The turquoise of the sea is rivaled only by the blue expanse of the pool at Baan Chao Lay. This oceanfront vacation rental on the idyllic west coast of Koh Samui boasts beautiful views and a location just steps from sandy Lipa Noi Beach. Its designer interiors and five bedrooms make it the perfect tropical retreat for a family reunion, anniversary or birthday celebration, or a getaway with up to ten friends. Your holiday at Baan Chao Lay begins with an airport transfer and includes the services of a villa manager, Thai chef, housekeeper and driver. (You can even request a babysitter and relive your honeymoon with an adults-only romantic dinner.) This leaves you free to spend the day soaking in the sun from a lounger or sunbed by the infinity pool and hot tub, relaxing in the shade of the beachfront sala, which doubles as an al-fresco dining area, or sampling local fare from the barbecue. In the evenings, listen to a favorite album on the sound system, find a new favorite in the DVD collection or post photos of your stay via Wi-Fi. This gated luxury property is private yet stylish. A fish pond at the entrance creates a serene ambience from the start. From there, step through the central courtyard into a pavilion with the open-plan great room, which has sitting and dining areas and a fully equipped kitchen, and opens to the pool terrace. High, beamed ceilings, wood floors and clean-lined furnishings feel contemporary but casual and inviting. Each of the five bedrooms at Baan Chao Lay has a king bed, en-suite bathroom with a stand-alone rain shower, and its own terrace. There are four bedrooms in two pavilions flanking the fish pond at the villa’s entranceway, and one master suite that faces the beach. Though the beach just outside the villa is postcard-worthy, it’s not far to other attractions in the area if you’d like to explore. The closest restaurants are a 5-minute drive away, and the port and shopping district of Nathon are 10 and 15 minutes away, respectively. The laid-back resort area along Lamai Beach is 20 minutes away—perfect for an afternoon or evening out. Copyright © Luxury Retreats. All rights reserved.