Overlooking a secluded patch of soft white sand at the far southern end of Sunrise Beach, Serendipity is our top pick for a luxurious splurge on Ko Lipe.

Each with a ceiling fan and air-con, which you may not need to use given the vaulted ceilings and broad glass doors opening to the breeze, all 12 of the smooth-wood villas are accessed through gates ensuring privacy. Inside you get high-end mattresses with mosquito nets to go with plus-size daybeds and expected amenities, including satellite TV, mosquito repellent and torch. Flashes of orange, crimson and olive-green punctuate the dark-wood walls.

Just 12 villas at Serendipity allows for a peaceful retreat. Photo: David Luekens

Bathrooms come with rain showerheads, bronze basin sinks and windows that allow you to take in a sea view from the loo. All rooms also feature spacious decks with umbrellas placed over tables. Sporting names like “The Big Lebowski,” most rooms come in at 55 square metres while top-end editions boast 100 square metres of space including private plunge pools and living rooms.

The reception area, restaurant and villas are all built over a leafy hillside, lending the place a tree-house feel that also comes with quite a few steps unless you go for one of two rooms situated closest to the sand. Amid the stairs and walkways are common-use platforms and nooks outfitted with silk pillows and hammocks. Note that the railings have large gaps, making stretches of the walkways unsafe for toddlers.

It's a treehouse-vibe, with seaside views. Photo: David Luekens

While we’ve yet to try them, we’ve also heard great things about Serendipity’s spa as well as the three-tiered sea-view restaurant and bar called On The Rocks. Located beyond two stacks of boulders, the secluded beach is beautiful and staff does everything in their power to make things easy for guests.

Rates fluctuate often and you may want to check out the early-bird discounts and package deals available through Serendipity’s website. Neighbouring Ten Moons is another good choice that could save you a few thousand baht, while the smaller Sawan Resort over on Sunset Beach is another swanky yet non-pretentious option with its own wooden villas set high above the surf.