The Villa

Bang Tao Villa is a luxurious 4/5 bedroomed villa available to rent on the west coast of the stunning tropical island of Phuket.  It is close to the largest beach on Phuket (the 7km long Bang Tao Beach) as well as the 5 star Laguna Hotel, Golf and Spa complex.  It is ideally located for the holiday maker who wants all the comforts of home combined with proximity to everything required for a relaxing break.

Bang Tao Villa is available to rent on a private, secure and beautifully maintained estate of similar, high quality villas.  Enter the villa through a set of grand carved wooden doors, close them behind you and discover your own luxurious and totally private haven. All of the villas in the estate are single storey and so, with the wall surrounding the garden, you have complete privacy.

The Villa is designed in the Balinese/Thai style with tasteful use of wood and large pitched roofs balanced by contemporary modern interior design.  The buildings are arranged in an L-shape around the pool with the garden beyond.  The main living, dining and bedrooms all have hardwood concertina doors which can be drawn back to exacerbate the airy and open feeling.

As darkness descends, the mood changes with wonderful, subtle and controllable lighting coming on automatically – giving the villa a relaxing ambience.  Despite having access to over 25 restaurants within 5 minutes, our guests report that they often feel like just cracking open a drink and settling in for the night.

The Villa also has the benefit of surround sound in the garden, to further enhance the relaxing atmosphere.

Your Bang Tao Villa rental accommodation can be hired easily through contacting me direct.  Please see the home page for details.

Rooms

Main Bedroom and Study/Bedroom 5

The spacious main bedroom looks directly onto the pool and has a King-sized bed situated on a raised platform. There is a comfortable seating area in the room, generous wardrobe space, a dressing table and a safe. A 49 inch wall-mounted flat screen television is also provided.

The room also benefits from a large en suite bathroom with further wardrobe space, his and her vanity units and a shower.

The 5th bedroom shares the bathroom with the main bedroom. It is over 4m by 4m and has a Queen-sized bed. Whilst it is easily big enough for two adults, it is ideal for families where parents want to have younger children close by. A cot is provided in this room but it can be moved to any room you prefer.

Bedrooms 2 and 3

These rooms (one with a King-size bed and one twin bedded) both have their own private bathrooms with toilet and shower as well as vanity basins. The double room also has the added benefit of an enclosed yet outdoor bath and shower – definitely one for candles and wine as you relax in the bath and look at the stars.

Both rooms have flat screen TV’s and CD/DVD players and, like all the bedrooms, ample wardrobe space. They also both have a small dressing table and mirror.

In the corner of the L-shape, between these two bedrooms, is a small covered outside bar area with its own mini-fridge and 4 stools

Garden Suite

Within the grounds of the villa is a separate Garden Suite. It has a King-sized bed and a cosy seating area with a double bed-settee. The bathroom houses a shower and a 2 person bath as well and includes a double vanity unit. The Garden Suite is ideal for Guests, Grandparents or teenagers. Families with young children like it too as the children can sleep on the bed settee in the same room as the parents. The Suite opens out on to the garden and pool area.

This room also has a TV, CD/DVD player as well as its own safe.

As with all of the rooms there is a dressing table and mirror.

Open Plan Living and Dining Area

The Main Living, Kitchen and Dining area is over 80 square metres in size (approximately 6m x 13m). It features a large living area with settees and occasional tables as well as a 49 inch flat screen TV and a CD/DVD player. For our guests enjoyment, we provide fresh flowers in the Living Room (usually orchids) on a weekly basis.

The dining area has a large dining table with 8 chairs – although the table can comfortably seat 10. Within a cupboard between the living and dining area is the music system which has a CD player as well as iPod/MP3 player docking station. This system also provides music to the surround sound speakers in the garden, if required.

There is a breakfast bar (with 3 stools) separating the dining area from the large European/American style kitchen.

The kitchen has everything you need for your holiday, including a large American style fridge, cooker, microwave, dishwasher as well as useful household gadgets such as food mixers and blenders. Behind the kitchen is the utility room and maid’s area which contains the washing machine and dryer as well as a separate small room and toilet. Note that our maid does not live in but this accommodation is suitable for when guests bring their own maid with them.

