Tag Archives: villas

Annandale, New Zealand

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The Annandale concept is unique, offering high-end luxury villas for couples, families and groups of friends who want to explore rural New Zealand with total freedom.

The New Zealand born owner, Mark Palmer, originally bought the land as a working farm and holiday home. Realising the potential he has invested millions of pounds into the project, modernising the two existing properties (The Homestead and Shepherd’s Cottage) and building two new, architecturally exceptional villas (Seascape and Scrubby Bay) for guests desiring something more contemporary. Wealthy and full of love for this part of the country, Annandale is Mark’s passion project and continues to develop as his imagination grows.

Annandale farm

Isolated in the rugged lush green hills of Pigeon Bay, it is an hour drive South of Christchurch, but many guests opt for a helicopter transfer from the airport. The 4000-acre farm is in full working order and is found along 10km of treacherous coastline. The properties are therefore completely remote and private, and the views from every angle are spectacular. I spent one night at Annandale, and it truly wasn’t long enough to experience all this magical place has to offer.

Scrubby Bay

Each of the four villas has its own character and purpose, to suit the needs of different guests, and architect Andrew Patterson was responsible for the design and restoration of all four. Shepherd’s Cottage is the smallest and most affordable, a cosy refurbished farmhouse with just one bedroom that feels authentic but luxurious. For couples visiting for a special occasion Seascape is the perfect retreat… a classy, modern glass structure overlooking the bay with every technological amenity you could ever wish for. Scrubby Bay is the furthest from civilisation, located in a secluded bay. It is the newest villa, having been open just a year ago, but it has already received many awards. With four bedrooms and bathrooms, a swimming pool and two kitchens it can accommodate up to 14 people.

I stayed in The Homestead, the most accessible of the four properties, as it is found at the entrance to the farm. This grand house can sleep 12, with four master en-suite bedrooms and a fifth room with bunk beds, ideal for kids. The facilities are impressive with a private swimming pool, tennis court, gym and outdoor gardens. Inside, the villa has been designed and decorated with great attention to detail to create a homely but lavish environment. The sitting room alone could have kept me entertained for hours; artwork on the walls, books on the shelves and games in the cupboard. A log fire and blankets are ready for use in the chillier months. Upstairs the bedrooms each have their own colour theme and layout. I slept in a gorgeous canary yellow room, with a big four poster bed, views over the garden and a spacious bathroom complete with freestanding bath tub and Nellie Tier toiletries.

The Annandale staff are always on call to help with any arrangements, should you wish to hold an event in your villa they can make it happen. They can also organise a range of activities including fishing, kayaking, scenic boat trips, hiking, cooking classes, biking, spa treatments, farm tours and clay bird shooting. Experienced and innovative cook Paul Jobin is the executive chef at the property and is in charge of everything food related. Along with the rest of the team he has developed the ‘we create, you serve’ programme which provides guests with pre-prepared dishes and instructions for assembling and cooking, so everyone can enjoy restaurant-quality meals in their own privacy. I enjoyed this concept for breakfast and it was easy and delicious. The dining table was a feast of eggs benedict, granola, crumpets, poached rhubarb, yoghurt, fruit and cakes… all homemade with local ingredients.

Many guests choose to have one of the Annandale private chefs for some or all of their meals. Based on your dietary requirements and preferences the chefs will design a menu to suit the occasion, from casual lunches of wood fired pizzas to sophisticated seven course degustation dinners with matching wines. Paul cooked and served us an exquisite three-course dinner of carefully composed recipes with an Asian influence, proudly explaining that all the produce is either from the farm itself or from within 50 miles. A highlight was the velvety-smooth venison with cauliflower, dehydrated grapes, couscous and carrot curry; a delicious combination of textures and tastes.

Annandale provides a genuine but luxurious New Zealand farm experience where guests can tailor their stay to create the perfect escape.

More information and book a stay at Annandale here: www.annandale.com

Banyan Tree Samui, Thailand

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The archipelago of southern Thailand is a tourist trap and Koh Samui, the third largest island, has been growing rapidly in popularity, attracting foreigners with its pristine beaches and laid back culture.

Initially, as we drove past Chaweng Beach, I wondered where the brochure shots came from… how could the busy strip of tacky shops and vendors be the idyllic paradise to which visitors trekked? I could not imagine the oasis at the other end of the island.

But drive a little further and you reach Banyan Tree Samui, a breathtaking, awe-inspiring property with villas perched on the green hillside. They surround a quiet secluded bay, used exclusively by the hotel guests.

The experience begins at reception where smiling staff welcome you to the view, I felt dizzy looking out… this is the postcard landscape that you will never get used to at Banyan Tree Samui. Cooling coconut water and a flower garland followed then it was all aboard the buggy with a personal butler ‘Summer’, and off to our hill crest villa. The hill grew steeper and steeper until we reached a grand wooden door. More steps led to a three room luxury villa. This elevated structure reflects traditional Thai architecture, spacious with a high ceiling and floor to ceiling windows offering views out over the Gulf of Thailand. Summer chatted away about the immaculate detailing of the facilities, I zoned out as I gawped at the view and wondered, who can I FaceTime first?

The stylish rooms show continuity with dark wood panelling, beige and brown furnishings with a touch of warmth from the burnt orange detailing. Despite the size and space the rooms feel cosy and homely. The huge white bed looks out to the incredible infinity pool which can be accessed from anywhere in your villa, and it is tempting to spend an hour struggling to take ‘selfies’ of yourself from every angle in the pool, my iPhone very nearly drowned.

Through to the bathroom and a giant indulgent bath tub looks ready to relax even the sternest of guests, black granite covers the surfaces. A glass-enclosed power-shower is also provided should you need it. Branded patterned bathrobes and wash bags are yours for the stay or available to buy to take home. We were lucky enough to see the sunrise, a spectacular vision at 6.15 in the morning.

There are numerous ways to occupy yourself whilst staying at Banyan Tree. We took part in coral replantation on the beach, which was both educational and fun, testament to the conservation work the staff do. The spa is renowned throughout Thailand boasting unrivalled facilities and expert staff; with hydrotherapy pools and a rainforest complex, there is a wealth of treatments to try. I can personally vouch for the Rainforest indulgence, a three hour experience which involves a hydro and Thermo circuit followed by a balancing massage. It is a sensory experience not to be missed.

The hotel has three exemplary restaurants: the Edge for breakfast, Saffron for traditional Thai and Sands for casual beachside cuisine. We enjoyed an atmospheric dinner at Saffron, which showcases the finest Thai flavours and cooking techniques. The meal begins with a ritualistic hand cleanse and a flower behind the ear! The food was faultless: sticky sweet pork ribs with honey was a highlight, tender juicy meat with a crisp caramelised edge coated in sweet marinade. Red curry was great too, and it was fun choosing between the four rice varieties that accompany the dish. Sticky rice, mango and coconut ice-cream was made to perfection here also.

Sitting at the highest point of the resort listening to the lyrical local music and gorging on the divine delicacies was unforgettable. I commend Banyan Tree on their beautiful establishment.

More information and book to stay at Banyan Tree Samui here: www.banyantree.com/en/samui/