Eight Dolphins: simple yet elegant Zen-like retreat
House of the Month

Cascading gently down a mountainside, overlooking the entire expanse of Kamala Bay, Eight Dolphins has the allure, peace and serenity of a home, built to strict Buddhist precepts;much the same way temples are built. It was constructed after consultations with Buddhist monks. Auspicious days were chosen for beginning construction, which only started after a blessing ceremony performed by monks.

Constructed in traditional Thai architectural style, details such as every window and every doorway being narrower on top than at the bottom adds to the charm of this exceptional property built in one of the choicest locations on the island. It has direct private access to the white sandy Kamala Beach in Phuket. An old fisherman's trail from Eight Dolphins takes one to Laem Singh Beach. The virgin rainforest between Tropical Villa for Sale the property and Laem Singh Beach is protected by the 'Grandfather Clause', which not only prevents further development adjacent to Eight Dolphins, but also protects the area as a wildlife refuge.

Part of Kamala Residence, Eight Dolphins belongs to a cluster of five homes administered by the Community Owner's Association. A complete spa with sauna and thai massage pavilions;a 40-metre swimming pool and a restaurant are currently under construction at this exclusive community.

Eight Dolphins, comprising of five separate pavilions sculpted artfully on a mountainside, spans over four levels. There are stone steps, pathways and lush tropical gardens leading to the separate pavilions. The stone courtyard, located on the mezzanine level, overlooks Kamala Bay. Needless to say, the view is magnificent any time of the day, but sunsets viewed from here are especially spectacular. The panoramic views of surrounding mountains and Kamala Bay can be enjoyed from all five pavilions, each with several large picture windows.

The courtyard, with tropical gardens, integrates outdoor and indoor living space superbly. It has several teakwood chairs and tables with umbrellas and an outdoor bar. An herb garden is adjacent to the bar. Beyond the herb garden is a gate that leads to the planned common area swimming pool and spa facility.

The kitchen -dining-room pavilion opens to the courtyard. It is on the northwest corner of the property. The Western- designed kitchen has wall-to-wall polished- granite counters with well-designed teakwood cabinets underneath. A circular, two-tier storage cabinet divides the kitchen from the spacious dining room. There is also a bathroom in this pavilion. The dining room faces west and north, offering views of Kamala Bay and the adjacent rainforest. The only sounds that can be heard are the cicadas and sounds of the sea as Eight Dolphins is at the end of a road, which terminates in a cul- de-sac.

Across the courtyard from the dining room, on the same level, is the living- entertainment room. This beautiful teakwood pavilion with redwood floors and vaulted ceiling also has sea views. All the teakwood built-in cabinets are custom-designed. The ensuite bathroom, with aquamarine tiles has custom-made towel- storage cabinets.

The cleverly designed wardrobe between the bathroom and living room has two sets of doors;one set opening from the bathroom and another set opening from the living room. This unique and functional wardrobe design is a common feature in all the bathrooms. Other signature pieces are carved teakwood insets below all the windows and unique clay light fixtures, stamped with exquisitely moulded orchids. Throughout the property there are 250 light fixtures;when lit-up at night, Eight Dolphins is transformed into a magical, mesmerizing sight.

There is a guest-bedroom pavilion one level above the courtyard. Going up the hill from here is another pavilion, which is the master bedroom. Both of these buildings have sliding glass doors that open up to decks with sea views. Carved-wood railings enclose the decks. The ensuite bathrooms are as striking as the spacious bedrooms.

Down a level from the courtyard are the maid's quarters, a two-car garage and storage room. There is also a Thai-style kitchen and two bathrooms on this level.

All the pavilions at Eight Dolphins are constructed in traditional Thai style. Only wooden pegs are used, each pavilion has vaulted ceilings made of Burmese teakwood and the f looring is aged redwood. The bay fronting the property has spectacular snorkelling, diving and fishing.

The setting, the architectural design and details, the gardens and views all culminate in a harmonious blend at Eight Dolphins. It is a beautiful, simple yet elegant Zen-like retreat. For anyone seeking a romantic, peaceful haven, this property is listed on the market for THB 35 million (approx. US$795, 000. -). The assumable loan on the property at 6%is available to qualified applicants.

For more information contact
Blaauw &Nassau Real Estate Agents
Tel. (+6676)263 737/8,
Fax (+6676)224 113
Mobile :(+66-1)892 94 95

Tropical Living: April 2004, Volume 3 Issue 11

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