Baan Leelawadee

Lazing beside the infinity pool with a cold drink and a sea view was hard to beat. When we did head out, there were great bars, restaurants, and markets within easy reach. My wife and I had a marvellous holiday at Baan Leelawadee. From the moment we arrived, the wonderful staff made sure nothing was too much trouble. Chef Chum’s food was sensational, turning every meal into a treat. The villa is stunning, with beautifully furnished living rooms and bedrooms that add to the peaceful feel. It’s a real place to relax. We came away with great memories and would highly recommend it.

The villa’s layout and interiors worked equally well for relaxing or getting together with old friends, which was exactly what I wanted to do. The location is stunning too, but there’s more to it than the view. The chef and staff gave exceptional service and helped make our few days memorable. It’s a perfect place to recharge, and I’ll certainly return. Huge thanks for a fantastic holiday.

The villa itself is beautiful and sits on the quieter end of Bo Phut beach. We only used two of the four bedrooms, and both were wonderfully appointed. The reception rooms are great, and the living room opens right onto the pool deck and sala. There’s a solid Sonos system for different rooms and outdoor areas, plus TVs in the main lounge and bedrooms. You can walk to the buzzy centre of Bophut, though we usually took a Grab taxi. It was always available within 10-15 minutes. The staff were the real standout. With four staff for four guests, I wondered if it might feel crowded, but they had just the right mix of warmth, humor, and professionalism, and knew when to blend into the background. Khun Ae, the manager, anticipated what we needed and booked activities, a car, wines, and restaurants for the few times we ate out. Chef Joom made incredible breakfasts every day, suggested menus for lunch and dinner, then cooked unbelievable Thai and Western feasts each night. She was fun, and shared great Thai tips and recipes with me. Khun Jai kept our rooms in superb shape, served and cleared meals, and, most importantly, brought “bottomless” gin and tonics to the pool every day. Khun Fook, the gardener and pool boy, looked after the beautifully manicured gardens and pool almost invisibly. We had the best time here in September. I can’t imagine a five-star hotel anywhere offering better service. The villa is beautiful, the location is great, and the staff have a wonderful Thai personality. I couldn’t recommend it more.

I spent a week at Baan Leelawadee in Koh Samui, and the stay was enchanting. The beachside setting is quiet but close to shops, beach bars, restaurants, golf, and other amenities. The house is spacious and tastefully furnished, with large, well-equipped rooms like those in a high-end hotel. I especially liked the covered patio overlooking the beach, and the big pool was great for swimming laps. The four staff members looked after me throughout, even when I lost the safe key, and prepared delicious Thai and other food. With its broad terraces and living room that opens fully, the villa is also well suited to entertaining while the staff take care of food and drinks. I’d strongly recommend it for large families or groups of adults. The island feels authentic, while still offering the sophistication you’d expect from a high-end resort.