Naka Island - Luxury Collection

[KitKat]

Due to the BKK floods, myself and +1 came down to Naka Island for two nights. We arrived on the second day after it re-opened.
Naka Island has previously been a Six Senses Spa property. It has since been rebranded into the Starwood group and re-opened on the 1st of November. It is a resort off the main island of coughet, about a 5 minute boat ride from the Ao Po Marina on coughet island which is about 25-30 minutes from HKT airport.
We had organised a hotel car to pick us up from the airport. As they had our flight details, they were already waiting for us as we came out of the arrivals area. Quick trip to the marina in air-conditioned comfort, through small villages and rubber estates.
Arrived at the marina at noon, and it was hot. No shelter for the approximately 100m walk to the boat. The attendants were waiting for us and took care of the luggage. Friendly and courteous.
Short boat ride to the island. Greeted by the Gen Manager on arrival. Then driven up the jetty in a golf cart by the butler to the reception area to strike a gong (while making a wish). The butler then gave us a quick tour of the resort on the way to the villa.
Check in was in the villa.

Interesting concept. Will let the pictures speak for themselves.



boat ride to Naka island, looking back at the marina on coughet







Note that the shower (indoor), toilet, basin and luggage areas are not airconditioned. They have fly screens but there are gaps where the mozzies can get in (mosquito coils are provided, lighted at turn down). There is also an outdoor shower and semi-enclosed bath looking out into the sea by the side of the villa.

Private pool is quite useable. We had a seaview villa. Quite private, could not be seen from the beach as the seaview villas are on the hill.

Dining options

Tonsai (Brekky, Lunch, Dinner)
A Grill type restaurant (Dinner only)
Z Bar (afternoon drinks, light snacks)
Breakfast - continental buffet with an a la carte menu for cooked items (eggs, pancakes, french toast etc) Oh yes had the seafood noodle dish for brekky - not bad (included in the island escape package)
Lunch - Tonsai - like any other hotel cafe (western and thai selections) - a la carte
Dinner - Tonsai and Grill (both a la carte)

Overall, good service but in non-airconditioned setting (beware of the mozzies...). Food not bad but not Rockpool etc standard. Reasonable hotel food.

We basically just stayed there to not do anything. There is an activity centre on the beach but as it was quite hot when we were there, we were quite happy to just stay in the villa - watch some movies, read some books while enjoying the peace and tranquility etc.

I think two nights to just chill out would be about right. More than that you may start to get bored with the limited dining options.
Would I stay there again? Not in the near future - not because I did not enjoy myself, but because there are so many other places I would like to go to.

Oh yes, there is a Spa there - quite an extensive menu - prices are similar to a western 5 star resort - so not cheap for Thailand.

 

[KitKat]

Main resort pool



private villa outside lounge



villa pool

 

[Alanslegal]

Nice review kitkat

The resort reminds me like something I would find in Fiji, and I probably won't rush myself to get there.

 

[ajca]

Nice review kitkat

The resort reminds me like something I would find in Fiji, and I probably won't rush myself to get there.

The photos kinda remind me of Likuliku in Fiji (where I had an AMAZING stay earlier this year).

Kitkat - thanks for posting this review & pics! Very helpful. I have a stay at Naka Island booked in late December, and I've read a few mixed reports and have been considering booking somewhere else instead (Sarojin?).

Now I'm definitely looking forward to giving Naka Island a try. As you've suggested we'll only spend a couple of days though.

 

[meloz]

Thanks for the report. I'm there tomorrow. Is the boat ride included in the accom?

Meloz

 

[KitKat]

Thanks for the report. I'm there tomorrow. Is the boat ride included in the accom?

Meloz

I think it is in most rates, you would have to check the rate you booked. I booked the Island Escape rate, so it was, plus brekky included.
I note that there are other rates that did not include boat transfers from the marina or brekky either (saw someone having to sign a bill at brekky - never had to during my stay)

 

[meloz]

I think it is in most rates, you would have to check the rate you booked. I booked the Island Escape rate, so it was, plus brekky included.
I note that there are other rates that did not include boat transfers from the marina or brekky either (saw someone having to sign a bill at brekky - never had to during my stay)

Thanks for the reply.

It turns out I was on the same rate as you. However my BMW turned into a Toyota on the way in, will see what happens on departure tonight.

I managed a 7pm late check out for my late flight. Currently Gold but used last years Platinum card at check in which may have swayed things.

The place is not my cup of tea but served a purpose allowing me to chill for a night and get some work done today after a hectic few weeks in Cambodia and Laos.

Meloz