Sep 21, 2014, 10:19 pm
The Naka Island Resort, Phuket Thailand [Master Thread]
Nov 29, 2015, 10:39 pm
#288
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 508
Dec 3, 2015, 9:38 pm
#289
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: No more shiny cards -- former LH SEN, SPG Platinum, Flying Blue Platinum, BA Silver
Posts: 704
Just completed a stay here.
The facilities are truly five star however the service level is not just as polished or as slick as it should be for a hotel of this category and one charging the sort of money they do.
We had a pool villa with sea view -- the views are spectacular, the villas are very very private and we had a feeling of complete seclusion so it's perfect for a romantic getaway. The villa pools are absolutely perfect to have a little bit of a swim / cool off / read a book whilst standing in the swimming pool which is one of my favorite past times :-)
We did not have many issues with mosquitoes, however the hotel was very good at ensuring that there was mosquito spray in all key locations. They were at each table in the restaurant, at each table in the bar and also in the rooms. As I always do I would strongly recommend that you bring some with you just in case
We used the spa a lot, the prices I would say are in line with what I would expect if a little on the expensive side in comparison to other resorts in and around the Phuket area. The spa menu is "massage heavy" I have found more varied menus at some other resorts that offer more balanced menus, such as different variations of body wraps and scrubs
Someone mentioned about jet skis. We did see a couple of people using jet skis when we were at the resort I didn't ask where they had hired them from (eg water sports center at the resort or an external company)
Even though I am a Platinum Member I'm not really want to track "platinum benefits" However at this resort it was definitely noticeable for example platinums were given free drinks between 5 and 7 p.m. at the Z bar and platinums also had as many journeys to and from the mainland that they wanted. We did not get a room upgrade however to be honest I don't think that they need to offer this in the sense that the resort was quite full so for the person who asked about getting an upgrade from a "non pool villa" to a "pool villa" I would suggest that you pay the extra money to be on the safe side.
On the topic of food and beverage I would have to say that this is where my comment about polished and slick service was most noticeable -- you didn't get the impression that the food and beverage teams at the restaurant we're working in a very joined up manner for example orders were mixed up / delayed from time to time. Whilst resolved to my satisfaction and with a smile and an apology, for this level of resort it should just not be happening. Someone mentioned about taking the boat to and from the mainland to experience different restaurants my own thoughts are that it would be quite an undertaking that I couldn't be bothered with
The 64 million dollar question for me is "would I go back." The answer is yes however it would have to be on a special offer to feel like it was offering value for money. I do feel that when spending hard earned money, even at top end resorts / business class flights, that I have to feel we're getting value for money
The facilities are truly five star however the service level is not just as polished or as slick as it should be for a hotel of this category and one charging the sort of money they do.
We had a pool villa with sea view -- the views are spectacular, the villas are very very private and we had a feeling of complete seclusion so it's perfect for a romantic getaway. The villa pools are absolutely perfect to have a little bit of a swim / cool off / read a book whilst standing in the swimming pool which is one of my favorite past times :-)
We did not have many issues with mosquitoes, however the hotel was very good at ensuring that there was mosquito spray in all key locations. They were at each table in the restaurant, at each table in the bar and also in the rooms. As I always do I would strongly recommend that you bring some with you just in case
We used the spa a lot, the prices I would say are in line with what I would expect if a little on the expensive side in comparison to other resorts in and around the Phuket area. The spa menu is "massage heavy" I have found more varied menus at some other resorts that offer more balanced menus, such as different variations of body wraps and scrubs
Someone mentioned about jet skis. We did see a couple of people using jet skis when we were at the resort I didn't ask where they had hired them from (eg water sports center at the resort or an external company)
Even though I am a Platinum Member I'm not really want to track "platinum benefits" However at this resort it was definitely noticeable for example platinums were given free drinks between 5 and 7 p.m. at the Z bar and platinums also had as many journeys to and from the mainland that they wanted. We did not get a room upgrade however to be honest I don't think that they need to offer this in the sense that the resort was quite full so for the person who asked about getting an upgrade from a "non pool villa" to a "pool villa" I would suggest that you pay the extra money to be on the safe side.
