One of six beachfront villas on the luxurious Dhevatara Cove estate, Baan Rattana Thep is a veritable Asian Aladdin's cave. The owners clearly have a keen eye for design judging by the delightful decor and artefacts that give each room its character. A unique sense of Asia past is gently created, while quality finishings and modern touches keep you firmly in Asia present. There's something very regal about lying on a draped, wooden four-poster bed looking out over the blue-tiled infinity pool with Bloomberg on the plasma screen while you wait for your sunken bath tub to fill. In fact, with many similar cocktails of modern and traditional indulgence on offer, even members of the ruling elite would appreciate this villa.

The living room is crammed full of teak, silk and ceramics, and is a particularly inviting spot to kick back with a good read (or watch a DVD on the huge flat-screen), especially as doors fold out onto the pool and views. If you’d like to be closer to the sea, two covered salas (gazebos) offer shaded beachside relaxation - one with a comfortable L-shaped sofa to laze and gaze from, the other an expansive space with its own kitchen, perfect when you want the private chef to fire up the barbecue for a seafood feast (provisioning – apart from breakfast, which is included in rate – on guest account). The main super-equipped kitchen area (including wall-mounted TV) near the villa's entrance is another option for family meals, either at the island breakfast bar or in the adjacent dining area with its long oak table – only a hop and a skip down to the pool.

As well as the full-time chef, villa staff includes a helpful, live-in manageress and a daily maid. The estate offers complete security as well as a communal clubhouse building with sauna and fitness centre. Baan Rattana Thep is ideal for families or friends sharing, but there's plenty of space for private moments. For a romantic end to a busy day in paradise, order a sundowner to sip from a planters’ chair on a terrace by the beach, inspiration will surely follow.

Baan Rattana Thep is one of six beachfront villas that make up the award-winning Dhevatara Cove estate, located at the southernmost tip of Lipa Noi's south-facing beach. It's a secluded and peaceful spot, home to a few local fishing families that moor their boats close to the shore and gather their nets for repairs in the shade of the coconut palms. On clear days you can enjoy fabulous views out to the Angthong Marine Park. The soft sandy beach is secluded and the sea is deep enough for swimming for most of the year. A small jetty for ferries to the mainland sits a few hundred metres right of the villa, its only impact being the occasional announcement of a departure. Local life centres on a small fishing village, back towards the middle of the bay, which is also the chef's source of fresh seafood.   Read More/Google Map

Baan Rattan Thep is entered through a small tropical garden with sandstone stepping stones across a water feature. Steps lead up to a tiled semi-open dining area where a large oak table with wooden benches seats 12. To the left, sliding glass and teak doors open into a well-equipped kitchen with a central breakfast island flanked by four rattan-backed stools. A modest bathroom connects to the kitchen.

The living area sits next to the pool as you walk towards the beach. This room has folding glass doors on three sides, ushering in plenty of natural light. Vaulted wooden ceilings create an even greater feeling of space, and there are numerous sofas, chairs, daybeds and cushions combining to create a cosy, comfortable environment. Old Chinese cabinets and other pieces of antique furniture are placed throughout. Another sofa and chairs sits outside, under the eaves of a small terrace adjoining the pool deck.

Four of the bedrooms, two (garden facing) twins and two (ocean facing) double rooms with king-size four-poster beds are located in a two storey pavilion to the right of the dining area, all with their own pleasant furnished terraces. Both double rooms are furnished with antique pieces and have dressing areas and bright ensuite bathrooms with tubs and showers. The downstairs ensuite also has an outdoor ‘garden’ shower, while the upstairs bathroom features a sunken tub. The twin rooms have generous ensuite shower rooms. The fifth bedroom is in its own pavilion between the kitchen and living area and boasts a double teak bed and comfortable armchair. Its ensuite has a stand-alone tub, outside garden area, granite tiles and a large rain shower. All bedrooms are air conditioned and the three double rooms have their own flat screen or plasma TVs.

Towards the beach, two salas offer yet more seating areas. One features a round table with eight chairs, BBQ, kitchen and attached bathroom. The other has a wooden table encircled by comfortable daybed and bench seating.

The 20m swimming pool is surrounded by a wooden pool-deck and six sun loungers. The lawn runs from the pool right down to the beach where a volleyball net awaits sporty types and the views extend to nearby islands.