Villa Akuvara

Akuvara is Sanskrit for ‘The Sea’, a simple name for a villa that lounges right next to the Gulf of Siam, a huge bay that is, for much of the year, as flat as glass and as blue as a lover’s smiling eyes. Between the large pool and the sea is Lipa Noi Beach, white and almost deserted. Stretch. Relax. Breathe. This is your home for now.

This Samui villa has been designed with self-indulgent indolence in mind. Just take a look at the spacious sala right next to the pool and beach, equipped with two large loungers that invite a snooze, a quiet chat, a good book or simply an invitation to gaze at the sparkling cobalt sea.

LIVING AREAS

Indoor living
The indoor social focus of Akuvara is the lounge, with its glass doors opening out onto the pool deck. Here, a large L-shaped sofa and armchairs arranged around a teak coffee table demand relaxation. A big TV screen connected to satellite and cable, a sound system, an iPod/iPhone dock and a media streamer with capacious hard drive provide entertainment.

Behind the lounge is a smaller sitting room with two large armchairs, a chess board and another big TV with DVD player. Perhaps a place to send the kids off to – or to escape from them. In between these two rooms is a small but well equipped kitchen, with a hatchway through to the main lounge. It is fitted with a large fridge, an oven, a microwave and an electric hob. Probably better to let the chef do the work, though...

A unique feature of Akuvara is the relaxation room above the lounge. Under the sloping eaves, this room, too, has glass doors overlooking the sea and two very comfortable day beds. Just in case the weather misbehaves, a dining pavilion with an eight-seater table awaits just behind the kitchen.

Outdoor living
Whether you enjoy swimming in the warm tropical sea, as comforting as a lover’s embrace; or cooling off in the fresh water of a pool, at Akuvara you can have it both ways. The 20-metre pool is just a couple of steps away from the beach.

Next to the pool, at the end of the large deck, is the sumptuous sala. You may have to get up a little early to claim one of the two uber-comfortable day beds set up in the shade here. But if not, a lounger alongside the pool makes a good sun-drenched alternative.

The gardens that weave between the buildings at Akuvara offer hidden groves where a shady seat can be set up to enjoy quiet and privacy.

For more energetic types, there’s a kayak for exploring the waters around the villa, and Akuvara also has the equipment to set up games of beach football or beach volleyball. Or there’s the option of a quiet jog along the beach, which is almost deserted most of the time.

BEDROOMS

Master Bedroom
As might be expected, the master bedroom has pride of place at the villa, with huge sliding glass doors giving immediate access to the pool and a heart-soaring view of the ocean. A king-size bed is complemented by two large and inviting armchairs, all enhanced with beautiful silk cushions, and the room is equipped with an iPod/iPhone dock and a large flat-screen TV with DVD player.

The ensuite bathroom has twin vanities and a conventional shower, but pride of place goes to the huge square tub next door, easily big enough for two and open to the sky for romantic bath-time stargazing.

Guest Bedrooms 2 and 3
These two bedrooms, though smaller than the master, are every bit as comfortable. One has a king-size bed, the other twin beds. Both have ensuite bathrooms with showers.

The Upstairs Guest Suite
Above the garage, this suite is equipped with all the facilities to make a self-contained unit. It has a roomy bedroom with king-size bed and sitting area, and a spacious balcony overlooking the rest of the villa and the sea beyond. The kitchenette includes a breakfast bar, fridge, microwave and electric cooker with two hotplates. In the bedroom is a large TV with DVD player and a CD player with radio and iPod/iPhone docking station.

STAFF & SERVICES

One of the great joys of staying in Akuvara is the dedicated, energetic, cheerful and highly trained staff. They ensure that all guests have everything they want, and never have to lift a finger. Thais have a worldwide reputation for their welcoming character and high service standards. But the level of staff presence is entirely up to you. Would you prefer staff to be around at mealtimes only? Or would you like them to be on hand to serve cold drinks and snacks throughout the day? Just let your villa manager know how much attention you are comfortable with.

Akuvara’s chef is on hand throughout your stay to prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner. The villa has an extensive menu of home-cooked dishes to choose from, ranging from Thai and other Asia cuisines to Western favourites, as well as children’s specials and vegetarian choices. Or, off-menu, the chef is always happy to cook up something different requested by guests, including catering for special diets.