The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa Phuket

Guests are greeted on the pier at Naka Island, with a welcome drink and flower bracelet. It's a short walk to the enclosed lobby area, which functions more as a reception area than a place to relax. A thatched roof and wooden furniture look natural. There are a few wooden chairs topped with soft blue cushions but most guests hang out by the pool or in the nearby library, which has nest-like chairs topped with lime-green cushions in front of a flat-screen TV. Newspapers, DVDs, and books are available for guests to borrow here. Surprisingly, the grounds are a little patchy and not as green or lush as what would be expected at a five-pearl hotel. Hammocks and sea views are plentiful. Guests are a mix of honeymooners, families, and large groups who want a tropical beach vacation. The property is spread out so golf carts and bikes are provided for getting around.

The resort is built on Naka Yai Island, which is small and includes loads of natural beauty and a small Muslim fishing village. The only way to get here is via boat, about a five-minute ride from Phuket across sparkling Phang Nga Bay. There isn't much to do on the island besides swim, sunbathe, ride bikes, and play in the water. The eastern side of the island mostly consists of broad sandy beaches on Phang Nga Bay. There are a handful of very small restaurants and shops, but these cater more to locals than tourists. Obviously, there's no parking at the resort as there's no way to get a car on the island. The boat ride to and from Phuket is free for resort guests. 

There are 67 villas at The Naka Island, and each is well-maintained and beautifully decorated both indoors and out. Painted cement floors and walls are warmed up with pillow-topped window seats, wicker ceilings, and gauzy canopies hanging over beds topped with 300-thread-count sheets. Technology includes free Wi-Fi, Bose stereos, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players. In-room safes are large enough to hold laptops. Creature comforts are taken care of with stocked minibars, spa-grade toiletries, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Semi- or open-air bathrooms are spacious and clean. Double sinks, soaking tubs, and huge step-in showers are nicely maintained. Large windows allow ample light into the rooms and views of either the grounds (which aren't as lush as they could be), beach, or Phang Nga Bay. Outside, the villas have gorgeous private terraces surrounded with courtyard-style walls and set with plunge pools and day beds. The real highlight in each is a gorgeous soaking tub with a cascade faucet, located inside a small hut.  Some villas include thatch-roof structures with sun loungers where guests can admire the views.The Royal Horizon Pool Villa is one of the most over-the-top rooms in Thailand. This private, gated villa is spread out over three pavilions and includes two stylish bedrooms, a full modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and a six-person dining area. The pavilions are connected via a gorgeous outdoor pool deck that surrounds a stunning infinity pool with a private island, sunken living room, and yoga pavilion. Views of Phang Nga Bay blend almost seamlessly with the edge of the 546-square-meter pool. The outdoor bathroom has a steam shower. Evening turndown service is extra special with fresh flowers and lit candles in the villas.  

Spa Naka is a spectacular facility that combines the beauty of the outdoors with the comforts of Thai hospitality and treatments. It's fully decked out with a warm water Watsu Pool (one of only two in Thailand), an ice room, steam and spa rooms, and a reflection pond with a stone path that leads to a hot tub. Past guests have complained that staff needs to do a better job of removing dead leaves from the outdoor areas of the spa. The modern gym is stocked with new Technogym equipment in a bright and airy space. Guests can borrow bikes to explore the island. Though the villas have private pools, there's a large freshwater pool that everyone can use. It has two tiers and an infinity edge that blends into the Andaman Sea. Wooden sun loungers topped with thick blue cushions are placed in the shallow end of the water. Sunken islands hold leafy trees. There's an on-site boutique that sells resort wear, jewelry, and pottery. Next door is a colorful kids' club surrounded by a picket fence. It doesn't have outdoor facilities but there's a small ball pit, toys, and flat-screen TVs inside. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort. 

The food at Naka Island gets high marks for quality but is definitely on the pricey side, and there aren't a lot of other options on the island itself. All guests get a free breakfast buffet that includes fresh juices, Asian options, and American fare along with bloody Marys and mimosas. One note: Pork is not available as this is a mostly Muslim island. Tonsai serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner by the pool: either indoors or out. The vibe is casual and the cuisine is international, incorporating regional fish and vegetables from the resort's garden when possible. My Grill serves steakhouse fare with a Thai twist for dinner, outdoors in a sunken living room. Dishes are prepared in a wood-fired oven or traditional Tandoori oven. There's a full bar and extensive wine list, too. Z Bar is the beachside option, set with comfy daybeds and ocean views. Guests can order tapas and cocktails from mid-afternoon until late evening. Room service is available 24/7 and private beachside dining can be arranged. Kids' menus are available. 

The beach at Naka Island is clean, quiet, and private. A stretch of sand and clear blue water is ideal for sailboats, kayaks, and paddleboards -- all of which can be borrowed for free from the resort. There aren't any loungers on the sand itself, but they are set on the lawn above the beach, along with hammocks. Tide times are listed on a wooden board and there are several other public beaches within biking distance of the resort.