If it’s a view you’re after, you won’t be disappointed at Hilltop View 2. Two of the bedrooms as well as the large lounge and outdoor entertainment areas look out over Choeng Mon bay and the tiny island of Koh Som, as well as neighbouring Koh Phangan. From here, you can watch sailboats and local fishermen coming and going as well as a few jet-skis whizzing about below. If you’re keen to cool off from the tropical heat, take a dip – or even swim a few lengths – in the 64sqm black slate pool. Plenty of loungers are positioned to make the most of the view and top up that tan. But should you prefer shade, open up a parasol or move to the outdoor covered bar-lounge. This area is also perfect to enjoy sundowners – you get sunset views to the west, and, should you be an early riser, sunrises to the east.
If you can tear yourself away from the villa’s charms, Choeng Mon beach is literally a few hundred metres away. The energetic can walk, but be warned that the last few metres of the return leg are steep! If you’ve hired a car for your stay, it may be best to use it (although for a reasonable extra charge the villa offers a transfer service not only to Choeng Mon, but elsewhere on the island too). And if you don’t feel like heading into town for a massage, the Estate Manager, Khun Birth, can arrange for a masseuse to come to the villa. Massages and other treatments are all well priced, so worth taking advantage of.
There are several excellent restaurants in nearby Choeng Mon village, and the beach itself is one of the best on the island. But for an intimate dining experience, book a private chef for either a poolside barbecue or Thai-inspired dinner from the suggestion menu (extra cost). Lazing by the pool, days easily extend into night as lights illuminate the garden, water features and wall murals, creating a relaxed mood. The pleasant outdoor covered bar area not only has a fridge (stock it to your liking) but also a sound system, making this area perfect for sociable tropical evenings.
Hilltop View 2 lies at the top of the Samui Summit Estate, and offers some beautiful ocean views. Looking towards the sea, an open plot of land lies to the left, and another villa is currently (June 2013) being constructed to the right, however this didn’t disturb our stay. Hilltop View 2 is surrounded by a tropical garden, with tall trees that offer privacy and, rather than obstructing the view, form part of it. Although Choeng Mon village is only about 500m away, it’s a relatively steep hill, so you may prefer to hire a car or use the estate transfer service (extra charge applies).
Entering the villa through big wooden doors, your eye is caught by an impressive antique copper bell chandelier with crystal droppers, which sets the scene for the rest of this well-appointed villa. The villa is arranged over two levels, and a polished wooden staircase leads from the entrance hall up to the four bedrooms, and down a few steps to the open plan living areas.
Hilltop View 2’s four ensuite bedrooms all boast king-size beds and each is decorated with a vibrant colour, enhanced by Persian carpets on the glossy wooden floor. The rooms are equally proportioned, although the master bedroom also offers a small TV lounge. This makes Hilltop View 2 a good fair-share option for friends travelling together. All bedrooms open onto a covered wrap-around balcony, with the master bedroom and bedroom three offering the best sea views.
You won’t have to argue over the remote in this villa, as all bedrooms have not only TV/DVD but also their own satellite decoders for individual viewing. The ensuite bathrooms are more compact than at some villas in this category and none have bathtubs, but the decorative theme of collectables carries through to them too.
Downstairs, the living and dining area has an opulent feel with a black marble floor, wall features with gold trim, and cabinets displaying the owners’ impressive collection of antiques and crockery. In an alcove under the stairs, a wide cream couch faces a large flat-screen TV positioned in the middle of a red feature wall. Looking towards the ocean, a carved daybed and a teak coffee table displaying a large wooden candelabra form a perfect reading spot. Over on the opposite side of the room lies the eight-seater dining table and compact yet fully equipped kitchen. Sliding doors lead to the outdoor covered bar to the side area as well as the sandstone terrace at the front of the villa, dotted with loungers and sunshades. A 64sqm black-slate pool complete with jacuzzi takes centre stage on the terrace, and a sala furnished with two ornate loungers lies to the other side, surrounded by the tropical garden.
BEDROOM 1
King
5.5m x 6.5m
BEDROOM 2
King
9m x 9m
BEDROOM 3
King
5m x 6m
BEDROOM 4
King
6.5m x 5m
