As more and more people choose to settle in Phuket, creating a perfect dream home can be an expensive challenge. exotiqPhuket asked renowned Asian based British Architect, Jeremy Stowe, to cast a critical eye over one of the Tranquil Coasts’ most spectacular villa estates: Vista Del Mar Phuket, overlooking Nai Thon Beach. Here’s his report.
By: Jeremy Stowe
I didn’t need much persuading to review the villas at Vista del Mar Phuket since they are located on Nai Thon Beach, my #1 favourite part of the island, where admittedly I have also lived for many years. I have watched the steady development of Vista del Mar and hence I’ve often wondered what they are like inside.
Nai Thon is one of the best places on Phuket Island in my opinion: we don’t suffer from bad traffic, yet it’s only a 20-minute drive from the restaurants of Cherngtalay and Bang Tao to the south, and only a 10-minute drive to reach the airport to the north. The beach isn’t bad either….it’s top draw.
With many years of experience in design and building in Asia and since I am retired, I took on the management of building my own home here in Phuket, with the help of some excellent local contractors. However, typically, most people don’t have the time or experience to tackle such a project, that’s why working with a proven lifestyle developer, such as the Vista Del Mar team makes so much sense.
I have driven past the entrance to the estate often enough, and the first thing you notice is that the grounds are quite densely vegetated; in fact, the estate butts onto a steep wooded hill. Having lived in urban Hong Kong for so long, greenery is hugely important for me in Phuket, and I noted that there are no dividing walls between properties here, just developing green hedges.
The estate is about 70% completed (or sold), so I assume the residents who already live here won’t feel like they are living on a building site.
I was fortunate enough to visit one of the newly finished villas. You approach the front door of the villa up a few steps, with running waterfalls on both sides; I loved the noise of the water, it added to the expectation and suspense of what was behind the large teak doors. The developer had also put a small foot wash area outside the villa so beach goers can remove any sand before entering the villa; this is detail which I like, and it bodes well for what I would find inside the property.
To describe what I found when I swung back the doors can be summed up in one short word: ‘WOW’. A modern, cool feeling, high quality and spacious interior. The view of the ocean, with its developing sunset, was amazing! This entrance level of the villa is dedicated to one main, open dining, kitchen and lounging area, with sliding windows on two sides opening to the infinity pool and outdoor dining BBQ deck. The ceiling is high, the recessed lighting effective and the floor tiling was very well laid and grouted; it’s a spacious and uncluttered living space, so nothing interferes with the view.
As the owner of an ocean-view villa in Phuket, I can certainly attest to the fact that it attracts a constant flow of family and visitors from overseas. This villa at Vista del Mar has an entrance level designed in a way where all the essential facilities we need, every day (including the master bedroom) are all on one level, which I like, meaning it’s not necessary to go up and down stairs all day.
The open kitchen has a large breakfast bar island, and is well equipped with Hafele appliances, including an all-important wine fridge. Again, a level of detail that you don’t often find in new villas.
The master bedroom deserves a special mention, because it includes a high-quality walk-in closet with excellent timberwork, that is independently air-conditioned, essential in the tropics to keep your clothes fresh, especially when you are away.
The three guest bedrooms are on the lower level of the property. They are all ensuite, and there is a large home-theatre and fitness area, including a kitchenette, so your guests have no need to come into the owners’ territory. I should add that the guest rooms are large and very well appointed. I particularly liked the colour and quality of the timberwork in the bedrooms, including the unique free standing curved bedhead.
Throughout the villa the decor, art and trimmings are very tasteful. For example, on the long wall in the home-theatre area the designer has installed wooden lattice paneling, which not only breaks up the vastness of a large, bare wall, it also looks very artistic.
I have to say, the 4-bedroom villa at Vista Del Mar really impressed me. There was very little I could find that I would have done differently. At around 60 million baht for ownership of a large pool villa, with this quality of interior finishing, fantastic sea view and in one of the best locations in Phuket, Vista Del Mar is very good value in today’s market.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jeremy Stowe grew up in England and graduated as an architect at Kingston University in London. He moved out to Hong Kong in the early 1990s. He has been involved in the design of some of Asia’s most iconic projects, including the M+ Museum project developed as part of Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District. Jeremy retired to Phuket in 2022 and recently completed his own 6-bedroom hillside villa overlooking Nai Thon Beach.