Baan Surin Sawan

Sawan is Thai for ‘Heaven’, a word that perfectly captures this retreat’s enviable hillside location in the Baan Thai Surin Hill private estate, looking down over some of Phuket’s most desirable west-coast beaches.

Blending a tropical setting, enchanting contemporary Thai design and dazzling sunset views, Baan Surin Sawan is an unforgettable villa escape. The property reflects its owners’ passion for travel and art, evident upon arrival as guests are serenely greeted by a superb collection of Buddhist monk statues. Throughout the villa are intricate wall hangings, embroidered fabrics, African masks and other works of art sourced from around the world. Floor mosaics and eye-catching design details combined with an extensive use of wood, marble, stone and other natural materials give the villa a distinctive flair.

The villa’s pitched-roof pavilions house welcoming private and communal accommodation in four spacious bedroom suites, an inviting living room, entertainment room, modern kitchen and stately dining room, while tropical outdoor living can be enjoyed to the full around the villa’s 10-metre pool.

Baan Baan Surin Sawan is staffed with a full-time Thai chef who prepares delicious meals daily, two maids and a villa (concierge) manager who will be pleased to assist with guests’ holiday requirements both in the villa and beyond, including golf tee-off times, dining reservations, yacht charters, island tours, massage treatments and more.

VILLA LAYOUT

Once inside Baan Surin Sawan’s stately lower-floor entrance, a long corridor replete with statues and art pieces leads to a multi-function entertainment room and pantry, flanked by two guest bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. A stunning teak staircase leads to the top floor.

Ample deck space and an infinity pool provide plenty of outdoor comforts, while stylish living and entertainment areas add flourish and fun, and ensuite bedrooms feature extravagant bathtubs for added romance. Families or small groups will relish the villa’s serenity and easy access to Phuket’s best beaches and leisure delights.

On the upper storey, pitch-roofed pavilions and a sala are arranged in an U-shape around the pool. A long pavilion housing the living and dining areas spans the pool’s length while the master bedroom pavilion is set at one end of the pool and the sala at the other. In a smaller pavilion attached to the master suite is a guest bedroom with views of the lush garden.

LIVING AREAS

The villa’s stylish living room brims with vibrant silks, statues and works of art, and is furnished with an earth-toned water hyacinth sofa set under a peaked, wood-beam ceiling. Opening fully out to the pool terrace, this is an inviting place to escape the afternoon heat, relax and enjoy the state-of-the-art surround-sound entertainment system, which is also connected to outdoor speakers along the eaves. Next to the living area, and also open to the pool terrace, the dining room is furnished with an elegant wood and rattan table for 10 guests. Its vaulted ceiling, textured sandstone wall and beautiful teakwood and slate floor lend an added sense of grandeur. Sharing this open-plan room is the warm and welcoming kitchen, designed with forest-green granite worktops, wooden cabinetry and smart stainless steel appliances.

Downstairs is a large entertainment room with a surround-sound entertainment system and a 42-inch flat-screen TV. This fantastic gathering spot is strewn with beanbags and comfortable sofas, two of which convert into beds if extra sleeping space is needed. Just across the corridor is a pantry with a fridge, microwave and plenty of counter space to prepare snacks and drinks.

Brimming with bright bougainvillea, tropical trees and exotic flowers, Baan Surin Sawan’s outdoor living areas are every bit as sumptuous as its indoor spaces. The 10-metre infinity pool that reaches towards the blue sky forms the villa’s carefree tropical heart. Stretching between the villa’s main pavilion and pool is the sea-view terrace, its sand-washed sundeck furnished with four sunbeds.

The pool has a shallow section at one end, with a swim-up bar and three stools. Next to this is a gorgeous peak-roofed sala (gazebo) with ceiling fans and a poly-rattan sofa set with vivid blue cushions and pillows providing a comfortable spot for enjoying the jasmine-scented breezes.

A stone path leads from the pool terrace to a shady garden area and another fan-cooled sala with a dining table for six and barbecue.

BEDROOMS

Master bedroom
The master bedroom suite’s prime sea-view position is enhanced by its floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to the pool. In the elegant peak-roofed bedroom is a built-in sofa, a spacious dressing room and a four-poster king-sized bed swathed with silky golden gauze. The master bathroom exudes romance and style with its sunken white terrazzo jacuzzi bathtub, rain shower, earth-toned ceramic basins and a private garden area.

Guest bedrooms
Just behind the master suite is a queen-bedded guest room with a tranquil garden view. Along two sides of the room are a granite counter top and a desk, making this space also suitable for use as a peaceful study area. The adjoining bathroom (not ensuite) has a slate-tiled shower and a single deep-blue ceramic basin.

Downstairs, two more spacious and very private guest bedrooms are equipped with king-sized beds, comfortable seating areas and private balconies, plus extravagant ensuite bathrooms; one featuring a striking black terrazzo sunken bathtub, the other a shiny red double bathtub set in a private garden.

STAFF

Full-time villa (concierge) manager; housekeepers; chef; and 24-hour estate security.