Golden hour in the garden at Pandawa Villa

Golden hour in the garden

There is a particular half-hour at Pandawa Villa, just before the sun dips behind the treeline, when the whole garden turns amber. The koi pond catches the light, the timber warms, and the day slows right down.

Bring a cup of coffee to the pavilion, let the kids chase the last of the light across the lawn, and watch the villa settle into evening. If you only photograph the villa once, make it now.

A few things worth doing at dusk

• Feed the koi — they rise for the last light of the day
• Light the pavilion and set the table outside
• Take the family portrait against the garden while the light is soft

It is the simplest kind of luxury: nowhere to be, and the best seat already yours.