A turning off an already quiet road leads you up a hill to this impressive villa, the highest in the area. It’s also secluded – a real treat if you're looking for a hideaway – though within very easy reach of both the airport and Chaweng's restaurants.
Steps lead up the side of the building to the main entrance. As you go up, you see on your left a tended garden beyond which the jungle starts, just a few metres away. This is definitely not one of those villas which sits on a bald hill slope. Quite the opposite – it’s part and parcel of the nature surrounding it and there's a naturalness about the entire villa, wherever you go. The effect is extremely relaxing and it’s very easy to unwind here.
At the top of the steps, the first thing you'll notice is the wide, wide terrace that looks out over the northern part of the island. From up here you have a magnificent view which encompasses the northern edge of Chaweng, right round to north-coast Plai Laem. It’s pretty amazing. Look out over the sea and the island of Koh Pha-ngan appears tantalizingly close. You can enjoy the view from the terrace or the infinity-edge swimming pool; both are great places for chilling out.
It’s easy to spend an indolent morning or afternoon up here, alternating sunbathing or staying in the shade with cool dips in the pool. Everything’s set up for enjoyment and you don’t need to walk any great distance for a shower or a cold drink.
When it comes to evening, the combination of spotlights and lamps provide a hugely atmospheric setting. Whether you're here on a romantic or convivial holiday, you'll be entranced as you watch the lights of Chaweng coming on and gradually beginning to twinkle down below.
Villa Belle is very much an outdoors kind of place. Large windows everywhere in the house have been specially designed to be thrown wide open, allowing you to step in and out of the house as you wish.
This being the tropics you might wonder if the property doesn’t get too hot during the day, but thanks to the location of the house and all those windows, both the building and terrace are kept cool; breezes can come from any of three different directions and guarantee that you'll never feel too hot.
By the pool you'll also see some of the first of the villa’s spectacular art work. Rather than opt for the traditional and rather bland hotel-style paintings and statues, the designer has imported art from Bali and used it to accentuate the beauty of the villa. The statues are both primitive in style and graceful, always easy on the eye, but add to the exotic feel of the villa. You'll probably find yourself taking a few photos of these pieces. They have an atmosphere about them, something that suggests a peacefulness and sense of repose. Most are made of wood and are well in keeping with the villa’s theme of combining architecture with nature.
It’s a theme that continues throughout Villa Belle. Under your feet you'll feel tropical hardwood flooring, a more caressing experience than most stone floorings can ever hope to provide.
The swimming pool marks the entrance to the villa. From the terrace you step into a large airy living room with an ample sofa and plenty of space for relaxing in, as well as a well-equipped kitchen and dining area. There's a plasma TV if you're into watching films, or you can simply chill out here. And thanks to being right next to the terrace and pool, this is a great place for holding a party, wedding reception or gathering of any kind. No need to worry about noise either, as the villa is high above its neighbor, the Villa Michaela, allowing you the freedom to party in privacy.
From the kitchen it’s a few steps to the first of the bedrooms, which offers total luxury, an en-suite bathroom and, once again, those sumptuous views. The décor in this room is mostly black and white, a pleasing combination that works well but which in no way compromises the greenery just outside the villa.
Indeed, the room leads directly to the world outside; doors open from the bedroom directly onto the swimming pool area, which in turn leads round the corner to a terrace.
This terrace is shady and secluded, and has an outdoor sofa, making it ideal for gazing out at the views beyond. And that’s not all. An extremely large Jacuzzi stands here, ideal for bathing with a loved one while you enjoy a sundown drink. There's something almost reminiscent of a fairy-tale about the setting here; rocks, trees and jungly slopes form the division between the property and the land beyond. It’s a place where you feel cradled by nature herself.
Returning back into the living room, you'll find wooden steps leading down into Villa Belle’s lower level and a further, smaller sitting room. It’s a convivial area ideal for gatherings of just a few friends, but lacking none of the style of the rest of the house. The villa has three bedrooms altogether, with the other two leading off from the downstairs sitting room. It’s impossible to say which of the three could be described as the best bedroom – each of them is beautiful and designed to the same rigorous standards. If people come here as a group of friends, the choosing of rooms is therefore not a problem.
All the bedrooms come with beautiful en-suite bathrooms; all have charm and atmosphere. Wi-fi connects the entire villa, by the way, and if you need to use a laptop, you can choose any spot in the building – whatever takes your fancy. The downstairs bedrooms also come with desks, ideal if you need something a little more formal as an area to work in.
