?A luxurious experience of ancient Siam? Tassana Pra - meaning ?House facing towards the Buddha? - is an authentic teakwood villa, and has become a symbol of Thai elegance on the island of Samui and beyond. The villa was constructed following the traditional house-building techniques of Ayuthaya, the ancient capital of Siam. Tassana Pra occupies a spectacular location atop a hillside and enjoys unsurpassed views across Samui?s northeastern coastline and the straits beyond to the distant outer islands. In the middle foreground is the famous Big Buddha Temple, the inspiration for the villa?s name. Tassana Pra has been specifically designed by the owner to be one of his principal homes for most of the year and not just a ?villa rental?. Many antiques and decorative items have therefore been carefully selected to make the villa a unique and symbolic place to stay and rest, both for the owner and for privileged guests. The imposing entrance gate and long stone driveway lead down to the villa through some of the 4,800 sq. m. of lush private gardens that are home to ponds, streams, waterfalls, and a multitude of tropical plants, trees and flowers. The first and largest of the five connected pavilions that compose the villa has a soaring Thai roof supported by 16 antique wood columns, and is reached via an ornate covered walkway bridge across a lily pond. This is the sumptuous living and dining area, which opens out onto a large covered terrace, ideal for casual dining and entertainment, and offering spectacular and unobstructed 180-degree views of the mountains, the sea, the coastline, and the Big Buddha Temple, in addition to the swimming pool. . The four other pavilions are located at each corner of the villa and are all accessed from the living room. Three of them host luxurious bedrooms (two doubles and one twin) complete with four-posted beds, and combining traditional Thai style with modern western comforts and facilities (air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms with bathtub and separate shower). The master bedroom has its own spacious dressing room, views of the ocean, and its bathroom contains a Jacuzzi. Each room features carved panels, doors and genuine antique furniture either from Thailand or Burma and made of solid teak, while the fabrics are of finest Thai silk and cotton. The fourth pavilion contains the private study of the owner (not accessible) and a guest bathroom. On the ground level there is a fourth bedroom (double) with a more modern décor and en-suite facilities, ideal for children or younger members of the party. The ground floor also contains the fully equipped modern kitchen, as well as the hidden staff quarters and laundry. Guests can access the swimming pool and front garden either from the upstairs terrace or the covered patio on the ground floor, while sun beds are arranged around the pool deck. For those concerned about discretion and privacy, Tassana Pra is equipped with state of the art electrical and security systems, a back-up generator and efficient water storage facilities. The villa is fully staffed by a team of four who will discreetly carry out their duties and remain at guests? service for their every need. The Villa Manageress is also a renowned Thai chef, and will be delighted to prepare the most impressive selection of tastes for those wishing to discover the culinary culture of Thailand. From the Guests point of view it is difficult to impartially give justice to the villa . However, all would agree that a stay at Tassana Pra will awaken numerous senses; the unique aroma of aged teak upon entering the main pavilion, the soothing sound of water from the fountains, streams and waterfalls surrounding the entire villa ? all contribute to an overwhelming feeling of tranquility, which will be enhanced throughout the stay by the discovery of a multitude of decorative details. Facilities * Free-form pool * Hi-fi System * Satellite TV, DVD/CD players * Fully furnished inc. linens/towels * Fully equipped kitchen, and upstairs pantry * Phone line with internet access * All bedrooms are air conditioned * Living area with full-length doors and mosquito netting, and ceiling fans - no air conditioning Services * The villa staff will visit twice daily to make up beds and ensure the villa is kept clean and tidy * The Resident Manageress is available at all times * Bed linen is changed every third day, while towels are changed as necessary * Pool towels are provided and replenished as required * Cooking service and shopping list available * In-villa wine selection * Concierge service for all tours and activities; private tours can also be arranged * Car rental with or without driver, full insurance coverage * Baby-sitting on site * In-villa spa treatment with extended menu