Guestbook


Joanin belgique Belgium. Date Submitted: February 15, 2008 Date of Stay: January 2007
The Villa and pool area were absolutely fantastic in themselves. It was beautifully contructed and the pool was large and very nice and everything was quite clean and well kept. This was our first trip to Thailand and after spending 8 days hiking in the mountains near Chiang Mai and facing the crowds of Bangkok, the tranquil setting was very much enjoyed - However, I would caution that the villa is quite removed from any activity and/or facilities. You absolutely must have a rental car which we did and you must basically plan that each day will include some kind of excursion ( between 20 -60 minutes each way depending on where you want to go). The drive to the villa takes you through some very "local" neighborhoods which was a bit daunting the first time through. The nearby village (not walkable) has a couple of restaurants and a few shops, but we found it to be pretty "dead" - and we don't even really like to be around tourists. (this was over the new Year's week so if there is any activity at all one would have expected to see some at this point). We were hoping that our teenagers would be able to hop on a local bus and get around, but this really did not prove to be feasible. The beach that is "walkable" from the villa was not really a beach at all. The tide was such that it would have been impossible to sit or lay or swim in it. We also felt that we were "intruding" on other people's property in approaching the seaside. This was the one point that I felt was misrepresented in the advertisement. We found a good amount of activity on the other side of the island and made trips 4 of 6 days to the other beaches, to boat charters for snorkeling/kayaking and/or to restaurants a few evenings. We REALLY did enjoy just hanging around the villa and the pool and we played a lot of cards and family board games. Also, the little marina area in the local village makes for a gorgeous sunset with the fishing boats anchored along the beach and we took walks down there a couple of evenings. I would recommend this villa if you have been to Thailand before so have already seen a lot and just want the sun and a great pool setting and accomodation (and you don't like the beach, or aren't bothered by having to drive to one). It would also suit someone who wants to do mostly their own cooking. It would also be perfect if you had another family you wanted to vacation with who could rent the 2nd villa.

Owners Response: I very much appreciate our guests comments and thank them for taking the trouble to review our villa. I agree with our guests that the setting is off the beaten path, but feel that this is one of its attractions. Also we always recommend the use of a hire car or scooters during our guests stay. With regard to the local village being pretty dead over the New Year I must advise that our guests stayed Dec/Jan whereas the Thai New Year is in April when it is far more lively. The sandy beach which is a short walk from the villa does not have jet skis and windsurfers and the usual tourist trappings, but we ourselves found it lovely for swimming and sunbathing, and access to the beach is through public land - not private. Our rates for the villa rental are very competitive and my wife Gill and I hope to welcome you to our villa 'Tranquility' in the near future. Best Regards Dave and Gill