There's a reassuringly exclusive feel to the Samui Summit Estate and Alpha Villa (previously Hilltop Villa 15) is its crowning glory. Walking barefoot on the terracotta tiles, looking out over a lawned, sloping garden framed with colourful flowering plants, then onto a deep blue bay speckled with sailing craft, you can't help but feel privileged.
The property is built on three separate levels due to the steep hillside location so the expansive pool terrace on the upper floor is an ideal place to soak in the sun and stunning scenery. It's a private spot, despite a wide, open design and definitely the main focus for daytime indulgences. You can easily pass an entire day drifting between your sun lounger on this terrace and the inviting, 15m infinity pool, with occasional trips into the well equipped kitchen to grab a drink or snack from the fridge. If you're lucky enough to occupy the airy master bedroom on this level, you need never leave the poolside at all, although you may be tempted to spend some of your time reclining on the second terrace at the rear in the private outdoor bathtub.
The lounge is another comfortable place to relax, especially in the evenings, when you can leave the sliding doors open to catch the sea breezes. The addition of a dedicated AV room on the middle floor means parents can send the kids off to watch a movie while they stay upstairs listening to music or socialising.
A live-in maid keeps the villa spotless and prepares daily breakfast (included). She will also happily attend to special requests, but with an on-call management team based on the development it's easy to arrange everything from car hire to spa treatments and island tours. There's an extensive list of pre-order provisions to stock the fridge without making a shopping trip, and the option of hiring a Thai cook to prepare meals from the in-villa suggestion menu is ideal for nights in.
Alpha Villa is positioned on the wide headland that divides Samui's east and north coast. Choeng Mon is to the left about one kilometre from the Samui Summit Estate. This is northernmost beach on Samui's east coast and considered one of the island's finest. The soft sand and shallow waters are ideal for year-round bathing and the beach is lined with restaurants and boutique hotels. Inland from the beach a small town has developed along the main road with tailors shops, restaurants, bars and supermarkets there to serve the tourists.
Steps from the car port drop to the main entrance of this three-storey property, which opens directly into the living, dining and kitchen area, with a guest bathroom to the left and a wooden dining table (seating six) facing the pool terrace.
The well-equipped kitchen features a gas oven and hob, plenty of built-in storage and a fridge freezer with water and ice dispenser. The living area boasts two comfortable sofas, an ornate coffee table and a powerful stereo, while contemporary Asian art adorns the walls. Terracotta tiles give the entire space a Mediterranean feel, while sliding wood and glass doors with separate mosquito screens allow for an abundance of natural light and breeze (no air-conditioning).
A sun terrace on two sides overlooks the 15m blue-tiled infinity pool and tropical gardens. The partially covered terrace boasts fine views with sun loungers, canvas umbrellas, sofa seating and a wooden dining table and chairs (seats eight) The terrace extends to the master bedroom pavilion, which has its own two terraces with more outdoor furniture to relax on and enjoy the views. Inside, the master boasts a king-size bed, built-in wardrobes with a narrow passage leading to indoor-outdoor bathing options with a glassed-in shower and a blue-tiled open-air bath tub and rain shower with sandstone tiling.
Working downwards, steps lead to the villa's middle floor where a spacious (but windowless), dedicated AV room offers satellite channel TV, DVD and surround sound with a deep red sofa and soft cushions for relaxed viewing. This floor also houses a queen-bedded guest bedroom with ensuite bathroom, rain shower and a small balcony overlooking the tropical lawned garden.
More steps descend to the lower floor where three bedrooms open directly onto private terraces by the lawn. The second master occupies the far corner of the property with a king bed, spacious ensuite shower room and generous built-in storage. The other two guest rooms (one king and one twin-bedded) share an interconnecting bathroom (ideal for families), both are bright and airy thanks to sliding glass doors and large windows that draw in the surroundings. All the bedrooms are air-conditioned.
MASTER BEDROOM 1
King
4.9m x 4.6m
MASTER BEDROOM 2
King
4.9m x 4.6m
BEDROOM 3
Twin
4.2m x 3.85m
BEDROOM 4
King
4.85m x 3.85m
BEDROOM 5
Queen
4.0m x 4.2m
