Villa Ananda at Jivana Beach Villas

The sandy beach was wide, and the gentle entry into the sea made it lovely for swimming and relaxing. I also really liked the unusual, beautifully designed bathroom in my villa. On arrival at Villa Ananda, I was struck by the elegant palm trees, lovely grounds, stylish pool area, and breathtaking sunsets.

The beach is just a few steps from the garden, a lovely stretch of empty white sand for a morning or evening walk or run. Breakfast fruit was beautifully presented, and the Thai food was delicious and memorable. The charming staff were always smiling, helpful, and a delight; everything was kept in beautiful condition. Villa Ananda is a glorious holiday spot, only a short drive from Phuket airport. Its grounds are shaded by palms, and all six well-appointed bedrooms are separate self-contained 'villas' with sea views and glorious sunsets. The 'great room' has sitting and dining areas, while the 'family room' has a television. Fans cool both spaces, with air conditioning available on the hottest days. The infinity pool is 25 metres long, and the children's pool is about the same length.

We loved how comfortable the villa was, with stylish luxury that never felt showy or chintzy. There are two infinity pools, a large shaded lawn with elegant planting, and a sunken table at the end of the main pool that worked well for casual lunches. The staff were a delight, serving superb Thai food, making special occasions feel special, and helping with everything. The setting is sensational, looking onto a beautiful secluded beach. You’re north of Phuket island, close enough to the airport but away from the hubbub. It was absolute perfection for a family holiday. I can’t recommend Ananda too highly.

We swam in the Andaman Sea, walked along empty beaches, and had daily massages in the sala overlooking the water. The food was excellent, and the charming staff looked after everything we needed. With superb facilities and a huge garden, this villa gave us a holiday unlike any we’d had before, as close to paradise as you could get. An unbeatable place to stay.