Villa Ban Suriya is an absolute beachfront villa on the loveliest yet quietest beach, Lipa Noi. This Samui villa looks out west across the Gulf of Siam, with a huge ocean view dotted with islands. It is five minutes from Samui's capital, Nathon (good for easy basic shopping) and 50 minutes from Chaweng, the island's main nexus for shopping, dining and nightlife. Lipa Noi is 50 minutes drive from Koh Samui airport, while the jetty for the mainland car ferry is 12 minutes away.

Inside, its large, airy, two-story living pavilion is fronted by huge glass doors looking out onto the gardens and the sea view beyond. Meals are served (unless otherwise requested) at a 12-seat glass-topped table set below a delicate sculpture of a dandelion flower. The room also has a well-stocked drinks fridge and a coffee maker. A few steps from the dining area is the beautifully equipped kitchen, open on two sides and with a huge worktop. There are six en-suite bedrooms that can accommodate up to 12 guests.

The villa is arranged around a huge wooden deck with sun loungers for all guests, and a sunken area with a tree-shaded table for alfresco eating. No villa is complete without a pool, and it is large and inviting blue-tiled infinity-edge delight measuring 20 meters by five. To one side, between the pool and the deck, is a swim-up bar. There is also a massage tree house for guests.