The striking structure of Baan Hinta oozes contemporary allure
Contemporary design is all about clean lines, crisp finishes and slick design touches – and Thailand’s impressive selection of private luxury villas has all three of these features in spades.
Many of the exclusive holiday rental properties in Koh Samui and Phuket exude a distinct traditional Thai appeal, but the finest villas also combine fabulous elements of elegant, contemporary design.
From striking architectural features, such as eye-catching structural glazing, to sharp, uncluttered décor, you’ll see the same streamlined design principles showcased throughout many of Thailand’s finest villas.
We take a closer look at a selection of the most striking contemporary features you can look forward to experiencing in one of the Kingdom’s opulent holiday escapes.
Modern living
The capacious double-height living area in Villa Uliana is overlooked by a stylish mezzanine
Top-notch holiday accommodation for the modern traveller calls for a range of multi-functional spaces, with a seamless flow leading guests from one luxurious area to the next. Open-plan layouts are a favourite theme when it comes to contemporary house design. Not only does the sense of space help provide a cool retreat when the outdoor temperatures climb a little too high, but they satisfy a range of demands all in one go. For example, parents could be in the dining area, enjoying a glass of wine while the kids are in the lounge playing games. The sociable aspect of this room configuration is a real draw when it comes to holidays, as families and friends often travel to spend time together rather than chill out in separate rooms.
Of course, when guests do want to retreat to an area of privacy, there are plenty of choices, including spa-like bathrooms and generously proportioned bedrooms – some with access to their own balcony for the ultimate exclusive getaway.
More than a window
Ban Suriya features a glass wall looking into the outdoor swimming pool
When you envision contemporary architecture, probably one of the first things to come to mind is glazing – crisp, broad expanses of glass. In order to make the most of far-reaching ocean views, the majority of Thailand’s luxury villas feature expansive glazed areas, from impressive glass gables to sleek sliding doors that open right onto the pool terrace. Picture windows and overhead glazing are common features, too, allowing the Thai sun to bathe indoor areas with natural brightness.
In addition to the more standard types of glazing you’ll also see a selection of spectacular architectural glazing within Thailand’s private villas. For example, the sunken lounge area at Koh Samui’s Ban Suriya features a sturdy glass wall so guests can gaze right into the pool and wave at travel companions who are swimming underwater.
Another level
The chic mezzanine level at Koh Samui’s Baan Suriya
Mezzanine levels provide a stylish extension to the space and light in open plan living areas, offering a stunning alternative location to host pre-dinner drinks. As many of Thailand’s luxury private villas are divided into separate pavilions for living and sleeping, you’ll often find that the main entrance area features a sun-soaked double-height glazed atrium – the perfect setting for a stylish mezzanine level overlooking the lounge and dining area below.
Guests staying at Baan Suriya can soak up the splendour of the mezzanine, relaxing in one of the statement pieces of furniture or checking emails on the villa’s iMac.
Contemporary culinary zones
A spacious kitchen island with breakfast bar forms a central hub at Villa Roxo
For guests keen to try out their Thai cooking skills whilst on holiday, the fully equipped kitchen at a luxury private villa is the ideal space. Typically, the villa’s culinary zones are laid out in a contemporary style to reflect the demands of modern living. Open-plan arrangements with kitchen islands, peninsulas and breakfast bars are common, so mum or dad could be doing the cooking whilst chatting to kids eating lunch at the breakfast far.
In addition to the modern, sociable layout of your villa’s kitchen, you’ll also find that there’s a host of top-notch appliances and facilities to enhance the food preparation process. In addition to ovens, grills and hobs, you’ll also find blenders, coffee machines and food processors. Essentially, there’s everything you need to whip up a culinary storm.
Sleek and uncluttered
Stylish interiors establish a modern vibe at The View on Koh Samui
While striking architectural features and contemporary room layouts play an important role in establishing a sleek, modern vibe in a private villa, the overall experience wouldn’t be complete without elegant décor to match. Many of Thailand’s more contemporary luxury villas are finished with bright white walls that allow the sea views to do the talking. Polished concrete or large format porcelain tiles are used for the floor covering, enhancing the minimal effect of the modern style.
Modern pieces of furniture such as plush L-shaped sofas, statement coffee tables and even large format armchairs (one and a half times the size of your normal armchair) are impressive inclusions. In the kitchen, streamlined cabinetry and glossy units further enhance this effect. Colourful pieces of contemporary artwork often draw the eye, adding extra wow factor to the living space – particularly in the evening when the sea views fade.
Al fresco style
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Crisp geometric details lend modern appeal at Baan Leelawadee
In a contemporary Thai villa, the sleek and stylish design details don’t stop with the interiors. Guests can look forward to chic, modern vibes in the gardens too, thanks to the carefully planned landscaping schemes. Geometric details are key. For example, striking black-tiled infinity pools make a sharp contrast to uncluttered pool terraced finished in white stone. Well-tended flowerbeds, sculptural features and even stepping-stones across ponds all help to infuse the space with an elegant allure.
TIPS
Even in the most contemporary of luxury villas, you’ll still find touches of Thainess: