Abiente

Perfectly positioned to catch the sunrise, and with sea views from nearly every room, the three-bedroomed Villa Abiente is an ideal holiday choice for those looking to escape the crowds. Found on Cape Yamu, this modern east-coast sanctuary features a 12-metre pool, bright open-plan living spaces, a fully equipped kitchen and lavish bedroom suites.

Just 30-minutes away from Phuket International Airport, Villa Abiente is among a collection of private luxury homes in the Baan Yamu estate, which also features a glittering Olympic-size swimming pool and gym for guests, plus a restaurant and bar just a short walk away from the villa. Unlike many of its more established west-coast cousins, Abiente lies off the tourist track and retains an exclusive getaway feel. Rubber and coconut plantations dominate the surrounding landscape and traditional long-tail fishing boats glide across the bay. This is the perfect place to discover Phuket’s lesser-visited charms.

Back at the villa, a stylish, bright living and dining area, incorporating a well-equipped kitchen and breakfast bar, opens to a wraparound balcony, sunken outdoor lounge and pool terrace that optimizes the sea views and tropical breezes. A media room tucked behind the living area can also serve as a child’s bedroom and comes with its own bathroom. The villa’s master suite and two guest bedrooms are stylish havens with king beds and private bathrooms. Two of the bedrooms are poolside and boast sea views.

Villa Abiente's ground-floor entry hall is adorned with a Zen pebble-garden and a mix of modern and traditional art, including a huge, eye-catching mural of an architectural sketch. Staff rooms and the Chef's kitchen are also located on this floor. Up the staircase and through an imposing double door is the main living area housing the guest kitchen, living room and dining area. Just behind the living room is the cozy media room. The living area opens widely to the pool, sun terrace and an outdoor lounge. Two of the villa's bedrooms are arranged along the pool's length, with the third tucked just behind.