Welcome to my abode of peace - a beautiful, organic and uplifting owner-built living space surrounded by tropical forest. Come, relax and unwind, get inspired and leave another person.
The space. This rather luxurious earth villa was in 2014 included in airbnb's seven wonders of Thailand. It artfully combines granite boulders, earth and wood. It has a 70 sqm (760 sq ft) ground floor divided into 3 rooms on 3 levels, topped by a 20 sqm (215 sq ft) loft. While the wide earth bag walls elegantly fill gaps between large boulders, the double roof structure is elliptic in shape and rest on 2 massive wood poles which previously served as main mats on a sailing boat. Warm natural light finds its way in through downlights and a large glass front. Corners are entirely absent and a feeling of tranquility prevails.
The villa is located off the beaten track in a quiet and superbly relaxing natural setting. They are no neighbours to worry about, yet the village of Srithanu is less than a 5 min bike ride away. You can find there many great eats - from seafood to vegan to Thai to Italian, French and Greek. And also a pharmacy and shops that carry all you could possibly need.
One of Koh Phangan’s most stunning swimming and snorkelling destination - a peninsula called Koh Ma (Mae Haad) - is a mere 15 minutes drive away. Had Yao, a local hotspot for divers, is a 10 minutes drive away and even closer than that you find several yoga centres that offer daily drop in classes or workshops in different styles.
The villa feature a large stylish outdoor kitchen that overlooks the garden and the surrounding forest. It comes equiped with a double burner gas stove, kitchenware, but instead of electric appliances you will find a wood fired brick dome (pizza) oven on the kitchen counter and a couple of ice cooling boxes.
Most of the years, the sound of water from the creek flowing around the villa is part of the space. And for those who love to bath in fresh water, a few deep holes are there to accomodate you.
The villa is 100% powered by solar energy and all water used in both kitchen and bathrooms is from our well. You can brush your teeth or boil it for tea and cooking but not for drinking. The village offers a drinking water dispenser where you can refill for a few cents. We will leave you two full 5L bottles at the beginning of your stay to cut down on the usage of plastic bottles.
There are 2 bathrooms - the first one comes with a Thai style bucket shower, a sink and the space for your toiletries. The other one (located in a detached bamboo structure) comes with an overhead rain shower and has an open 180 degree view towards the forest and ocean. The toilet is also there.
In the master bedroom, you will sleep on a 100% natural latex mattress. The other bed has a coconut base mattress with a 2" thick topper mattress. It can be placed on the loft or in the second bedroom depending on your preferences.
Villa shanti is ideal for single or a couple or a couple plus a guest or 2 couples. It can also easily accomodate 3 couples at a time.
Even though the house is blended in the lush tropical forest, the elegant mosquito net and the double sliding doors seal the space. The majority of animals that show themselves occasionally around the house are entirely harmless; lizards, frog, cicada or gecko is an appealing feature.
The house offers most things you could need during your stay. This unique space is perfect for travellers who want the comfort of a large but unassuming space, good taste, and easy access to everything.
