai!
Pa Sak Tong | Chiang Rai
A secluded luxury estate set among acres of sprawling gardens, ponds, and rice fields in Chiang Rai town, Pa Sak Tong offers privacy and world-class service in the picturesque heart of northern Thailand. A host of amenities, including a private chef, butlers, private pools, gym, and spa await you.
Well-appointed and with tasteful decor involving Thai and Burmese antiques, this stunning estate provides ample opportunities for fun, romance, relaxation and exploring.
Fun Fact: Pa Sak Tong is the home of Northern Thai fine-dining sensation “Locus Food Lab.” For foodie travelers, this will absolutely be a highlight. People fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai just to have dinner there, so staying at the property and having the restaurant just outside the door is pretty special.
Villa Mahabhirom | Chiang Mai
Villa Mahabhirom, or “a villa of great pleasure,” as it translates in Thai, was conceived with the simple imagination of creating a place where friends, couples and families can come and enjoy their time together. The property is a sophisticated, comfortable setting that threads history, culture, community, art, craft, and a sense of peace and well-being.
Each villa offers a garden, courtyard plunge pool, and views of the main swimming pool or surrounding mountains. Some villas feature a covered, open-air living room on the ground level decorated with objet d’arts and antiques from the owner’s Private Collection.
Location: Villa Mahabhirom is located on the road to the historic Wat U Mong Temple, against the mountains of Doi Suthep. It is a mere 10-15 minute drive to downtown Chiang Mai and the chic Nimmanhaemin neighbourhood.
Moving on to beach beach villas, travellers are spoilt for choice in Thailand and it’s often hard to decide. We’ve spotlighted our favorite villas that have a unique edge and dynamic personality. These are the kind of places people usually wouldn’t think of themselves, and thank us for the recommendation later!
Iniala Beach House | Phuket
Iniala is an exclusive luxury beach experience on quiet Natai Beach. Stunning, creative villas have been exclusively designed by an impressive host of internationally-acclaimed designers and craftsmen. Each villa is unique in style, boasting decorations ranging from futurist living to Thai living, to East & West infusion and eclectic living.
The property’s restaurant is overseen by Eneko Atxa, whose latest restaurant in Spain received three Michelin stars. Plus, there’s even a Kid’s Hotel designed especially for younger guests with plenty of structured activities and interactive stories to be told under the watchful eye of the Iniala children’s butlers.
A stay in these exclusive villas comes with a driver, butler, chef, spa therapist, and housekeeper. Iniala represents a new class of ultra-luxury retreats. Each villa has a dedicated team including 24-hour assistance from the residence’s fully staffed reception and concierge, a driver, butler, chef, spa therapist, and a housekeeper.
Location: Iniala Beach House is situated on the golden sands of Natai beach in Phang Nga, approximately 30 minutes’ drive north of Phuket Airport. Taking an excursion to the Similan or Surin islands is convenient from here.
The Resort Villa | Rayong
With 14,000 square meters of tropical property and 60 full-time staff located a 5-minute walk from the beach, The Resort Villa is a secret paradise that offers unforgettable experiences for those that seek a luxurious private getaway. Located in the non-commercial region of Rayong, Thailand, The Resort Villa boasts infinity saltwater pools totaling 1,000 square meters. The property’s 7 individual villas, 9 dining areas, 4 bars, a fully equipped gym, a full-service spa, a home cinema, and much more, make it the perfect property to keep your whole crew entertained.
There are a total of 8 individual villas and the property is only sold on a buyout basis. So it is best for big groups, (it can accommodate up to 16 guests), such as multi-generation families or groups of friends.
Andara Resort Villas | Phuket
Nestled amidst lush tropical surrounds overlooking the Andaman Sea on the Central West Coast of Phuket. Created by Allan Zeman’s Hong Kong-based Lan Kwai Fong Group, Andara Resort is an ideal luxury getaway. Stunning sea views, private infinity pools with resort facilities second to none, and a range of accommodation options ensure an unforgettable stay. Nearby, guests will find a variety of restaurants, boutique shops, golf courses, and other island activities.
Trisara | Phuket
Trisara is a handful of luxury villas and residences artfully arranged in old growth trees and gardens. Here you will find true privacy, rare for Phuket. The property oozes luxury with a boutique feel. All guest rooms have their own pool and stunning sea views.
Full amenities such as tennis courts, kayaking, jet skis, and an amazing spa offer great activity options, and yachts are available for charter. The resort’s private beach is compact, but the 45-meter saltwater pool with loungers and daybeds are quite inviting for those looking to leave the privacy of their villas.
Location: Situated on Phuket’s northwestern coastline, Trisara is located approximately 15 minutes drive from Phuket Airport. Location is absolutely secluded and provides total privacy.
The Slate | Phuket
A combination property that offers both hotel rooms and villas, The Slate was born from the creative genius of Bill Bensley, who infused his [non] traditional styles with the theme of all things steel, conjured from the owner’s personal history. The expansive property is recluse from the nearby beach with plenty of space to unwind.
