There are plenty of great villas in the world, but only a few have a reputation that actually precedes them. Villa Viman is one of the chosen few. The villa is located at the Samsara Estate in Kamala, which is routinely described as one of the most private and luxurious estates in Thailand.
But when it comes down to it, Villa Viman is not just one of the best villas in Thailand – this is one of the finest villas in Asia. After all, it’s not every day you get to say that you’ve stayed in the same villa estate as mega stars Duke Dumont and Rihanna.
Rihanna checked in to neighbouring Villa Saengootsa during her 2013 world tour and avidly shared her stay on social media. One photo was simply captioned: this is paradise!
Meanwhile, the villa itself was the star of Duke Dumont’s amazing music video ‘I Got U’ which shows exactly what it feels like to wake up in Villa Viman – the video has been viewed over 240 million times on YouTube >>
Making an Entrance
Following Phuket’s rugged shoreline, the drive over to Samsara Estate is scenic, with views overlooking hidden crescent beaches and private villas tucked into the hillside. Before too long, our car pulls up at Villa Viman. And what an entrance it is.
From the get-go, it’s clear that this is not your average villa, but a beautifully modern and distinctly Thai villa. The entrance overlooks the living room which has a double height ceiling, with a peaked roof and full-wall windows that frame the views perfectly. The floors are covered with oriental carpets and there’s a small shrine with burning incense and flowers by the foyer mirror.
Throughout the three-storey villa, every detail is executed to perfection. This is evident as soon as we enter, as staff present us with the loveliest welcome drinks we have ever had the pleasure of sipping. From the towel arrangements to the delicate orchids, everything about the villa is just right and oh-so-Instagrammable.
Pool Daze
Right outside the living room, Villa Viman’s infinity pool looks out to the Andaman Sea. As we’re standing some 50 metres above sea level, the pool really does appear to blend in with the ocean below.
As I take in the views from the poolside deck that wraps around the villa, I can’t help but think this is the highlight of staying in Phuket. Looking out over turquoise-blue water and lush green hills, with a lone sailboat floating in the distance, this is the epitome of relaxation.
Besides the pool, Villa Viman has outdoor Jacuzzis – and no, that plural is not a typo. There’s a sunken whirlpool by the pool and another one perched on a bedroom balcony. If there is anything more blissful in this world than enjoying a soak beneath the stars at your own private villa, do let us know.
Family Focus
Villa Viman has six bedrooms and there’s more than enough space for our group of 11 people, as the bedrooms are generously spread across three floors. Located on the middle floor below the pool, the huge master bedroom has an ocean-view balcony and a spa-like bathroom with a bathtub facing a full-wall window.
The villa’s layout is perfect for young families: one of the bedrooms has an attached nanny room as well as an adjoining playroom with a foosball table and beanbags so it’s perfect for kids. One floor below, another bedroom has a king-sized bed and one single bed – though we can also report that it’s ideal for three friends who love a late-night gossip!
Five Star Service
Like most Ministry Approved villas in Phuket Villa Viman is staffed with a personal chef and our mornings start with a big communal breakfast served in the dining room, where our meals are complemented by views overlooking the pool and the ocean. Naturally, there’s a small army of housekeepers to keep the villa immaculately clean, ensuring you don’t lift a finger while on holiday. The villa’s concierge can help stock the villa with all your favourite food and beverages before you arrive and then help arrange everything from massages to excursions during your stay.
Nestled within the Samsara Estate on a private headland, Villa Viman sits 50 metres above sea level and what feels like lightyears away from the madding crowd. Still, should you feel like getting lost in the vibrant sights and sounds of Phuket, Patong is just a 15-minute drive away. The contrast is surreal: to go from the peaceful seclusion of the villa to the pulsing heart of Asia’s party capital in a matter of minutes.
Saying Goodbye to Villa Viman
All too soon, it’s time to pack our bags and head to the airport. Taking in one final sunset from the terrace, I pinch myself: Yes, a place this beautiful really does exist. Yes, I really did stay here.
The name “Samsara” is the Sanskrit word for reincarnation; the idea that we arrive only to depart and depart only to arrive again. Driving away from one of the best villas we’ve ever stayed in (and trust me, our team has stayed in plenty), I hope the name is an omen and we come back again.
You can stay in Villa Viman, too. You can book Villa Viman directly on our website or contact our team of villa specialists to learn more.