On the topic of food and beverage I would have to say that this is where my comment about polished and slick service was most noticeable -- you didn't get the impression that the food and beverage teams at the restaurant we're working in a very joined up manner for example orders were mixed up / delayed from time to time. Whilst resolved to my satisfaction and with a smile and an apology, for this level of resort it should just not be happening. Someone mentioned about taking the boat to and from the mainland to experience different restaurants my own thoughts are that it would be quite an undertaking that I couldn't be bothered with
The 64 million dollar question for me is "would I go back." The answer is yes however it would have to be on a special offer to feel like it was offering value for money. I do feel that when spending hard earned money, even at top end resorts / business class flights, that I have to feel we're getting value for money
Last edited by pdsuk; Dec 3, 2015 at 10:28 pm
Dec 4, 2015, 12:56 am
#290
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 508
Wow, great trip report, thank you.
May I ask you a couple questions?
1) I read a report that they don't nickle and dime you. Is this true? Did they have several free activities, etc?
2) Did you go around the resort or to the other side on the island? What else is on the island, what did you experience?
3) In your opinion how was the breakfast buffet?
4) How was the trip from the airport? How long did it take? Did you do a cab or?
thanks so much!!!
May I ask you a couple questions?
1) I read a report that they don't nickle and dime you. Is this true? Did they have several free activities, etc?
2) Did you go around the resort or to the other side on the island? What else is on the island, what did you experience?
3) In your opinion how was the breakfast buffet?
4) How was the trip from the airport? How long did it take? Did you do a cab or?
thanks so much!!!
Just completed a stay here.
The facilities are truly five star however the service level is not just as polished or as slick as it should be for a hotel of this category and one charging the sort of money they do.
We had a pool villa with sea view -- the views are spectacular, the villas are very very private and we had a feeling of complete seclusion so it's perfect for a romantic getaway. The villa pools are absolutely perfect to have a little bit of a swim / cool off / read a book whilst standing in the swimming pool which is one of my favorite past times :-)
We did not have many issues with mosquitoes, however the hotel was very good at ensuring that there was mosquito spray in all key locations. They were at each table in the restaurant, at each table in the bar and also in the rooms. As I always do I would strongly recommend that you bring some with you just in case
We used the spa a lot, the prices I would say are in line with what I would expect if a little on the expensive side in comparison to other resorts in and around the Phuket area. The spa menu is "massage heavy" I have found more varied menus at some other resorts that offer more balanced menus, such as different variations of body wraps and scrubs
Someone mentioned about jet skis. We did see a couple of people using jet skis when we were at the resort I didn't ask where they had hired them from (eg water sports center at the resort or an external company)
Even though I am a Platinum Member I'm not really want to track "platinum benefits" However at this resort it was definitely noticeable for example platinums were given free drinks between 5 and 7 p.m. at the Z bar and platinums also had as many journeys to and from the mainland that they wanted. We did not get a room upgrade however to be honest I don't think that they need to offer this in the sense that the resort was quite full so for the person who asked about getting an upgrade from a "non pool villa" to a "pool villa" I would suggest that you pay the extra money to be on the safe side.
On the topic of food and beverage I would have to say that this is where my comment about polished and slick service was most noticeable -- you didn't get the impression that the food and beverage teams at the restaurant we're working in a very joined up manner for example orders were mixed up / delayed from time to time. Whilst resolved to my satisfaction and with a smile and an apology, for this level of resort it should just not be happening. Someone mentioned about taking the boat to and from the mainland to experience different restaurants my own thoughts are that it would be quite an undertaking that I couldn't be bothered with
The 64 million dollar question for me is "would I go back." The answer is yes however it would have to be on a special offer to feel like it was offering value for money. I do feel that when spending hard earned money, even at top end resorts / business class flights, that I have to feel we're getting value for money
The facilities are truly five star however the service level is not just as polished or as slick as it should be for a hotel of this category and one charging the sort of money they do.