The property’s most secluded spaces are found within its on-site villas. One, two and three-bedroom pavilions offer guests a personal oasis. The walled villas are complemented by large pools and separate living and sleep areas. The Slate’s multiple connecting villas are perfect for groups.
Location: Situated on Phuket’s northwestern coastline, The Slate is located approximately 15 minutes drive from Phuket Airport.
Good to know: The Slate’s connecting villas are perfect for groups.
Six Senses Samui | Koh Samui
Six Senses Samui offers outstanding tropical luxury accommodation with an often-photographed infinity pool. The hotel has a very natural feeling – all woods, bamboo, and natrually-inspired decor. It’s quiet and unique with nice sitting and dining areas.
Lose yourself while gazing out to the sweeping panoramas of the Gulf of Thailand. Laze, graze and refresh by a vast infinity pool, which blends seamlessly with the distant horizon.
Location: The resort is just a 15-minute drive from Samui Airport and located on a secluded beach.
We include Six Senses Samui in our top ten because we’re excited by their new two-bedroom villa “The Beach Reserve” which checks all the boxes for a luxurious villa with direct beach access for families.
Having covered the best of the best in top luxury villas, we also want to note our two favorite “remote” island villa destinations. While they take more time to get to, it is absolutely worth it and guests feel that they have their own slice of undiscovered paradise.
These are not “top luxury” but are a great option for those seeking barefoot luxury, off-the-trail, secluded islands and beaches, at an affordable price
Koh Jum Beach Villas | Krabi
Koh Jum Beach Villas is a hidden gem where nature, relaxation and comfort combine. This boutique eco-chic resort offers individually designed villas directly located on a seven-hundred-meter-long beach or in lush tropical gardens. Beautiful sunset views overlooking the Phi Phi National Park in the distance and Koh Phu Mountain in the foreground can be relished from many vantage points.
In the villas you can expect open architecture, natural ventilation, locally-inspired art and antiques, open-air showers, spaciousness, privacy, and access to lush gardens all around. While creature comforts of all sorts are available, there are no televisions, and guests are encouraged to fully embrace the natural feeling of seclusion. The resort excels at reducing its eco-footprint and supporting the local community.
Location: Koh Jum is just one hour away from Krabi International Airport. It is one of few easily accessible islands where overdevelopment has been kept at bay, so it is ideal for those looking for a castaway feel while also offering a base for exploring Krabi’s amazing natural beauty.
Award! Koh Jum Beach Villas recently was awarded the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Responsible Thailand Awards for 2020 in the Eco Lodge / Hotel Category.
BABA Ecolodge | Koh Phra Thong
If you despair of the rampant developments found on better-known Thai islands like Phuket or Samui, then Ko Phra Thong is the right location for you. Away from the tourist crowds, this remote island remains barely inhabited and gloriously unspoilt. Built on the edge of the national park, BABA Ecolodge is a collection of 28 wooden houses, carefully designed in a traditional style, and generously dotted along the shoreline. The resort is happily located on two seas, the sheltered bay and a beautiful and deserted 12-kilometre beach, fringed by coconut trees.
BABA Ecolodge’s villas are built of wood and follow a traditional Thai design, which allows optimal air circulation, and creates generous lounging areas both inside and outside. Electricity is running at the resort 24 hours per day. In addition to which some of the houses have their own solar installations with the benefit of hot water.
While there is no air conditioning at the resort, all the houses are fitted with ceiling fans and mosquito nets. With no WiFi in the homes, this is the perfect place for a detox from the hustle and bustle of modern living elsewhere
We complete our list with one of the most unique villa offerings in Thailand, including a property exclusively available to Smiling Albino guests: the luxurious private home of highly acclaimed Hotel Designer Bill Bensley and husband Jirachai.
Rose Cottage at Baan Botanica | Bangkok
BONUS VILLA! Bill Bensley’s Bangkok home is lovingly named Baan Botanica in tribute to the more than 15,000 species of plants growing in the gardens. There, Bill and his partner, designer and horticulturist Jirachai Rengthong retreat from the bustle of a busy studio with their 6 Jack Russell Terriers, amidst exotic objects and mementos from travels all around the world.
The property is the test canvas for Bill’s funkiest design ideas, and on the weekend, the property is often found welcoming friends or hosting wild parties in the garden oasis.
Read a great article about this one-of-a-kind property here.
Are you ready?
Travel is more than a luxury for most of us. For many of us, it’s a lifestyle. An adrenaline rush that you feel when you step off an airplane in a new country. It’s the euphoria and “wind in your hair” freedom that you feel driving through winding lanes in an open-air tuk tuk. It’s the giddy feeling you get when you see a golden-clad temple for the first time – or one-hundredth! For many of us, travel is living, and we’re ready to start living again!
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