Ban Suriya

Ban Suriya is a six-bedroom beachfront estate at Lipa Noi, on the quiet west coast of Koh Samui, where the sun sets over the sea. The 3,200 sqm grounds hold six bedroom pavilions, a main house and a 20-metre infinity pool facing the water. It sleeps 12 to 15, with a chef and staff, and Samui airport is 30 km away on the far side of the island.

Pavilions, a pool and a library under it

Each bedroom is its own pavilion with a double bed and en suite bathroom, which gives couples real privacy. Three open straight onto the pool, and the master has a freestanding bath and a garden path down to the sand. The main house holds the open-plan living and dining space, a first-floor lounge and two office corners.

The unusual part is the sunken library beneath the pool, with a window into the water. Outside there’s an open-air cinema, a treehouse on the beach, a volleyball court and a spa room for massages. Water sports gear is free to use. Breakfast is part of the rental, and the chef handles Thai dishes and barbecues for the rest of the day.

Insider Tip: Check the tide table before you plan a beach morning. At low tide the sea at Lipa Noi retreats and rocks appear, while the evenings are reliable: the west coast faces the sunset, and the pool deck is the place to watch it.

Who it suits

It suits two or three families travelling together, or a big birthday group happy to stay put. Na Muang Waterfall is inland from Lipa Noi, boats to Koh Taen leave from Thong Krut in the south, and the islands of Ang Thong Marine Park lie offshore to the west. More villas and beaches are in our Koh Samui guide.