Updated on August 18. 2025
When you’re looking for somewhere to stay on vacation, if you happen to have a tropical destination you will probably come across the terms “Oceanfront,” “Oceanview,” or “Beachfront”: terms used to describe different villas and their location or position relative to the sea. But just what do these seemingly synonymous terms really mean?
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Differentiating Between The Three Villa Locations
It’s important to understand that “oceanfront,” “oceanview,” and “beachfront” are three different classifications of villas based on location, specifically in relation to the beach or sea. This is especially important when considering villas in locations such as Cape Yamu and Kamala in Phuket or Maenam in Koh Samui, where properties are not always located directly on the beach. While these villas vary in location, they all share impressive views of the ocean and luxurious amenities for added grandeur.
1. Oceanfront or Seafront Villas
Oceanfront villas are built directly beside the sea/ocean but have no beaches. This can mean they are built on a cliff next to the sea/ocean, or located in an area without a beach and instead are next to a rocky tide pool or some other type of formation.These type of villas offer stunning views of the sea/ocean and absolutely an amazing place to relax, but you might have to walk or drive your way to find a safe place to get in the water.
Properties that share the best oceanfront view include The Aquila Villa and Villa Ocean’s 11 in Phuket, both of which are located in sea-fronting estate locations that don’t have direct beach access. Both villas share impressive views of the sea in the horizon that can be enjoyed from different areas of the property.
2. Oceanview or Seaview Villas
In contrast to oceanfront or seafront, oceanview villas have a view of the ocean or sea but are not necessarily located seaside. In fact, oceanview villas can be many miles from the ocean, perched atop a high cliff or mountain which provides a commanding view of the sea, or they can be in close proximity to the sea.
Oceanview villas might put you a good distance from the water sometimes, but they tend to offer the most privacy and seclusion, not to mention some of the finest views the world has to offer. Some of the most coveted oceanview villas include Villa Paradiso and Villa Amankara in Phuket and Villa Anavaya in Koh Samui, which are a short drive or walk away from the closest beaches.
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3. Beachfront Villas
If being as close to the beach as possible is at the top of your vacation checklist, Beachfront villas are what you seek. Beachfront villas are constructed directly in front of or even on beaches. They offer direct access to the beach and are the perfect way to spend all day splashing in the surf without worrying about the long trip back to your shower and bed.
While Beachfront certainly offers the best route to the beach, these villas are slightly less private than Oceanfront or Oceanview properties, as you will likely have to share the beach with others staying at the estate. However, most of our beachfront villas are located in very secluded or private areas. Our most luxurious beachfront properties include Villa Boonta and Villa Amarapura in Phuket, as well as Villa Akatsuki in Koh Samui.
Tips on How to Choose Villas Based on Location
Just because a villa is not located directly on the beach doesn’t mean that it’s going to ruin your trip. There’s the possibility of exploring other beaches in Phuket, Koh Samui, or even Bali, not just the ones that have beachfront villas. Keep in mind that there are other beaches in your destination that are worth visiting, regardless of where you’re staying, so you can plan your itinerary around visiting some of your destination’s top beaches outside of your villa’s estate.
You may want to consider the in-villa features, services, and amenities that you might want to enjoy during your trip. Perhaps you are interested in keeping a well-stocked wine fridge for special occasions, or enjoying the services of a private chef for the first time. Maybe you might even see the pictures of the villa and decide that the view and the facilities are enough to keep you happy during your trip. It’s normal to choose villas based on what they offer compared to where they’re located.
Other considerations you may want to think about when choosing a villa are privacy, security, and transportation options to and from the top beaches in your destination. These considerations may actually play a more important role, especially if you are particular about handling of guests. Transportation options are also worth considering if you plan on pursuing other activities such as sightseeing, shopping, yachting, and clubbing.
Finally, you may also want to consider if going to the beach is important to you on your vacation, especially when you see that some villas in Phuket, Bali, or Koh Samui might be far from the beach. If it is important, you may want to consider making transportation arrangements, or booking an ocean view villa that’s a short walk away from the nearest beach. If it’s not on your priority list, then you might consider pursuing other activities such as cooking classes or temple tours.
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Choose The Right Villa For You Wisely
All of the villas that share the characteristics of each location category may differ in beach access, but one thing that they have in common is the unmistakable sense of sophistication in every square inch of the property. There’s a reason why these most elegant vacation rentals in Phuket and opulent private villas in Koh Samui, not to mention the best villas in Bali, share the same sense of grandeur across the board, from the plush amenities to the dedicated service of the staff members.
The sweeping panoramic sea views from these villas are matched by the unmistakable feeling of home that guests feel during their stay. Whether or not the guest’s accommodations are located in front of the beach might not matter in the long run, as long as they discover the serenity that comes from staying at a tropical villa.
Find out what gives luxury private villas the “wow” factor in our Villa Rentals Guide.
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Featured villa: The indoor-to-outdoor living and dining area at Villa Anavaya in Koh Samui.
The Luxury Signature represents and manages reservations of the finest villa rentals in Southeast Asia, specializing in some of the most stunning destinations including the islands of Phuket and Samui in Thailand, and Bali, Indonesia.
