Typical Thai stylings lend an exotic feel to Villa Hibiscus, one of the gated Miskawaan estate’s more intimate beachside villas. Dark-wood floors and boldly-coloured artworks abound inside its open-plan spaces, while jungle-green plants and low trees festoon various outdoor areas.

As well as the entrance courtyard and tiled walkways between pavilions, those outdoor areas include a chlorinated-saltwater swimming pool, a shower and a sun deck. There’s also a hammock, plus a shaded lounge and a typical gazebo-like sala whose dining table and daybed face out onto the Gulf of Thailand. The beach is adjacent.

The main pavilion contains the indoor dining and living space. In its fully-fitted kitchen will be your allotted chef, on call to create meals of your choice from local ingredients. On the opposite side of the property are two adjacent pavilions, one featuring two twin bedrooms and the other accompanying a third bedroom with the master suite. Ensuite like the others, this also boasts jaw-dropping ocean views and a jacuzzi bathtub in its cavernous bathroom.

There’s much to explore from this base on the island’s north coast, and Miskawaan’s excellent staff can help you choose the best spots. They’re also able to offer street food tours, speedboat trips to marine parks for snorkelling, romantic picnics on empty islands or chauffeured excursions to elephant sanctuaries. Equally, days spent at home can involve borrowed kayaks and sessions in the estate gym, or there’s the option of arranging private yoga sessions and Thai cookery lessons.