26/08/2014
You can't ignore the 70m waterslide at Lulu Villa: one plunge and you’ll be hooked. The slide curls around the side of the house like a serpent, but although it’s a little intrusive from the outside, once you enter the villa it doesn't interfere with the wide tropical views. Each of the villa's spacious three storeys has its own personality: the entrance level offers gentle living and dining options, the second floor inspires fun and games, while the third provides peaceful repose in three of the villa’s five ensuite bedrooms (a guest bedroom on each of the lower floors also makes this a comfortable group share). Despite its youth (completed 2010) there's a homely feel throughout. The gigantic curved sofa in the lounge is a superlative place to curl up in front of a movie and the huge wooden dining table begs family gatherings or dinner parties.
Though not on the beach, bathing is a pleasure in all its forms at Lulu. You can lap in the 19m swimming pool, soak in the attached whirlpool bath or bubble in one of three jet-fed, circular, sea-view bath tubs. Evenings pass contentedly with a choice of pool, table football or ping pong which will appeal to kid and adults alike. There's also a music system and a well stocked drinks fridge (soft drinks, beers, wine and champagne charged to guests' account) to complement the fun and games.
Squirreled away on a hillside overlooking Samui's north coast at Bang Por, Lulu Villa is surrounded by palm plantations that hide the occasional private residence. A ten-minute walk down the hill brings you to the main ring road where there are a couple of local shops and humble Thai eateries. The beach is reached by crossing this road and passing through a residential compound. The water here can be shallow for much of the year but it’s a very secluded stretch of sand with fabulous views. With a car you have more options as Mae Nam is just three kilometres away and boasts a greater choice of shops and restaurants as well as a wide, sweeping bay and good swimming.
Lulu is a modern, functional villa spread over four levels. You enter from the rear straight into the spacious living/dining area, which boasts a U-shaped, ten-seater sofa and a solid wood ten-seater dining table. A 52-inch wall mounted LCD TV with surround-sound offers cinematic viewing and wooden cabinets and pastel wall art give the space a warm, homely feel.
Three separate doors from the lounge open in turn onto a guest bathroom, a modest but well equipped kitchen and a double guest bedroom with an extravagant ocean view whirlpool bath tub and separate rain shower cubicle. Glass doors at the front of the room slide onto two outdoor stairwells that lead down to the pool terrace while steps to the right climb up the side of the house to access the waterslide on the third floor.
Back inside, the middle floor games room boasts a full-sized pool table and a fusball table poised for holiday fun. There's also a well stocked drinks fridge, a stereo and a kids’ corner with cushions, games, a TV/DVD and ensuite bathroom. A door opens onto an office with a desk, shelves and a desktop computer for guests' use. Then there's a second double guest bedroom with the same indulgent bathroom facilities. A wide terrace fronts the games room offering a pleasant place for evening drinks with tables and chairs placed 'cafe-style' to absorb the views.
The top floor double bedroom is the largest and therefore considered the master suite. The bathroom is the same as the lower floor bedrooms but with even better views from the tub. This floor also boasts a twin bedroom with ensuite shower and a second, sea-view double with a sun terrace, bright pastel décor and an ensuite bathroom with sunken tub and rain shower. The 78m, double loop waterslide drops directly from the terrace, but can be accessed via the aforementioned outdoor staircase, limiting intrusion.
The lower level pool terrace at Lulu boasts cushioned sunbeds, an outdoor dining table for ten (perfect for barbecues), a relaxation sala, diving board and 'his' and 'her' bathrooms. The 19m swimming pool is long enough for laps and lying in the attached sea view whirlpool bath adds to the hillside experience (avoid perching on the edge as there's a serious drop off).
Bedroom 1 Double 6.2m x 4.3m
Bedroom 2 Double 6.2m x 3.5m
Bedroom 3 (Kids Room) Twin 6.7m x 3.3m
Bedroom 4 Double 5.8m x 4.3m
Bedroom 5 Double 3.3m x 3.3m
