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This
stunning villa is located on the side of a steep hill at the
tip of the southern headland of Phuket's beautiful Kata Beach,
which is relatively undeveloped as Club Med owns about 70% of
its one mile length. It sits on the rocks which lead down to the
sea about 15 metres below and the architect, M.L. Tri Devakul
- who also designed The Meridien, Yacht Club, Club Med, and The
Boathouse - cleverly incorporated several huge, pre-existing boulders
into the design. The 6m x 15m swimming pool is on the edge of
the rocks and the villa faces directly west, guaranteeing a perfect
view of the spectacular sunsets. There is also a fantastic view
of Pu island - one of the few islands along the west coast of
Phuket.
The villa itself is very private and secluded, thanks to a perimeter
wall and extensive vegetation, and consists of 4 separate buildings
on a large plot of land. Lots of balconies, large windows, high
ceilings and doors and windows that slide back into the walls
give a very spacious feeling to the property and the amenities
are very modern. The owner's wife is a Japanese interior designer,
and she has created an atmosphere that is a subtle combination
of Japanese, Balinese, and Thai influences. For example, each
of the bathrooms adjoining the bedrooms has outside showers in
a very natural setting. There are also artifacts, statues, carvings,
doors etc. from Bali throughout the property.
From
the parking area on top of the hill, you descend a private path
to the front gate - a large, old Javanese door. Once through the
door you descend a further ten steps to a white sandstone walkway
flanked by lotus ponds. Behind the pond on the left is the service
building, comprising the kitchen, store room and maid's room.
Behind the pond on your right is a guest villa building and attached
bathroom. The bathroom is next to a huge rock, which forms one
of the sides of the outdoor shower. The guest villa has its own
private patio and garden with views of the sea. Access to the
guest villa is across stepping stones in the lotus pond. Returning
to the entrance walkway and proceeding around a large rock and
down about three metres to the two front buildings, both of which
are situated at the edge of the cliff, overlooking the sea. The
front left building has a bedroom on the ground floor just next
to the swimming pool. In front of this room is a patio and a small
garden. The first floor of the left front building is the main
living/dining area and has a large balcony with a spectacular
sea view. It has an extra high ceiling and is very spacious. At
the back of this room is a pantry and bathroom. The front right
building has a large study on the ground floor which opens on
to a covered patio and the swimming pool. The master bedroom,
on the first floor, has its own balcony and large bathroom including
bath tub and outside shower with its own spectacular view.
The
master bedroom has a teak wood floor; the other bedrooms white
terrazzo floors; and the living room/dining room polished beige
sandstone. Entrances to the living room, master bedroom, and front
bedroom by the pool are through old Balinese doors. All the rooms
are individually air-conditioned but also have door screens and
fans for guests who prefer not to use air-conditioning at night.
For entertainment there is the latest stereo equipment; state
of the art computer set up, and top of the line cable TV system.
There
is an excellent live in cook and also a cleaner who visits daily.
In front of and to the right of the building containing the study
room and master bedroom and beside the swimming pool there is
a Balinese Sala (pavilion) with panoramic views of the Andaman
sea, the rocky shoreline in front ofthe villa and swimming pool
and front garden. The sala, which is built on the rocks, can seat
six people comfortably and is perfect for lunches, sunset cocktails,
and general relaxation. Another unique item is a large flat rock
in front of the villa from which swimming in the sea is possible
during the calm season (December to May).
The developer, next to The Boathouse on Kata Beach proper, has
constructed a club for local villa owners, which includes a new
seafood bar and restaurant called Gung and also changing
rooms and beach chairs/umbrellas so there is direct access to
Kata Beach. There is easy access to good restaurants (with good
wine cellars) at The Boathouse, Gung, and others on Kata
Beach, all of which are within easy walking distance from the
villa.
Patong Beach, the centre of lively night life in Phuket, is a
mere 20 minutes away by car or taxi.
See the map
of Southern Thailand
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