Part of the intimate Moon Cove estate, four-bedroomed Taipan is a hidden treasure, situated a few metres back from the sands on an idyllic bay that most visitors to Phuket have never seen or heard about. Though well away from the tourist hordes, Ao Yon is alive with traditional long-tail fishing boats puttering past sparkling yachts, and strings of colourful buoys at the centre marking a cultured pearl operation. Positioned just behind one of the other Moon Cove villas, at a slight rise, Taipan offers a fantastic perch for observing Phuket's coastal life, especially from its spacious terrace and 12m infinity pool. Down towards the beachfront, which stretches in front of the estate, is the shared garden offering lots of running-around space for the kids and direct access to the sands. At one corner is a pétanque pitch, where you can test your boule-throwing skills in tree-shaded comfort.

This villa features two top-floor bedrooms: an elegantly furnished master suite and a twin-bedded room, both set just behind the pool, while downstairs are two king-bedded bedrooms and a fifth 'spare' room with a queen-size bed. At least partial sea views are enjoyed from every bedroom and guests are assured a great deal of privacy with ensuite bathrooms in all.

Moon Cove estate is staffed by two housekeepers and a groundsman who take care of all three villas and live in separate quarters on site. Breakfast is included in the rate and a professional Thai chef may be hired to prepare other meals for an extra charge, plus grocery costs. The modern kitchen is well equipped for those who wish to self cater, and there's a sturdy wooden table set in the glass-fronted dining room for enjoying meals with a view. A set of Burmese style bamboo chairs on the terrace offer a relaxing spot to gather for cocktails.

Larger groups can rent Taipan together with Noble House or Hai Leng villas, its neighbours on this exclusive estate. Car hire is essential if venturing out, with scenic roads around the cape to explore and some of Phuket's best restaurants within easy reach.

• Air-con (Bedrooms)
• BBQ
• Bed Linen
• Car Parking
• Main Dining (8 persons)
• Dish Washer
• DVD Player
• Ceiling Fans
• Hairdryers
• Hotplates
• Internet (WiFi)
• Iron/Board
• Equipped Kitchen
• Laundry Service (Sent out)
• Laundry Service (In-house)
• Microwave
• Oven/Hotplates
• Extra Bed (Roll away/mattress)
• Safe
• CD Player/Stereo System
• Swimming Pool (Private)
• Toiletries
• Towels
• TV (Satellite/Cable)
• Washing Machine
• Coffee Machine
• Chef/Cook (Breakfast only)
• Security
• Shopper
• Masseuse/Spa Therapist
• Garden/Pool Staff
• Housekeeping (Full time)

Period	Net Rates
from 1 May 2012 to 31 August 2012	$ 1400
from 1 September 2012 to 30 November 2012	$ 1200
from 1 December 2012 to 15 December 2012	$ 1700
from 16 December 2012 to 10 January 2013	$ 1900
from 11 January 2013 to 31 January 2013	$ 1700

With those exquisite sea views to take in, Taipan villa's top floor serves as the main gathering area. Here, the kitchen, dining and living rooms are set in a bright, open-plan space fronted by floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the terrace. Those who fancy doing some cooking during their holiday will find all the equipment they need in Taipan's modern kitchen in sea-green tile. The dining room sits just in front of the kitchen with a teak dining table and eight chairs surrounded by floor-to-ceiling picture windows on three sides allowing for wide sea views. A more informal meal or a snack may be enjoyed at the kitchen's black granite counter, lined with four bar stools. Set between the kitchen—dining room and the bedrooms is the small living area, with an inviting white cotton sofa perfect to curl up on for an afternoon read.

The terrace that stretches across the front of the villa offers plenty of room to enjoy the tropical breezes, with partial roof cover providing a cooler zone for those needing a break from the afternoon heat. Evening cocktails or afternoon tea may be taken in style on the bamboo Burmese chairs and loveseat set around a coffee table here, followed by a refreshing swim in the 12m infinity pool.

The elegant master bedroom, furnished with a four-poster king-size bed, and its neighbouring twin bedroom both offer sea views and are situated behind the pool, while two king-bedded rooms – also featuring sea-views from their balconies – lie below them on the ground floor. Those who wish to indulge in a peaceful scenic soak will be battling for the master suite, whose bathroom features a free-form tub beside a picture window. The other ensuite bathrooms are fitted with rain showers.

Only the master and twin-bedded bedrooms upstairs are equipped with air conditioning, while other rooms have ceiling or standing fans plus clerestory windows for added ventilation. A fifth bedroom (with queen bed) that could perhaps serve as a nanny's sleeping quarters, plus the estate's staff quarters are found on the ground floor, accessed by entrances separate from the main villa.

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