Malaiwana Villa M

With stunning sea and sunset views, Villa M is an ultra-luxury villa with a vibrant modern twist on traditional Thai architecture. The villa consists of a lounge pavilion, dining pavilion, two supremely comfortable suites and three other luxurious ensuite bedrooms, plus a vast 25-metre infinity swimming pool. The villa also has a superb gymnasium, a spa room, a well-equipped entertainment room and a large open-air entertainment terrace.

With its private chef and full-service staff team, Malaiwana Villa M is ideal for families or groups of friends of all ages.

The entrance to Malaiwana Villa M is surprisingly modest. It certainly doesn’t prepare you for what lies beyond: the expansive living room with its wall of sliding glass doors and beyond that the huge pool. Walk to the edge of that and you can take in the full 180-degree jaw-dropping view of the sea and sky.

To your right, way below, are the powdery sands of Nai Thon Beach, one of Phuket’s prettiest yet quietest strands, ready to discover when you’ve accustomed yourself to the luxury of this stunning Phuket villa.

Every room at Villa M – the two spacious suites and three luxurious bedrooms, the entertainment room, the gym and spa, the living room and the dining/kitchen pavilion, look out on the same magnificent view

At sunset the view is at its most spectacular: the greens, pinks, scarlets, purples and oranges doubled by their reflections in the infinity-edge pool, then dwindling until you can raise your glass to toast the millions of stars that emerge from the deepening violet void.

Even during the day the view is compelling, constantly changing as the sun’s fiery chariot wheels across the dome of the sky, chased by occasional clouds that change the colours of the sea below, which is rippled by light breezes and arrowed by fishing boats and the occasional yacht.

Ensuring that guests have every opportunity to appreciate the delights of Malaiwana Villa M to the full, the efficient, smiling staff of five (three full time) anticipate every whim. The chef, especially, will cater to any culinary caprice, with Thai or international favourites.

Between meals, perhaps have a lazy swim before refreshing your tan on a sun lounger by the pool. Or order up a soothing massage in the villa’s spa room, or head for the superbly well-equipped gym. Choices, choices. And all of them good ones at Villa M.

VILLA LAYOUT

Entering through the main gate of Villa M, you’ll find yourself at the social centre of the building, the living pavilion with its high vaulted ceiling. To the left is the master suite, with its private access to the pool while to the right is the dining pavilion and well-equipped guest kitchen. Both pavilions have walls of glass doors to let the outside in and emphasise the fabulous view.

Beyond the dining pavilion is the decadent entertainment terrace. Stone steps lead from there down to the lower level. Straight ahead is the spa room and the superb gym, while a corridor leads first to the entertainment room with its 65-inch TV. Beyond are three bedrooms and a second set of stairs leading back up to the pool level, and, at the end, the second bedroom suite.

LIVING AREAS

Indoor Living
As befits its tropical location, much of Villa M’s indoor living is almost outdoors. Floor-to-ceiling folding glass doors in the lounge and dining pavilions, and the master suite, open to allow the sea breezes and the view of the Andaman Sea to float into the interior, stirred by fans as large as helicopter rotors (though completely silent) to keep it all cool.

The living room has enough large orange sink-into sofas for everyone, and glasses and plates can be perched on wooden occasional tables shaped whimsically like Champagne corks or, in one case, a 2m-long clothes peg (a reminder, perhaps, of all that work that’s been left behind).

One wall is completely taken up with a mosaic of an Asian woman supine against a backdrop of skyscrapers. This is just one of the many pieces of art in Villa M that surprise and delight when you can tear your eyes away from the view. Next to it is a large bar.

To the right of the living pavilion is the dining space under a similarly vaulted roof and huge fan, and with three sides of folding glass doors. A comfortable table invites 12 people to sit and break bread together. To the rear is the guest kitchen, with coffee maker, toaster, five-burner gas range, griddle, electric oven and large fridge. Looking into the kitchen is the breakfast bar with five seats.

Downstairs, the gym is equipped with enough machinery to exercise every muscle you knew you had plus some you didn’t, along with a punch bag and a pool table. (For additional fees, a personal trainer or a Muay Thai boxing coach can be booked – just ask the villa manager).

