Phuket News / Daily Updates from Paradise

The advert for Villa Suksan in Rawai claims that it is inspired by the desire to eliminate all the superfluous, achieving natural order, calm and tranquility. Actually, that pretty much sums it up. A five-minute drive up into the hills from Viset Road and you are among the rubber plantations and quiet little back roads. There, tucked discreetly into the mountainside, you will find Villa Suksan.

Extremely private, the outside is camouflaged well with palms and grasses that break up the regimental perimeter wall that usually accompanies any private villa. The wooden entrance doors are not that obvious and sit comfortably among the carefully placed flora. It would be easy to drive by and miss the place entirely. I speak from experience!

On entering through the side door, the immediate reaction is one of tranquillity, privacy and space. The villa sits behind the more than adequate swimming pool and, at first glance, appears to be fairly traditional in its design. The L-shaped design, in a Balinese-style, is built to gently hug the infinity pool. The rooms appear to be simple and geometric, and offer views of the pool and fountain. On closer examination, you will notice the excellent attention to detail that has made this villa so aesthetically pleasing. Everything has been taken into consideration to make your stay as comfortable and private as possible.

The master bedroom sits directly at the end of the pool and is very simple and minimalist in design. The wooden vaulted ceiling gives a feeling of space and coolness, and the bed is definitely one of Charles Mackintosh’s designs – simple and regular. The exquisite Maka-wooded flooring and mellow wash on the walls complement the surroundings with aplomb. The large patio doors open up onto the head of the pool. The en-suite bathroom is again simple and effective, oozing a warm and rustic decor. An oval bath, set in a bed of pebbles, hearkens to an earlier time in history while still maintaining decorum within the space. The twin sinks and a large flat-head shower all makes for elegant pampering, and a tastefully attired dressing area alongside provides a feeling of total luxury.

A short walk down a small corridor offers access to a very spacious living area, where a cleverly positioned window with views of an exterior wall piece allows lots of natural sunlight into the corridor. The concrete flooring in the living area is surrounded by four double doors leading to the patio, which once again continue the spacious and airy theme. The ceiling is high enough to not be obtrusive, and the lighting is recessed in a split-level ceiling that again offers a soft light effect within the space.

There is large seating area for dining and a comfortable lounge for watching the flat screen TV, or alternatively you can simply sit and read while listening to the therapeutic sound of the pool. The furnishings are made from soft fabric and comprise a two-seater sofa and an arm chair. The sizable dining room table also boasts comfortable seating for four.

The kitchen area is equipped with modern conveniences, such as a stove and oven with extractor hood that is neatly nestled between teak cupboards. As in all well-designed kitchens, the walking distance between storage and preparation is minimal and elegantly fitted.

The guest bedroom continues the minimalist theme, and the white walls give a solid grounding for the dark wooden features. The roof within this is flat, and the recessed lighting complements the Maka flooring, offering a warm, red glow to the room. A large fitted wardrobe covers one wall, and double patio doors follow the same trend by opening out to the pool area.

The outside offers a large patio area with lots of room for the obligatory sun beds and parasol. At the head of the swimming pool there are only three gentle steps into the master bedroom. This is a great place to take in the wondrous views while watching the beautiful sunset. There is also a small lawn area with palms, which successfully achieves to break up the monotony of the perimeter security wall.

The blue tiled pool is adequately illuminated and uniquely offers a ladder, as opposed to steps for entry. There is plenty of room here for the morning workout, and the elegant fountain at the foot of the pool offers a discerning effect that is tastefully decorated in small rectangular tiles. This area is illuminated gracefully at nightfall, creating a classy and spacious ambiance. The expansive views overlooking the nearby mountains and rubber plantation offer a lovely feeling of solitude and tranquillity. Very little traffic passes by, and there are no major developments within striking distance. Within a 10-minute walk you can be at one of the loveliest spots to watch the sunrise anywhere on Phuket. I know, I have done it, and it is spectacular.

Villa Suksan also owns more properties at Soi Naya, Nai Harn. These Phuket luxury villas are built along the same lines as the above mentioned and maintain the elegance and affordable luxury living.