Website summary: unquestionably samui's finest private luxury retreat, praana resi-dence is an extravagant 5-bedroom hilltop residence literally packed with delights and surprises. praana means 'vital force' and as soon as you enter the impressive grounds through the grand entranceway with ample parking space, you feel the energy of the villa. as you walk over ponds filled with koi carp, passing a private tennis court on the left, tall buddha statues peer down from recesses in the stone clad wall. from the lower level an infinity staircase leads up to the main accommodation, drawing you into this extraordinary villa's appealing indoor and outdoor spaces. inside the property a stylish, two storey central pavillion takes cen-tre stage. the upper level houses a vast, glass walled lounge and banqueting space, with carefully placed contemporary artwork adding style and elegance to the frame. striking crystal chandeliers cascade from the cedar wood ceiling, and the whole room looks out on a backdrop of breathtaking seascapes and tropical forest. two exquisitely appointed bedrooms sit below the living area, each one flowing seamlessly into a glass-walled rainshower room and an indulgent open air bathtub area. leading edge technology and contemporary furnishings add to the experience and the rooms slide open onto a wide terrace that looks over the vast, lawned sky garden and the tempting 30-metre infinity pool that literally pours into the views. the three master bedrooms occupy their own pavillions; two at the front of the villa overlooking the pool and garden, the other at the rear of the property. each boasts its own dramatic, unobstructed island views right from the bed, while inside, the rooms offer indulgent additions like free standing bath tubs and specially imported furnishings and accessories that offer a combination of style and absolute comfort. far more than a home, the praana residence is more like a private hotel. a fully equipped, personal life fitness centre offers tropical views and flat screen tvs to keep you on the treadmill a little longer. there's even a full size, covered muay thai boxing ring where you can learn or practice thailand's famous martial art form. after your work out, soothe your aching muscles in the huge out-door jacuzzi or enjoy a pampering body treatment from the estate's very own on-site spa. when you're ready to kick back and chill a while, catch a movie in the 10-seater private cinema, which is con-nected to a sophisticated apple tv system with a library of over 150 movies and furnished with sink-into leather loungers and equipped with a full surround sound system. with a choice of indoor and al fresco dining spaces, plus a sugges-tion menu that would take months to explore in full, the kitchen's culinary offerings are a fitting accompaniment to the delicious sur-roundings. in fact, with so many spaces and so much to enjoy, this villa is definitely a very special place for a party or celebration. with a full team team of dedicated staff on hand to cater to guests' needs, including an experienced villa manager to answer special requests and assist with bookings and travel arrangements, staying at praana residence is an exuberant experience indeed. 3 234