Just next door is the spa room, a little gem with windows that open to the sea breeze to ensure that your spa treatment is completely blissful. To reserve a therapist (for an additional fee) please contact the villa manager.

After dark, the entertainment room is a major attraction. Here, a 65-inch TV holds pride of place, connected to satellite/cable feed, CD/DVD player with DVD library, X-Box, Wii and PlayStation. All the entertainment a person could want.

Outdoor Living
The pool is, of course, the big draw at this Phuket villa. Four comfortable sunbeds lounge at the north end of the pool looking along the glassy expanse to a full-wall mosaic at the other end, depicting a woman swimming in a pool. Art imitating life.

Most of the villa is connected with a top-of-the-range wireless Sonos sound system, turning your iPhone or tablet into a high-fidelity sound system.

Also connected, of course, is the purpose built open-air entertainment terrace with its deep sofas and armchairs.

BEDROOMS

There are five bedrooms at Villa M – two suites and three ensuite guest bedrooms. Each has a wall of windows looking out onto the sea. Normally the villa sleeps 10 people, but extra beds in the suites allow as many as 12. (Extra charges may apply.)

Master Suite
A luxuriously imposing king-size four-poster bed waits between the wall of glass on the ocean side and a deep brick-coloured wall at the back, with a mysterious charcoal-coloured door. This opens onto a spiral staircase that leads up to an office and lounge above – a secret hideaway.

The suite’s large bathroom is fitted with twin vanities and a freestanding bathtub. To the left of that is the walk-in dressing room and wardrobe, while to the right is a separate shower enclosure and a glass door opening onto the swimming pool. For entertainment the suite has a TV with DVD player.

Second Suite
Almost as spacious as the master suite, the second suite too has a king-size bed and a separate bathroom with freestanding tub. It also has a wide balcony with views to the sea and the wooded hillside next to the villa. This suite, too, has a TV with DVD player.

Guest Bedrooms 1, 2 and 3
These three similarly configured guest bedrooms, lie between the second suite and the entertainment room, all with acres of glass doors looking out to sea. Two are furnished with king-size beds while the third has twin beds and makes an ideal kids bedroom. Each ensuite bathroom is fitted with a shower and twin vanity, with a freestanding tub in one of the king-bedded.

STAFF

Villa manager; chef; housekeeping; service staff; pool maintenance. Babysitters and massage/beauty therapists available on request (additional charge). Private chef prepares breakfast, lunch and dinner (Thai and western menus), catering to special dietary requests wherever possible.

DINING

Thai food is justifiably world famous for its fragrant and exotic flavours, and Villa M’s skilled personal chef offers guests an excellent opportunity to explore this delicious cuisine and enjoy meals carefully customised to individual tastes.

The villa’s suggestion menu brims with a tasty array of Thai dishes, set breakfasts and a selection of Western dishes. Highlights include tom kha gai (delicious chicken soup made with coconut milk and fragrant galangal); gaeng phed ped yang (red curry with roasted duck); pla thod ta rod (crispy sea bass with five-flavour sauce), and the chef’s specialty Gaeng ka ree nue fak tong (beef tenderloin and pumpkin in Thai yellow curry).

The chef and kitchen team will take care of all the grocery shopping, sourcing only the freshest and best quality ingredients. Provisions are charged at cost plus a 20% handling fee + 7% tax, and guests are requested to provide cash to cover groceries in advance. The staff will keep receipts for reference when settling the bills.

Villa M’s elegant dining pavilion is as delectable as its cuisine. In this elegant glass-sided room you’ll be perfectly placed to enjoy the spectacular sea and sunset panoramas.

FAMILIES

Villa holidays are family-friendly, especially for those with small children. Villa M is a happy environment for kids, and the twin-bedded room, with its vibrant blue décor, and poster art. Extra kids beds can also be set up in the suites too (extra charges apply).

No need to take up valuable luggage allowances with kids equipment. Baby equipment can be hired locally. Just let us know what you will need.

GYM

Villa M’s air-conditioned and fan-cooled gym looks out over the ocean and beach and is superbly equipped with a wide range of equipment, exercise mats, fit balls, weights, and even a punch bag and pool table. Personal trainers can be arranged through your villa manager.