The Naka Phuket Review

Seeing The NAKA Phuket for the first time takes your breath away. A collection of cantilevered villas hang from the mountainside. Each has a wrap-around glass front facade framing the 180-degree panorama at every angle. From the reception area on the hilltop, the valley floor begins to fall away, creating a sweeping slope from the top of the property to its pretty private beach. Award-winning architect, Duangrit Bunnag’s daring and dramatic design is a striking vision, spread across the 17-acre luxury hideaway in Kamala, on the island’s west coast. It’s obvious why The NAKA Phuket was handpicked for the enviable Design Hotels portfolio.

Skye Gilkeson

Reception sits high on the hill with sweeping views over the 17-acre resort at The NAKA Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson

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94 luxury villas cling to the hillside. Each is numbered according to the height it sits from sea level and the direction it faces; one of the many clever ways the design is integrated with the resort’s natural surroundings. My One-Bedroom Pool Villa was located close to the top of the hill.

Each master suite hangs 6 metres out from the edge, seemingly floating mid-air. This meant the bedroom had an expansive sea view, ideal for watching the sunrise and sunset from the room’s balcony or the comfort of the covers of my king-sized bed. The living area featured a generous modular lounge, work desk, flat-screen TV, coffee-making machine and a mini-bar, restocked daily and included in the rate.

Enjoy the panorama from the comfort of your covers in a villa at The NAKA Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Each master suite hangs 6-metres out from the mountainside providing undisturbed views like this to the bay at The NAKA Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Private outdoor bathtub big enough for two in the One-Bedroom Pool Villa at The NAKA Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson

A full-length sliding door led to the outdoor patio and a huge 28-square metre private pool. Both the pool and twin sunbeds shared the same enviable sea view. The other half of the villa was home to the bathroom with his and hers sinks, WC, rain shower complete with divine Molton Brown products and a private outdoor courtyard, home to bathtub big enough for two.

The generous living area in the One-Bedroom Pool Villa allows plenty of room to relax and unwind, The NAKA Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson

The pool caught the mid-morning sun; ideal for a little lounging before lunch. By afternoon, the water had been gradually warmed which made for a comfortable sundown swimming spot with a clear view to Kamala Bay. Sheltered by the villa to one side and a privacy wall at the other, it felt intimate and protected; a wonderful option for honeymooners and couples who are looking for some time out just for two.

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Private patio, pool and sun chairs with an enviable view of the valley at The NAKA Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson

The impressive The WIWA Restaurant building at The NAKA Phuket is another beautiful reflection of the property’s grand design. Image © Skye Gilkeson

The WIWA Restaurant at The Naka Phuket

The resort’s restaurant, The WIWA holds prime position on the beachfront. The gorgeous, grand wooden structure can’t be missed. With a lofty ceiling and grand wooden doors that swing open to reveal the view, the place feels, open, warm and relaxed. The WIWA serves breakfast each morning. A found myself wandering down the hill as the sun was still coming up, the “snap” of my camera one of the few sounds to be heard.

The buffet is a balanced mix of Asian and Western. I loved the freshness of the food. A whole snapper smothered in herbs sat at one end, thick slices of cooked ham and steamed chicken with slivers of fresh grated ginger proved irresistible. A soup station, eggs, plates of tropical fruits, juices and cereals were all waiting each morning.

Sitting at the edge of the restaurant, I spent my mornings, slouched back in the seat, cradling a coffee mug and taking in the sound of guests gently slapping the pool below during their daily laps. Gardeners quietly worked in the green areas, couples wandered the sand sinking in their toes and stopping to pose for pictures in the soft morning light. It was a very peaceful start to the day.

For lunch and dinner, every appetite and taste is covered in the menu. They have everything from Asian seafood appetizers to Western picks like their delicious Chef’s Salad, bursting with colour and fresh ingredients and bigger meals like the Steamed Snapper; something I tried for lunch one late afternoon and loved.

Smelly cheeses, charcuterie, smokes salmon and extra fresh sides at The WIWA Restaurant, The NAKA Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson