If you are looking at Phuket as your next holiday destination, then you should look beyond the typical resort hotels and consider renting a luxury 5-star Villa. It's probably cheaper than you think and offers the privacy and security for you and your family or friends and where All Day Breakfast means All Day Breakfast.

Most luxury Villas in Phuket are in prime locations ? either close to beautiful beaches, perched high up with magnificent ocean views or on private islands with private beachfront. Villas can be found in the remote corners of Phuket where you will enjoy peace and solitude or right in the middle of Patong Beach where you can enjoy the nightlife Phuket is famous for. It's your choice.

Once you book a 5-star Villa, there's not much more to think about. As soon as you land, you will be whisked away in a private van to your Villa where your staff will be waiting with a cold towel and welcome drink.

Villas come in a range of sizes, from 2 bedroom pool Villas, all the way up to 10 bedroom Villas. The average size is 4 or 5 bedrooms, usually all with private en suites. Lounge areas will have big screen plasma TV's, satellite TV, DVD players and more recently iPOD docks so you can play your own music and DVD's. Many Villas have a private gym, home theatres or Yoga rooms and all have a modern kitchen.

Food is a highlight of a stay in a private Villa. You decide what you want to eat and when. All Villas offer a complimentary breakfast of your choice and many offer food packages where you can pick your dishes from a Thai menu and the staff will buy everything fresh from the market and charge you the market rates -preparation is complimentary. Or simply let your chef decide what's for dinner. Most Villas also provide free bottled water, other offer a free case of Heineken on arrival, all soft drinks and all food, making a Villa a very attractive option.

Your Thai staff or Villa Manager will take care of any needs you might have, from fishing trips of golf tours, to daily massages and babysitting. Most speak English and offer a range of great discounts and exclusive services, as well as transport so you don't have to deal with anything yourself.

Staying in a Villa is a fantastic holiday option, especially for a group of friends or family. The ability to relax by your own pool, have fresh fruit brought to your hammock at no charge, or simply wander around in your dressing gown all day. Many Villas offer any time check in and check out, so you can really make the most of your holiday. Try asking for that at a 5-star resort.