Tassana Pra means to ‘gaze upon the Buddha’, but with so much else to admire at this beautiful Thai villa, unobstructed views of Samui's most famous temple are just part of the overall effect. Set on a forested hillside, the villa’s teak pavilions were transported overland from the ancient Thai capital of Ayutthaya and reconstructed over a period of two years. A traditional, open-plan design and meticulous attention to detail make staying at Tassana Pra a real heritage experience – an impressive achievement on an island generally known as a modern, western influenced holiday destination. The villa will appeal to families, groups or individuals in search of a more authentic Thai atmosphere, but with the convenience of ‘touristville’ close by. The villa exudes traditional Thai ambiance: pillared interiors rise to vaulted timber ceilings with polished wooden floors and original door and window frames creating a feeling of tranquil nostalgia. Cabinets, desks and traditional celadon vases are carefully placed throughout, with exquisite arrangements of exotic flowers decorating tables and intricate Thai artwork adorning the walls. The wide, partially shaded balcony that fronts the main living area features a long, antique table and built-in daybeds that provide the perfect spot to sit and read, gather for refreshments or simply drift into the views. Immediately below, a second terrace connects to the free-form pool and extensive garden, ideal for lounging between dips during the day. Majestic four-poster beds and quaint wooden dressers and trunks continue the heritage theme through to the main bedrooms while spacious, well-fitted ensuite bathrooms with sunken tubs add contemporary indulgence. Two of the upstairs bedrooms also boast sheltered private terraces overlooking the mature garden, which slopes down to a terraced pond and gazebo providing yet more opportunities for peaceful retreat. Even the staff add to the authenticity at Tassana Pra. A Thai couple live on site and manage the property, welcoming guests with informed gentility and taking care of the house with obvious pride. They also prepare sumptuous Thai and Western meals from a varied selection menu (breakfast is included, provisioning for other meals is on guests' account).
Tassana Pra sits on a hillside overlooking Big Buddha beach (1km) and its famous namesake, the Big Buddha temple (0.5km). A steep access road leads up to the back of the villa from Plai Leam, a small village with its own temple that's also home to a few local shops and restaurants. There's a vibrant local seafood and vegetable market on the coast just below the villa where the road meets the bay. The closest stretch of sand is Big Buddha beach, a popular residential area that also boasts a number of low key beach resorts and the main boat piers to outlying islands. Although not the island's finest beach, it's generally quiet and the main strip behind it, part of Bang Rak village, is lined with small shops, bars and restaurants, with everything you might need on a holiday from sunglasses to medical treatments.
As you enter through dramatic, double gates and continue down the red stone driveway through well-established, intricately landscaped gardens with a network of streams, ponds and waterfalls, you are very much aware of Tassana Pra’s spaciousness.
An ornate covered walkway crosses a lily pond, leading to a flight of steps which rise to enter the villa on the first floor. Large carved wood doors featuring Thai dancers announce your arrival into the living area, where floor-to-ceiling windows and doors open onto a partially covered balcony overlooking the garden and swimming pool, offering vistas of the ocean and islands beyond. As well as two large daybeds, ideal for afternoon siestas or massages, the balcony features a long wooden dining table which seats ten. Back inside, the living room is a comfortable haven, with traditional English-style sofas and chairs set amongst a collection of Thai artefacts; exposed beams and pillars supporting the vaulted wooden ceilings. A TV, DVD and iPod docking station ensure that indoor entertainment is on hand when required. In the adjacent dining area, a second dining table sits by a large cabinet, behind which a small steward’s kitchen is used to prepare breakfast.
Three air conditioned bedrooms can be found on this level. The master bedroom, with its king-size four-poster bed and a private balcony overlooking the grounds, has its own separate dressing room with built-in wardrobes and an antique dresser. The windows all have netting so can be opened without fear of mosquitoes. The second bedroom also features a king-size bed and private balcony and the third bedroom, with a queen bed and a single bed, is perfect for children, or a small family. All three of these bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms with deep bathtubs and separate shower areas with small inside gardens.
Downstairs, a fourth air conditioned bedroom (more modern in style) offers a king-size bed and an ensuite bathroom with glass-walled shower. The main kitchen is nearby, fully equipped and staffed. A door to the right leads out onto a terrace that connects to the free-form swimming pool. The pool is surrounded by tropical foliage which drops down the hillside revealing a spectacular view all the way to the Angthong National Marine Park.
BEDROOM 1
King
5.8m x 3.7m
BEDROOM 2
King
6m x 3.95m
BEDROOM 3
Queen+Single
4.8m x 3.95m
BEDROOM 4
King
4.2m x 3.15m
