Set high upon a clifftop within its own private cove, the edge-of-the-World location of "The Aquila" is nothing short of breathtaking. It has been described as a "Super-Villa" and "The Best Luxury Villa in Asia". After my recent stay here, I am inclined to agree, what do you think? Can perfection be improved upon.

* THE AQUILA *

(img source:https://www.facebook.com/AquilaPhuket/)

This modern villa really is something special and after a few days here and I truly understood what paradise is. As I gazed out in any direction all that I could see was only nature, beautiful and undisturbed nature. From the impossible aqua-blue Andaman Sea in the front to the dense tropical jungle which borders the Aquila on both sides. The name "The Aquila" means "Where eagles come to rest" and this suits the cliff-top location of this place perfectly.

The Aquila has been constructed in a modern-Asian style which I like. Traditional Thai structures don't really lend themselves well to the beach, with the dark heavy timber and lack of windows. The Aquila overcomes this by its clever choice of materials and style which take advantage of the surrounding landscape and still look perfectly at home on an island in Thailand. The Main Pavilion is the centre-piece of the property, with its stark white walls contrasting perfectly with the Black Chinese-slate roof, and the tropical green of the natural surrounds. The grand entryway is resplendent with its sweeping spiral staircase which draws you downwards into the pavilion below. The staircase really is spectacular, and is a great example of how you can take something mundane and make it awesome, with a little bit of inspiration.

The building stretches from North to South along the cliff-face in order to maximise the ocean views from the Westerly sunset aspect. Due to this design, every single room in the entire property has simply stunning Andaman ocean views. The villa was designed to have high ceilings and use lots of glass so that you are always looking at ocean or sky. It was specifically made not to be an air-conditioned box, so where possible ceiling fans are used in conjunction with the natural sea breezes. I personally love fresh sea air, and hate being locked inside, so I enjoyed the openness of this design.

The Aquila can be found on the West coast of Phuket, in an area which is known as the “Millionaire’s Mile” at Kamala Beach. This is one of the nicest parts of the island, with sandy white beaches and tree-lined bays, away from the maddening tourist centres. The property is big, really big and covers several acres of prime direct ocean-access land overlooking the crystalline Andaman Sea. The land is about 10'000 square metres in total and the combined total living area is 3500 metres spread across multiple buildings.

The villa has a little bit of everything for everyone. There are formal dining and entertaining spaces as well as ample locations for more relaxed times...like the giant games room. For those guests who are interested in fitness, there is a spa, a 30m pool and a gym. I was in the pool every day nearly all day, and even took a run on the treadmill one morning. If your tastes tend more towards leisure then "The Aquila" has its own private bar with beer on tap and a pool table. There is a big chillout area for watching movies with a 70 inch flat-screen and some big comfy sofas.

(img source:https://www.facebook.com/AquilaPhuket/)

The infinity pool and terrace was the highlight of the property for me. The pool is edged in a striking black African Granite, and surrounded by some comfy sun-beds, and flowering Frangipani trees. At any time of the day or night, the water in the pool is inviting and I spent countless hours just gazing over the edge to the ocean and the horizon. The dark slate tiles on the bottom of the pool constantly change in tone with the sun during the day, and not only look great but also help to heat the pool through their absorption of natural energy. Sunsets over the pool with a cold drink at the end of each day was one of the highlights of my stay at The Aquila. Phuket sunsets are simply stunning at any time of the year, as nature provides a visual treat for your eyes; rich pink, red and orange radiate from the pool and blend with blues of ocean and the sky.

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Looking out from the Recreation Room, there are tropical landscaped gardens dotted amongst the rocks on the hillside. You can wander down a small path to the direct ocean access and a private cove with some of the clearest water you will ever see. There is even a small coral reef about 50 metres off-shore which can be snorkelled at your leisure. The Aquila provide all the equipment for you.

At the northern end of the property you will find the Master Pavilion which comprises three self-contained guestrooms on two floors and gives some of the best ocean views. Heading to the other end of the grounds, there are two paths which will lead you through beautiful tropical gardens to the Guest Pavilion, where you will find another six self-contained guestrooms spread across two floors. Each and every room has amazing ocean views.

The rooms are simply appointed but classy. Of course, alll rooms have Wi-Fi, and nearly everything is automatic including the blinds, which is very cool, rolling them up and down. For me, they were open the whole time so I could see and hear the ocean. There is nothing I enjoy more than waking up each morning to an awe-inspiring panoramic ocean view. The ensuite bathrooms have open-air waterfall showers and for relaxing or romancing there is a huge and deep plunge-bath for two, with views of the ocean through a floor-to ceiling window.

Friendly and professional service-staff are always on hand and made my stay even more comfortable. The full-time chef was great and took pride in cooking up whatever food we desired. He insisted on using only the best local ingredients. Phuket is famous for its seafood and tropical fruits, and it just so happens that my entire family love both of these, so we were spoilt every day. From Tom Yum Goong (Thai sour prawn soup) to Pomelo Salad or fresh fried garlic Sea Bass, the kitchen staff at The Aquila ensured that it was cooked not only to perfection but also to our liking.

The Aquila is simply stunning in every way, and I am sure that my pictures and story don't do it justice. It's difficult to create the feeling that you get when you are in the most beautiful tropical setting you could imagine in this stunning villa. If you would like to see more then you really should check out their Facebook pag, THE AQUILA and do yourself a favour and check it out. I'm planning my next holiday there now.