Accommodation at Villa Aiko is spread over two levels in an L-shape configuration. Open-plan for easy entertaining, with a wall of sliding glass doors leading onto the wide veranda, the ground floor living and dining space has comfortable sofas and a ten-seater table set before a long bar counter lined in illuminated marble. Beyond, in the kitchen of beautifully crafted teakwood cabinets and state-of-the-art appliances, guests can watch the chef at work as he whips up gourmet meals. Off the kitchen is the guest cloakroom and, to the back, the staff quarters.

Flanking the living area are two king-bedded guest suites and a library lined with books to keep readers and peace-seekers appeased. A third guest suite, also king-bedded, occupies a separate pavilion by the swimming pool.

Between handsome walls of reclaimed ironwood, stairs lead to an upper-level living room with huge upholstered sofas and oversized chairs arranged around a flat-screen TV. But who wants to watch telly when the views are so magnificent? Doors open to a benkirai-wood terrace furnished with beanbags, and double love seats. A glass-walled playroom with toys, TV and electronic game station lets parents keep an eye on their kids from the terrace or the living room.

On the other side, next to the spa room with massage bed and recliner (perfect for reflexology and pedicures) is a huge master bedroom dominated by an enormous 2.3m bed facing a wall-mounted TV, and a reading chair well placed to enjoy the stunning views. Equally spacious is the ensuite with dressing area and – like all the other bedroom suites – a two-person bathtub, double vanity and separate shower. (Adding to the comfort factor, every room is air-conditioned, even the bathrooms).

Outside the master suite is a private terrace with daybed and love seat, and a bridge across to a huge dining terrace with 270-degree views. From here, a grapevine-covered spiral staircase leads down to the lawn and pool, where a herd of driftwood deer grazes among he beds of tropical plants.