Staying in Luxury at The Naka Island in Phuket
Southern Thailand is seriously dreamy. Those actually perfect beaches, the turquoise water from which gigantic rock formations jut, the many massive and wondrous caves, and the colorful long-tail boats dotting the shoreline...it's all there and it's all amazing. I was immensely lucky to spend a few days living in luxury on a very small island off the coast of Phuket called The Naka Island.
Located a 15-minute boat ride from a pier on the east coast of Phuket, most of the island is a resort & spa and on the other side is a tiny village. Our accommodation was an extravagant hut (two words not oft-juxtaposed, but when you see the photos, you will understand). It featured a large bedroom with a vaulted ceiling and a canopy bed; an enclosed stone pathway to an open-air bathroom; and a private terrace with our own pool, daybed, and pavilion with mats and pillows for outdoor relaxation in the shade. I highly recommend ordering some champagne and mango sticky rice from the pillow menu, a.k.a. room service, while lounging in your own personal heaven.
The resort itself is spread out over an expansive area. The villas are located up on a hill and are dispersed along a few different roads. Complimentary bicycle rentals are the perfect way to travel to the rest of the facilities from your room - or you can always summon a golf cart ride from one of the many amiable staff members. The resort features a tranquil spa, three restaurants with panoramic ocean views (and one hell of a breakfast buffet), a gorgeous waterfront pool, and more. A favorite feature was the ability to schedule a private island-hopping tour with a super-friendly guide on a long-tail boat. The bicycle rentals were also a handy way to explore the entire island; just a short ride away on a very bumpy dirt path is the island's one tiny fishing village and its pier offers incredible sunset views. Make sure to get back to the resort in time to catch the end of the sunset with a drink in hand in a comfy, cushioned, front row seat at Z-Bar.
I could have spent many more days going back and forth between laying in a pool chair in the sun and eating mouthwatering curry (but do I get the green or the red?!). I hope to one day return to this peaceful oasis. If you're wondering which Thai Island to visit and serenity is your vision: look no further than The Naka Island.
the definition of an extravagant hut
our villa's private pool
the food was a dream
not to mention the beverages
our long-tail excursion
riding right up to huge caves
secret pool inside a cave!
Khao phing kan
also known as "james bond island" due to its appearance in a film
kayaking inside another secret cave pool
sunset from the village side of the island
views from z-bar
Pretty amazing, right? Let me know what you think of The Naka Island! Then let me help plan your trip there :)
