A pointy-roofed palatial complex above the turquoise Andaman Sea, Villa Aye might be the most architecturally impressive villa on Phuket’s prestigious ‘Millionaire’s Mile’. Connecting three Lanna-style pavilions, the imperious villa enjoys seclusion on a forested hillside within Cape Amarin’s gated community. It faces east for maximum exposure to the sun, and for wonderful sunsets.

Style-wise, Aye marries traditional, open-plan Thai design with lots of glass and modernist straight lines. Open-sided salas (gazebos) offer outdoor alternatives to formal dining and living rooms, and to an entertainment salon with a huge projector screen, pool table and bar. Lawns hug the 25-metre infinity pool and its recliners, leading to tropical gardens. Illuminated at night, that massive pool also has a children’s wading section and can host a floating platform during wedding ceremonies.

The luxuries continue: massage beds; connected Bose speakers; a lift; a library; a small gym. There’s an excellent kitchen, too, but with a chef part of Aye’s dedicated live-in staff, it’s unlikely you’ll ever need it. Half of the colossal, ensuite bedrooms boast king-sized beds, while the others each contain two singles which can convert into more kings. Sunken bathtubs are a common feature.

You’re about 15 minutes from long, sandy Kamala Beach, which also offers many restaurants, and also from Pa Tong’s raucous nightlife. Airport journeys take 45 minutes. Rather not drive? No problem – we’ll arrange transfers, plus dedicated chauffeurs if you’d like.