Both the Living and Dining rooms open out on to the Pool with large hard wood concertina doors which tend to get opened in the morning and left like that until the sun sets. Between these doors and the pool is a large outdoor dining table for al-fresco dining. The table has a large umbrella to give protection from the sun.

Garden and Sala

The garden is approximately 750 square metres in size, is level and laid to lawn with lush borders containing a selection of tropical flowers including orchids on all of the trees.

The swimming pool is 4m by 10m going from 1.2m to 2.2m in depth. Three fountains gently cascade water into the pool, adding to the relaxed feel.

To one side of the pool is a Jacuzzi with power jets and seating for 8.

The Jacuzzi sits in front of the Sala. A Sala is a covered area in a Thai Garden suitable for relaxing in, for massages or just simply drinking a chilled glass of white wine or ice-cold beer as the sun goes down. There are two large settees with space for 8 people as well as a large coffee table.

There are 4 sunbeds set by the pool with sunshades.

At dusk the garden is automatically lit throughout by subtle (and adjustable) lighting which immediately gives the Villa a lovely romantic and private feel. It’s perfect for those relaxed evening meals under the stars.

Rates, Notes and Terms

2012/ 2013 rates

Dates	Daily Rate (USD)	Weekly Rate (USD)	Minimum Stay
16th Jan 2012 until 15th Apr 2012	700	4,200	3 nights
16th Apr 2012 until 15th Oct 2012	500	3,200	3 nights
16th Oct 2012 until 15th Dec 2012	tbc	tbc	tbc
16th Dec 2012 until Jan 15th 2013	tbc	tbc	tbc

Notes and Terms:

• The rates are for the whole villa and up to 10 people (11 if an infant)
• For rentals over 7 days, the weekly rate will be used on a pro rata basis for all extra nights
• Payments can be made in USD or GBP with the exchange rate used being the market rate on the day of payment
• A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total rental charge is payable upon booking. This must be made within 14 days of confirming the booking. The remaining 75% is payable 8 weeks before departure. Note that no refunds will be made once payment is made and renters are advised to take out appropriate travel or cancellation insurance

The rates in the table above are inclusive of:

• Maid service (6 days per week – 9 to 5)
• All utility bills (eg gas, electricity, water)
• Local telephone calls
• One return transfer to and from Phuket airport (where total booking cost exceeds USD3,000), or
• Luxury spa treatments at the local Spa for two people (where total booking cost exceeds USD4,000)
• Both of the above will be included where total booking cost exceeds USD6,000
• Welcome Pack (up to USD20)

Not Included:

• Baby sitting/Evening Chef service. The maid is willing to do this although this will be at extra cost (approx USD20/night)
• Food/Drink
• Extra beds. These can be provided subject to agreement on overall occupancy numbers
• Car/Driver service

All dates (except the Xmas and New Year period) are USD350/night if booked within 2 weeks of the arrival date

Amenities

We have tried to provide all necessary amenities that the holiday maker will require. These include:

• Maid service (6 days per week – 9 to 5). This includes cooking breakfast and lunch

• Air conditioning

• Local telephone calls

• Wi-Fi

• Satellite TV service (inc children, films and sports channels)

• Towels (bathroom and beach)

• Cot

• Spare mattress

• All bedding

• Flowers

• 24 Hour security in a gated environment

• Drinking water (unlike the Hotels, restaurants and many other villas, the tap water is safe to drink as it is filtered and irradiated)

Gallery

Sala with pool and dining table beyond Pool from Garden Suite Garden Suite Living and Dining Areas Living Room Dining Area with Kitchen beyond Kitchen with Breakfast Bar Dining Table with Living Room beyond Main Bedroom overlooking pool Entrance area … Continue reading →

Things to Do

We list below a number of activities for visitors to Phuket. Whether you want to be sporty and active or laid back and entertained, there is something for you.