Villa Belle is air-conditioned throughout, but you won’t find any boxy machines attached to the walls or hear any irritating whirring sounds; the air-conditioning is completely hidden behind slots in the ceiling. It’s also virtually silent.
The ceilings themselves are astonishingly high in comparison to the average villa, enhancing the sense of spaciousness and the well-being of its guests. You’ll find that staying in the villa gives you a harmonious and relaxed feeling. A Zen-like simplicity and sense of calm is apparent in the rooms, the architecture, and the sheer feeling of the place; it’s very far removed from the often sterile vibe of a property that’s been designed to be no more than a cash machine. The villa, incidentally, used to be the home of the architect and designer for the neighboring Villa Michaela and, down in Chaweng, the beachside Villa Mia.
Villa Belle makes a good choice for those seeking intimacy and well-being. You'll find, too, that life is very easy here, thanks to the attentive manager and her two staff who will help you with all your requirements, while never being an intrusive presences.
Whether you opt to come here as a couple or group of friends, your experience will certainly be a very enjoyable one.
| Bedrooms/Bathrooms | Air Condition, Baby cot, Bath tub, Day bed, Non-smoking Rooms, Sound system, TV w. satellite & DVD |
| Dining | Air conditioning, Ceiling Fans, Seating for 06 |
| Entertainment | CD/Stereo system, DVD, LCD flatscreen TV, Satellite or cable channels, Surround system |
| Communication | Broadband access, FREE WIFI, WIFI broadband throughout |
| Kitchen | Blender, Electric stove, Espresso machine, Freezer, Fridge, Fully equipped kitchen, Island kitchen, Microwave, Oven, Toaster |
| Living Room | Air conditioning, Ceiling Fans, Lounge seating |
| Outdoor | Parking, Speakers system, Sun beds, Terrace |
| Pool | Outdoor pool, Private pool |
| Sport | Pilates/Yoga area |
| Other | Linen provided, Non smoking only, Towels provided, Wine cellar |
| Services |
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| The villa is located between Choeng Mon and Chaweng beach. The villa is on a secluded hillside about 10 min drive from Chaweng or Choeng Mon, 10 min from the Airport, 15 min from Bophut Fisherman's village and 25 min drive away from the Santiburi Golf and Country Club. |
| Season | Dates | Daily Rental | Weekly Rental | Monthly Rental | Minimum Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Season | 01-Sept-11 to 14-Dec-11 02-May-12 to 30-Jun-12 01-Jul-12 to 31-Jul-12 | USD 600 | - | - | 3 nights |
| High Season | 14-Feb-12 to 01-Apr-12 16-Apr-12 to 01-May-12 | USD 625 | - | - | 3 nights |
| Peak Season | 11-Jan-12 to 13-Feb-12 02-Apr-12 to 15-Apr-12...USD 750 01-Aug-12 to 14-Dec-12...USD 750 | USD 700 | - | - | 3 nights |
| Christmas Season | 15-Dec-12 to 10-Jan-13 | USD 1,200 | - | - | 10 nights |
| Rates Include/Exclude, Cancellation Policy and Payment Terms | |
|---|---|
| Rates Include * Check-in time is 15:00 and check-out time is 10:30, although early arrival and late departure up to 15:00 may be requested subject to availability * Maid service * Airport transfers * Continental breakfast Cancellation Policy Cancellation 30 days or more before arrival date: All Payments are forfeited but credited for 9 months from the date of the cancellation for a future booking of the same villa. Within 15 days of arrival date: All rental payments are forfeited. A full or partial refund will be made should we secure a reservation covering the cancelled booking dates | Rates Exclude * 10% service, and 7% tax * Minibar (will be charged based on actual cost) * Food cost for lunches or dinners * Personal laundry * Extra bed charge is $50++ USD per person * Chef available for lunches and/or dinners * Massage therapist Payment Terms Deposit An initial deposit of thirty five percent (35%) of the total rental will confirm a booking. If funds are not received within seven banking days, the reservation shall be considered as cancelled. We may then allocate the Villa to another client. Balance Payment The outstanding balance must be paid at least 30 days before the day of arrival, unless otherwise specified. We reserve the right to cancel the booking if the balance is not received by the due date. Cancellation charges will apply. The whole amount of the Villa rental is to be paid at the time of booking if rental is to commence within 30 days. |