The Aquila is located a short 40 minute drive from Phuket International Airport. Access to the property is via a private road into a gated compound with 24-hour security. Upon arrival, a short, steep driveway will lead you to the carpark and reception area which can comfortably accommodate five vehicles. Also occupying the Arrival Pavilion is a comprehensive spa providing in-house treatment and services to revitalize your body and mind. From this area you will also get your first glimpse of the three other pavilions set into the cliff-face which togethercomprise this sumptuous villa.

The Main Pavilion is the centrepiece of the property, with its definingwhite walls contrasting perfectly with the Black Chinese-slate roof, and the tropical green of the natural surrounds. The grand entryway is resplendent with its sweeping spiral staircase which draws you downwards into the pavilion below. The building stretches from North to South along the cliff-face in order to maximise the ocean views from the Westerly sunset aspect. Indeed, there is not a single room in the entire property that does not have simply stunning ocean views. The high ceilings and extensive use of glass combine to provide breathtaking landscapes at every step and turn. The Villa was explicitly designed not to be an air-conditioned box and as such all rooms have ceiling fans to compliment the abundant cool sea breezes along with large sliding glass doors to allow cross ventilation.

This central structure is spread over three levels and encompasses a total floorspace of approximately 1100m2. The top floor contains a large library complete with a wide array of novels and multiple spaces for casual reading. The library is exquisitely fitted with Teak flooring and imported Balinese artwork, to provide an elegant and peaceful ambience. Also on thisfloor is a large Reception Room which can be used for meeting and greeting guests, or entertaining. This space is defined by a stunning aquamarine Thai silk wall feature. Both the library and Reception have decks with uninterrupted ocean views. There is a washroom for guest convenience on this level along with a large pantry which contains a sink so it can act as a support room to the two formal rooms if they are desired to be used for functions.

The spiral staircase which is nothing short of breathtaking leads next down to the ground floor facilities. On the left, you will find the living room which has been tastefully decorated with modern furnishings and artwork from around Asia. In the evenings this is the perfect place to repose on one of the free-form sofasand watch the in-house (Netflix) movies on the 60 inch screen. Located next to the living room, is the formal dining room which can seat up to sixteen guests in style. Adjacent to this is a drykitchen and the wetkitchen where all meals are preparedthat aren’t done on the barbequeby a team of three skilled cooking staff. Thekitchen suite boasts top grade commercialfacilities and can be stocked with whatever food and drinks your heart may desire. All rooms on this floor have direct access through floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors to the pool and terrace area.

The infinity pool and the surrounding open-air terrace is the highlight of the property, stretching for 30 metres along the length of the Master Pavilion it is constantly alluring. Edged in gorgeous black African Granite, surrounded by comfy sun-beds, and fragrant Frangipani trees, the inviting water stretching to the horizon makes for a stunning backdrop. The dark slate tiles on the bottom of the pool are constantly changing tone throughout the day, and not only look visually pleasing but warmthe pool through their absorption of natural energy. The dreamy sunset over the pool at the end of each day is a breathtaking highlight of a stay at The Aquila. There is no place in the world you would rather be than here as nature provides a feast for the eyes; rich hues of pink, red and orange radiate from the pool to the impossible blues of ocean meeting sky.

On each end of the pool is a modern Thai Sala (a roofed structure with no walls). The Northern Sala contains the informal, outdoor eating area, complete with exquisite timberwork inthe high ceilings and a slow fan for those lazy afternoons. Many guests choose to take most of their meals in this sala, while enjoying the panoramic landscape. Meanwhile, at the other end of the pool, the Southern Sala has casual seating and sofas for socialising or relaxing with your favourite book. Guests often spend much of their time here, enjoying the waftingsea breezes and the sounds of thewaves as sailboats drift in and out of view.

Moving back inside the building, and down the winding ribbon of stairs to the lower floor, you will find a voluminous chamber just made for entertaining. Theenormous Recreation Room is simply perfect for a small functions, partiesor just to watch your favourite sports match. The room, bedecked with 65inch flat-screen TV, contains a wet-bar with beer on tap, a red felt pool table and plenty of comfortable sofas. At the other end of the space is configured as a form of private movie theatre boasting a 70 inch wall-mounted screen for watching sports or movies. Adjoining this room is a separate space for the house-gym, complete with punching bags, TRX,

3top multi-function weights-machine, free weights and Yoga mats. For cardio purposes there is a rowing machine and treadmill with a million dollar view.

Looking out from the Recreation Room, there are tropical landscaped gardens dotted amongst the rocks on the hillside. What’s more, several rambling paths lead down to the direct ocean access and to The Aquila’s private cove. About 50 metres offshore in this cove, is a pristine coral reef which can be snorkeled at your leisure. For the more adventurous, a slightly more difficult trek path will deliver you at the gushing waterfall which forms one of the boundaries of the property.

To the north of the Main Pavilion and accessed by a short path, is the Master Pavilion (completion 2017) which comprises three self-contained guestrooms spread across two floors and some of the best north-westerly unobstructed ocean views on the property.

Heading to the other end of the grounds, a short walk past the Southern Sala, there are two paths through manicured gardens which lead to the Guest Pavilion. Here you will find six self-contained guestrooms spread across two floors. The rooms are the perfect retreat after the end of a long day relaxing. The minimalist architecture employed, allows the focus to remain on the quality of the workmanship and the imported fixtures.

The ground floor contains two double-rooms each one with an adjacent twin-room. This is perfect for a family by maintaining privacy, while enabling a parent’s and children’s room to be in close proximity. All rooms contain Wi-Fi, and modern fittings. Almost everything is automatic including the blinds, which mostly remain open for even more ocean views with complete privacy. The bedrooms all feature top-hung windows of Fletcher, New Zealand, and this results in them gliding beautifully without the use of any floor tracks to annoy bare feet. Wake up each morning to an awe-inspiring panorama. The ensuite bathrooms contain open-air waterfall showers and are fitted with the very best Italian tiles and top end Japanese fixtures that include such touches as optional heated seats. For relaxing or romancing there is a deep plunge-bath for two, with sublime ocean views through a floor-to ceiling window.

A complement of friendly and professional service-staff are on hand to make your stay as comfortable as possible, including an English-speaking manager, and a full-time chef who will cook meals to order made from only the best local ingredients. Phuket is famous for its seafood and tropical fruits which make up some of the best local dishes. Whether you want Tom Yum Goong or an American Breakfast, the staff at The Aquila will ensure that it is cooked not only to perfection but also to your liking. For dining out, there is an abundant selection of cosmopolitan dining just a short drive away at Kamala Beach.

The Aquila is quite simply a residence without peers. One of the finest pieces of real estate in Thailand combined with a villa construction of uncompromising quality and luxurious design and fittings. The result is perfection as the sun-kissed seascapes, pristine jungle and unrivalled luxury and service will ensure as many halcyon days of reverie as you desire.