Land Based Sports

Golf – There are 8 courses on Phuket several of which have held Championships. The nearest one is 2 minutes away but all of them are easy to get to and have plenty of availability, although we would recommend booking a tee time

Tennis – Tennis courts are available in most of the major hotels on the Island, including the local Laguna ones

Horse Riding – The Phuket riding club is situated 2 minutes away from the Villa and offers lessons as well as beach rides

Go Karts – There are 2 Go Kart tracks close to Patong

Watersports

Scuba Diving – over 30 scuba diving companies operate on the island and provide courses, day trips as well as Liveaboard trips

Waterskiing – available on most beaches, including Bang Tao. There is also an inland centre where teaching is provided

Jet Skiing – available from Bang Tao beach

Sailing – available on most beaches with a selection of Dinghies, Lasers, Hobie Cats and similar

Surfing – generally in the May to October period only

Snorkelling – there are many coral islands off Phuket that have reefs to snorkel over. The best ones are in and round the islands in Phang Nga Bay and are best combined with another trip (eg to Phi Phi Island)

Game Fishing – this is an all year round activity with the best fishing off the west coast

White Water Rafting – this takes place on the mainland in Phang Nga province. Whilst it is a year round activity, this is best in the May – October period

Sea Canoes – a day trip to the limestone Hongs where the crew paddle you in the canoes through caves and in to lagoons. Also possible to combine this with a snorkelling trip

Other Trips/Days Out

Elephant Trekking – available in several locations as well as in the grounds of the Laguna hotels

Jungle Trekking – in the Hills of Phuket. These can be walking treks or in 4 x 4 vehicles

All Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) – great fun riding quad bikes through the jungles, muddy tracks and along the beaches on the east coast

Bungee Jumping – for those who want to get that ultimate thrill!

Phuket Aquarium – Linked to Phuket’s main Biological research station

Ten Pin Bowling – there are 5 different alleys on Phuket

Thai Boxing – 3 or 4 nights a week in Patong at 2 different locations

Phuket Fantasea – a spectacular entertainment show including Elephants and traditional Thai dancing. Ten minutes from the villa.

Simon Cabaret – a nightly transvestite entertainment show. Different !!

Spas and Massages – available all over the island in various Hotels, standalone spas as well as on the beach. We have arranged a special deal with a local spa.

Markets – there are markets and hawkers all over the island. The largest markets are in Patong but the basics (eg T-shirts, CD’s and handbags) can be bought almost anywhere

Evening entertainment – Patong (20 minutes away from the villa) has the most nightlife. It’s close enough to go to but I wouldn’t want to stay there!

Temples – there are a number of beautiful temples in Phuket, the biggest and best is Chalong Wat on the east coast.

Off Island Tours

Phang Nga Bay and Limestone Hongs – There are plenty of boat trips visiting some of the best caves. Can be combined with a trip to James Bond Island (from Man with the Golden Gun), Sea Canoes or snorkelling

Phi Phi Island – a speedboat trip to Phi Phi. Can also include a visit to the location of Leonardo Dicaprio’s film The Beach

Racha Islands – south of Phuket and excellent for snorkelling and diving

Similan Islands – a full day trip by road and boat but the best snorkelling/dive sites are here

About Phuket

Phuket is Asia’s most popular beach holiday destination and it’s not hard to see why. Splendid beaches where the sands stretch for miles, championship golf courses, every type of watersport, secluded bays and lovely outlying islands make Phuket unforgettable.

Phuket itself is 50km long and 20km wide and fully deserves its name as the Pearl of the Andaman for both its shape and beauty. This is thanks to its incredible beaches, rolling hills and lush tropical jungle set against the background of verdant coconut palms and sparkling lagoons.

The best beaches are on the west coast. These bays are separated by a number of rocky headlands which remain forested and so give the scenery a lush feel. Every bay is unique, each having their own charm but, because they face west, are renowned for their beautiful sunsets. Bang Tao Beach (the closest to the villa) is regarded as the best. This is because it has a relative lack of development along its shores with only around 20 hotels along its entire 7km length. What this means is that there few people but still plenty of restaurants and bars to eat in. Really useful when, as a parent, you can let your kids run around on the beach whilst you enjoy your meal at the table nearby. There are also two tame baby elephants that visit every afternoon that you can play in the water with.

The south-west coast is more developed and is more crowded with distinct built-up resorts around Patong, Kata and Karon beaches. Whilst the east coast is very undeveloped, the beaches tend to be populated by mangrove swamps and are more sludgy and muddy. From these beaches you can see the famous limestone “Hongs” which dominate Phang Nga Bay