Villa Namaste shares its enviable sea-view position high upon a jungle-clad hill with only two other villas. A walk downhill takes you to Bang Tao Village, a peaceful residential area populated mostly by fisherfolk where life revolves around a big golden-spired mosque. There are no stores or services in the village, so car hire is essential for shopping trips, dining out and exploring the island. Out on the main Cherngtalay road a left turn and a two-kilometre drive will bring you to the sparkling sands of Surin, Phuket’s most stylish beach, lined with restaurants, rental sun beds and watering holes. Swimming, snorkelling, beachside massages and sunbathing are the main activities here (and eating, of course!). About three kilometres in the other direction is the more peaceful Bang Tao beach, a postcard vision of tropical bliss with white sands, sun beds and a host of water sports including windsurfing to enjoy.