What are the best Asian-Pacific tropical islands to live and work on? Thailand’s Koh Samui and Phuket, Langkawi in Malaysia and Australia’s Hamilton Island offer idyllic beach lifestyles
Two years of lockdowns and other restrictions have pushed the appeal of waterfront living to the forefront of many homebuyers’ minds. “For many, being near the water, with more space and greenery, has been a primary driver,” said Chris Druce, senior research analyst at Knight Frank, noting that 42 per cent of respondents to a recent survey said they were more likely to buy a waterfront property as a consequence of the pandemic.
Island properties, of course, offer the opportunity to live surrounded by water, at a pace of life more relaxed than in urban centres. So, where in the world can you bask in the island lifestyle, without moving too far away from civilisation?
The top pick of Tim Skevington, managing director of Richmont’s Thailand, affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, is Koh Samui.
“When compared to some other resort destinations in Thailand, Koh Samui has a much more laid-back vibe, with terrific beaches, world-class hotels and excellent restaurants, but no high-rise buildings, and fewer shopping malls and nightlife destinations,” he said.
“So it appeals to different residents and holiday makers than, say, Phuket.”
He added that Koh Samui is very accessible, with direct international flights being reinstated and ferries from Surat Thani less than two hours away.
“We get inquiries from buyers all over the world, including from Hong Kong, for a second or first home in Koh Samui,” added Skevington. “Many buyers make income from their island villas when not in residence by taking advantage of high rental demand among holidaymakers, and the many local management companies available who can look after the property.”
One example of a residence currently available is Villa Bang Sang on the Five Islands Estate, a small community in the quiet southwest of the island with stunning views and sunsets. A low-density community, the estate offers plot sizes between 1,200 to 3,000 square metres with 24-hour security.
“Designed as an island getaway, the Five Islands Estate is only 40 minutes from Samui’s private international airport which is served by direct flights from Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, New Delhi, Mumbai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, thus making it incredibly well connected to many of Asia’s city hubs,” Skevington said.
“In addition to existing direct connections, airlines plan to offer direct flights from Shanghai, Dubai and Bali in the near future.”
Villa Bang Sang is for sale at US$4.6 million, but at a considerably lower price point, Villa Sila Varee in the exclusive Santikhiri Estate, also in southwestern Samui, can be yours for US$1.3 million.
According to Skevington, this particular area of the island, known for its beautiful landscape, coconut plantations, sea views and sunsets has transformed in recent years from an insider secret to Samui’s go-to spot for luxury and privacy.
Designed in 21st century Southeast Asian island style, Villa Sila Varee has five bedrooms (including two separate guest rooms with ensuites), ocean views, a private infinity pool, outdoor barbecue kitchen and dining, and extensive redwood decking.
Victoria Garrett, head of residential for Asia-Pacific at Knight Frank, agreed that many people are gravitating towards the mix of the great outdoors, lush surroundings and the cocoon of privacy that only a luxury island villa offers.
“Demand is high in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in territories such as Bali, Phuket, and Langkawi,” she said.
According to research conducted by Knight Frank Thailand, Garrett added, there were 3,233 villas sold in Phuket last year out of a total supply of 4,002 units, representing a sales rate of 80.8 per cent.
In Langkawi, Malaysia, an expansive property on 8,950 sq ft of land comes with a 4,000 sq ft two-storey villa. The four-bedroom, modern-design home has a private infinity pool and scenic views over the island across greenery to the sea.
Within a 15-minute drive of Kuah Town and Langkawi International Airport, the property is listed by Knight Frank for just under US$1 million.
At the higher end of the market, a five-bedroom villa cradling the Andaman Sea on the Thai island of Phuket costs about US$9.5 million.
Set on a forested hillside above Layan Beach, the home offers 180-degree ocean views from every vantage point, flexible entertaining areas including a separate, full-service kitchen, and a private infinity pool.
Australia’s Hamilton Island is a favourite bolt-hole for boaties. Situated off the coast from Airlie Beach, Queensland, the marina that is the community’s main feature is a gateway to the picture-postcard Whitsunday Islands just a few hours’ sail away. For divers or avid game fishermen, large cruisers travel daily to the Great Barrier Reef.
Hamilton Island also has its own airport accommodating domestic airlines and private jets, and an 18-hole championship golf course on neighbouring Dent Island. No cars are allowed on the island, only golf buggies and electric service vehicles.
The permanent population numbers about 1,500, although this swells into the thousands during peak tourist seasons. As Hamilton Island is an integrated tourist resort, all properties are Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approved, enabling overseas buyers to purchase.
According to Lynn Milsom, of Hamilton Island Real Estate, the luxury end of the market starts at about A$2 million (US$1.3 million) and climbs to A$10 million-plus. “At this price point you can expect open water views, premium finishes, and three-plus bedrooms,” she said.
One example of a current listing is a flat at Pavillions, one of Hamilton Island’s most exclusive waterfront developments. The single-level home comprises three bedrooms plus study, three bathrooms, open plan indoor/outdoor living areas and spectacular northern views across the marina and beyond. Exclusive use of an 18-metre marina berth is included in asking price of A$4.2 million.
Or for around A$1 million, you can still get close sea views from a two-bedroom, two-bathroom resort flat in the Hibiscus Lodge complex. According to Hamilton Island Real Estate, the unit, which could be either a family holiday home, retiree retreat or an addition to one’s investment portfolio, has a strong capital growth history and great earning potential.
Buying guide
What you can buy for about US$2.7 million
A three-bedroom, three-bathroom renovated flat at Pavillions Hamilton Island in Queensland, Australia. One of the most sought-after developments on the island, Pavillions is the only one with a 18-metre marina berth. The sale includes a golf buggy, secure parking, high-end furnishings, a wraparound balcony and private spa, within walking distance of the marina and town centre.
What you can buy for about US$4.6 million
Villa Bang Sang, a private sanctuary on the Thai island of Koh Samui. Developed in 2020 by an experienced team from Singapore, the four-bedroom, four-bathroom villa offers some 13,573 square feet of ocean view living on a low-density estate.
- Seclusion has been at a premium in the pandemic era, and island properties are trending hard – Richmont’s Thailand offers Five Islands Estate and Santikhiri Estate in southeast Koh Samui
- Knight Frank suggests Layan Beach in Phuket while Hamilton Island Real Estate recommends the Pavillions and Hibiscus Lodge developments