Lady Naya Villas

Sun catches the surface of a private plunge pool before the coast even comes into view. Lady Naya Villas sits inland in Rawai, on Phuket's southern tip, built around 19 three-bedroom pool villas and 20 one-bedroom suites with pool access. Each villa has its own kitchen and a separate living room, so a family or a group of friends can spread out rather than share one set of walls. Suites are smaller and quieter, aimed at couples who want privacy without the upkeep of a full villa. The sand itself is close but not underfoot: Nai Harn and Kata beaches are five to ten minutes away by bike or car, their water calm and the shoreline pale gold. Promthep Cape and Kata Viewpoint, both known for sunset views over the Andaman Sea, sit a short drive further on. Chalong Pier, the jump-off point for boats to Phi Phi, Coral Island and Racha Island, is about fifteen minutes by bike. Closer still, an elephant sanctuary is a five-minute walk from the property. Staff run daily housekeeping, laundry and a shuttle service, and there is a 25-metre outdoor pool alongside the private ones. Breakfast is served on site. It is a base for people who want the beach nearby, not underfoot.