Villa Name: Villa Yin

Privately situated on an exclusive hillside estate near Kamala Beach, Villa Yin is a five-bedroomed haven that blends modern Thai architecture into the lush forested hillside.  As far as possible, the original tropical landscape has been left undisturbed, as can be witnessed by the three-metre boulder that juts up through one of the villa’s terraces.  Captivating interiors are adorned with antiques from across Asia and a daring, carefully curated art collection featuring pieces as diverse as the instantly recognisable pop art of Andy Warhol to the compelling human struggles depicted by contemporary Chinese artist Shi Lifeng.

The villa comprises a series of pavilions that cascade down the hillside to offer fantastic sea views from every room, with stylish and comfortable furnishings providing inviting places to relax and entertain.  The large, open-plan living and dining pavilion features a dark-wood peaked ceiling and black flooring but the tone is far from sombre with three walls of glass, fascinating art accents and plush leather sofas.

Villa Yin’s expansive terraces, including a sun-lounger-topped deck alongside the 18-metre pool, are picture-perfect spots to relax and unwind, or to stage an intimate wedding or special event.  Other top-notch facilities include an outdoor dining area with built-in barbecue, a large sauna, a media room with projector screen, and a wine cellar.

The awe-inspiring king-bedded master suite, with its stunning artwork, enormous dressing room and exotic bathroom, will be coveted by couples, while two bright guest bedrooms offer private retreats with king-sized beds, ensuite bathrooms and ocean-view balconies.  A guest pavilion with a king-bedded room and a living area that converts to a fifth bedroom, sits on the villa’s top level with superb views from its wide furnished deck area.

Guests at Villa Yin are treated to the service of a talented team of full-time staff including a friendly and efficient manager and Thai chef.  Dining is an absolute delight here; mouth-watering meals are served with flair by the skilled chef.  If you wish to explore the island, your villa manager will be happy to help you book golf tee-off times, yacht trips or dinner reservations, or to hire a taxi to take you to the nearby beaches of Kamala or Patong.

Indoor living

Entertain with style in Villa Yin’s living and dining pavilion, which brims with vivid paintings and antique pieces selected by the villa’s art-collecting owner.  Extravagant chandeliers dangle from the lofty ceiling and the large grey leather sofas offer an inviting place to relax.  Relish the chef’s delicious Thai fare illuminated by the fibre-optic chandelier suspended above the dining area.  The adjoining guest kitchen sparkles with top-notch appliances in stainless steel.  Floor-to-ceiling glass on three sides of this pavilion flood the space with natural light, and glass doors to the front slide open onto the pool terrace.

On the floor below, the media room has an LCD projector, hanging chair and plush leather seating, as well as a treadmill for those who want to keep fit while keeping up with the latest movie releases.  Glass walls on two sides offer wide views of the sea and surrounding hillside.

Outdoor living

Panoramic views are plentiful from Villa Yin’s many outdoor living areas – especially its sunbed-lined pool terrace and 18-metre pool that stretches across the front of the living pavilion.  Tropical elegance extends to the side of the living pavilion, where a sala with a built-in double lounger is just the spot for a quiet read or a soothing massage.  The connected barbecue area seats 12 in fan-cooled shade, and blends refined style and nature for some fabulous alfresco dining and sunset cocktails.  And between the master and guest bedrooms is a wide sundeck with stylish nest-like furniture.  More sea-view terrace space, furnished with sofas, is found at the guest pavilion on the top floor.

Master bedroom suite

You’ll feel like royalty in this sumptuous and spacious bedroom suite, which is where Yin’s unique personality really shines.  Entering the suite is like stepping inside a bejewelled treasure chest:  furnishings are in vibrant red and black, and design accents include painted bamboo stalks, intricate sculptures and fascinating original artwork.  In the main bedroom suite, a king-sized bed, flat-screen TV, daybed and desk are set under a vaulted ceiling with an ethereal fibre-optic chandelier.  Sliding doors open to a covered balcony furnished with fun red moulded chairs.  The dressing room, with glossy black wardrobe doors and an antique Chinese cabinet, is celebrity-sized, while the ensuite bathroom features an iridescent-beaded bathtub set under a bold black chandelier, double granite-topped vanity sets and a furnished terrace.  Red double doors lead to a private study with a large work desk, computer monitor and a TV.  On the wide terrace in front is an outdoor tub for a sea-view soak, while just behind is a walled garden space with a double massage bed.

Orange and blue guest bedrooms

Both of these queen-bedded rooms are of similar size and design, each with a bright colour theme of orange or blue and quirky hanging ‘bubble’ chairs.  Large glass doors slide open to furnished sea-view balconies and brighten up the rooms with natural light.  Both rooms have walk-in wardrobes and ensuite bathrooms with iridescent-pebbled walls, showers and single basins.

Guest bedroom pavilion

Perfect for couples or small families who cherish their privacy, this top-level pavilion houses a bright bedroom furnished with a king-sized bed, and a spacious peak-ceilinged living room.  In the living room is an elegant daybed (converting to a king-size bed to create a fifth bedroom), a TV entertainment unit, a minibar, microwave and fridge.  The lavish shared bathroom is an oasis for relaxation with its jacuzzi tub, large shower and double vanity.  Extending across the pavilion’s front is a wide terrace with views galore, furnished with sunbeds and two poly-rattan sofas.

** Images and descriptions depicted may include prices, features, furnishings, facilities, services and amenities that are subject to change at any time.