Soft white sand, the caress of the sun, warm, glittering blue sea dotted with islands, 2 opulent infinity-edge pools and 2 stunning villas from which to enjoy it all.
What more could a person want? Ah, tropical sunsets? Tawantok Beach Villas on Lipa Noi Beach, Koh Samui, have those, too.
In fact, that’s what tawantok means – “sunset”.
These 2 wonderful Samui villas – adjacent mirror-image twins – evoke the era, not long ago, when all homes in Thailand, no matter how grand, were built in timber, and craftsmanship was at a zenith.
All rooms, from the stunning master suites to the lounge and dining pavilions, sit beneath traditionally elegant Thai roofs.
Most of the walls are glass, opening to the garden and letting in the astonishing ocean view.
Together, the villas offer 10 bedrooms – 2 master suites with mezzanine bedrooms above (making ideal family suites), and behind them eight guest rooms.
With extra beds, up to 32 guests can be comfortably accommodated.
The living-and-dining areas, with their large rustic tables and sink-into-a-reverie sofas, are centres for relaxed socialising.
And if you prefer open air tropical lounging and dining, there are 2 spacious salas next to the sea.
The staff – villa manager, chef, housekeepers, gardeners and security guard – seem to know what you want before you even realise you want it.
For more energetic guests, the villas share a beautifully maintained tennis court, and are equipped with kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, beach volleyball and goals for beach football.
The villas are perfect for families, with children of all ages catered for.
They are also ideal for events such as intimate weddings, or birthday parties with friends.
If you can ever tear yourself away from this delightful abode and eat out, there is a restaurant just next door, and there is the rest of Samui to explore.