Ellie and I returned to Koh Phangan for the first time in many years, looking for a little privacy, seclusion and equilibrium between nature and comfort. We asked a friend Jamie, who runs Wake Up! Wake boarding in Chaloklum if he knew of any villas that would offer us all this and more. Jamie passed our details onto his friends Jamesy and Bew, who manage some rental villas on Koh Phangan, the lovely havens known as DeeDee Retreat and after a bit of e-mail communication we were easily booked in.

We stayed for two weeks in villa two, a two bedroom house and the master bedroom was just that 'masterful', a large, beautifully furnished bedroom and what a view! All I can say on reflection is we wish that our own home was as spacious, well finished and fantastically equipped as the villa! The design shows true thought for guests comfort and requirements with comfy beds, ceiling fans, air con in the bedrooms, ocean views, lots of glass windows showering the rooms with light and more views. A bathroom that molds itself around the natural rocks of the land, lovely fresh towels and linen, great artwork, furniture and believe me I could go on and on..in fact I will..

We love the northern end of Koh Phangan and the distance from the craziness of Haad Rin suited us perfectly, allowing us to hire a jeep (from Jamesy) which meant we could freely travel to the local resort villages of Chaloklum, to beaches such as Haad Salad, Haad Yoa and to Thong Sala for the best market food on the island.

Taking the turning into Thong Lang, the cove the villa's are in, you know you are retreating as you gently bump down the the road literally off the beaten track to a beautiful bamboo fence which wrapped itself around the two superb villas and one amazing swimming pool. Watch out for the little Chinese ornaments so perfectly placed around the lovely blooming garden and the hammock sala the size of some bungalows we have rented in the past. The shaded Sala offers a private retreat from the villa but only seconds away, with a perfect view down the Robinson Crusoe escape beach. With fitted dimmer lights as the night draws in the sala can lower its lighting level for the tranquil evening on the hammock swinging, listening to the waves.

We were by no means disappointed with DeeDee villa retreat, you simply couldn't be. You just think to yourself how lucky you are having the space, privacy and peace all to yourself. We were just Ellie and I which was perfect, like a dream. But the villa's could easily accommodate a large family or group of friends. Whilst we were staying the weather wasn't fantastic, which helped highlight how well designed the villa was as when it was belting down with rain we were sat inside on the comfy settee looking out the large windows at the best weather forecast happening live in front of us. The rain thrashed down and instead of being cooped up in a hotel room, bungalow or hotel restaurant we had the luxury of the large living space, kitchen and again the privacy!!

Jamesy and Bew were happy to help us in any manner they could. Although also respected our privacy and space, for example, they would phone forward to clarify it was a good time to enter the villa to change the linen! Jamesy kindly offered his time to play golf with me at Santiburi Golf Course on Koh Samui. We left the villa on a Wednesday morning and thanks to some fine scheduling of boats and taxi's we teed off at mid-day, had an absolutely amazing round of golf on one of the most spectacular golf courses I have ever played on. If you have time go and play, the views of Koh Phangan, the aesthetic of each hole layout was superb.

I attempted my first session of wake boarding with Jamie at Wake Up! in Chaloklum. His professional tuition helped give me the knowledge and confidence I needed and within a few attempts I was up and learning how to turn. A great activity with a lovely guy. His boats impressive and its so amazing to see Koh Phangan from the sea view. He even took us round to see DeeDee retreat from the sea. Again we just had to exclaim how lucky we were to have found the place. All I can say is see you next Year Jamesy and Bew. We loved your villa and the relaxing time it gave us. If you're reading this and 99% sure on booking the place, just do it, you will not be disappointed.

Having just spent the months of January and February at Deedee Retreat, yes retirement does have its compensations, we would like to say how much we enjoyed the villas. We were very fortunate to sample both Villa 1 and Villa 2, Jamesy and Bew were very welcoming and wanted us to trial run them both between other clients so that we could give an independent view of each.

Villa 1 is very spacious and comfortable with magnificent views from all rooms and patio, the attention to detail is first class with comfort in mind. The beds were superbly comfortable and the sofa and chairs in the lounge area likewise, the hot showers in both en suite bathrooms were a joy, in fact no complaints anywhere. The kitchen superbly equipped made cooking at home a treat (yes really).

Villa 2 is just as comfortable and equally well equipped but just that little bit different, offering a most truly majestic main bedroom, and a very private and comfortable 2nd bedroom (which we spent most of our time in). It also offers a rooftop spirit house, which is just great for star gazing (haven't seen so many stars for years and shooting stars as well).

There is a lot of privacy between the villas which makes them very comfortable when sharing with other guests but equally for a larger party plenty of dining and leisure space to combine.

All in all this is truly a magnificent spot on the island of Koh Phangan, offering privacy and seclusion (a rare thing is this busy world we live in) and equally near enough to the local fishing port of Chaloklum for bars and great eating, with the emphasis on low key.

We have recently returned from a family hoilday in Thailand which included a week at Dee Dee Villa Retreat. We LOVED it, LOVED it, LOVED it!!!! We are regular visitors to the Far East and have stayed in many lovely hotels, Dee Dee villas are up there with the best! There were six adults in our party and we had both villas. The location, views and villas themselves are really stunning. There was nothing that we needed during our stay that hadn't been thought of and provided.

There is a small restaurant at the back of the villas in which we ate on a number of occasions. It was great to have somewhere to eat withtin a very short walking distance. The food takes a while to arrive but it is well worth the wait! The owner is a man of few words but a lovely genuine character. After our first lunch we asked if he could provide a taxi into Chaloklum that evening, he took us himself in his open back truck but refused any payment. Jamesy and Bew went out of their way to ensure that we had a brilliant stay and were able to provide lots of useful information about the local area. We have never returned to the same location in Thailand but we think Dee Dee Retreat will be the exception. Ko Phangnan is a beautiful island with lots to see and do but we defy you to spend more than a few hours away from these gorgeous villas!