We had a pool villa with sea view -- the views are spectacular, the villas are very very private and we had a feeling of complete seclusion so it's perfect for a romantic getaway. The villa pools are absolutely perfect to have a little bit of a swim / cool off / read a book whilst standing in the swimming pool which is one of my favorite past times :-)
We did not have many issues with mosquitoes, however the hotel was very good at ensuring that there was mosquito spray in all key locations. They were at each table in the restaurant, at each table in the bar and also in the rooms. As I always do I would strongly recommend that you bring some with you just in case
We used the spa a lot, the prices I would say are in line with what I would expect if a little on the expensive side in comparison to other resorts in and around the Phuket area. The spa menu is "massage heavy" I have found more varied menus at some other resorts that offer more balanced menus, such as different variations of body wraps and scrubs
Someone mentioned about jet skis. We did see a couple of people using jet skis when we were at the resort I didn't ask where they had hired them from (eg water sports center at the resort or an external company)
Even though I am a Platinum Member I'm not really want to track "platinum benefits" However at this resort it was definitely noticeable for example platinums were given free drinks between 5 and 7 p.m. at the Z bar and platinums also had as many journeys to and from the mainland that they wanted. We did not get a room upgrade however to be honest I don't think that they need to offer this in the sense that the resort was quite full so for the person who asked about getting an upgrade from a "non pool villa" to a "pool villa" I would suggest that you pay the extra money to be on the safe side.
On the topic of food and beverage I would have to say that this is where my comment about polished and slick service was most noticeable -- you didn't get the impression that the food and beverage teams at the restaurant we're working in a very joined up manner for example orders were mixed up / delayed from time to time. Whilst resolved to my satisfaction and with a smile and an apology, for this level of resort it should just not be happening. Someone mentioned about taking the boat to and from the mainland to experience different restaurants my own thoughts are that it would be quite an undertaking that I couldn't be bothered with
The 64 million dollar question for me is "would I go back." The answer is yes however it would have to be on a special offer to feel like it was offering value for money. I do feel that when spending hard earned money, even at top end resorts / business class flights, that I have to feel we're getting value for money
Dec 4, 2015, 3:44 am
#291
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: No more shiny cards -- former LH SEN, SPG Platinum, Flying Blue Platinum, BA Silver
Posts: 704
Happy to help but my answers may not be that helpful
1) I read a report that they don't nickle and dime you. Is this true? Did they have several free activities, etc?
They did have a program of activities you could participate in such as yoga in the morning. I cannot honestly remember if they charged but I am pretty sure they were free. We did not venture towards the water sports centre so I cannot comment on that.
2) Did you go around the resort or to the other side on the island? What else is on the island, what did you experience?
We did not leave the resort during our time. There is a local village that you can visit, they proactively highlighted this upon arrival.
3) In your opinion how was the breakfast buffet?.
Good spread -- selection of items to order that were egg based such as scrambled, sunnyside up etc, french toast with berries, eggs benedict (I have had better). They have an extensive Asian breakfast option cooked to order, plenty of fruit and yoghurts, several types of cereals, different breakfast breads, champagne for early morning boozy breakfast, lots of juices and ........ most important ........ reasonable coffee and tea.
IMPORTANT -- the resort does not serve pork as this side of Phuket is mostly Muslim.
4) How was the trip from the airport? How long did it take? Did you do a cab or?
Fine for us -- we had booked a car from them, we were met by their employee at HKT who then had the van driver pull around and load up the bags. Drive was about 30 minutes and when we got to the marina another employee was waiting with a cart to transfer the bags into for the 3 minute walk down to the pier. They then loaded them onto the boat and we were at the island less than 10 minutes after the boat launched from the pier.
1) I read a report that they don't nickle and dime you. Is this true? Did they have several free activities, etc?
They did have a program of activities you could participate in such as yoga in the morning. I cannot honestly remember if they charged but I am pretty sure they were free. We did not venture towards the water sports centre so I cannot comment on that.
2) Did you go around the resort or to the other side on the island? What else is on the island, what did you experience?
We did not leave the resort during our time. There is a local village that you can visit, they proactively highlighted this upon arrival.
3) In your opinion how was the breakfast buffet?.
Good spread -- selection of items to order that were egg based such as scrambled, sunnyside up etc, french toast with berries, eggs benedict (I have had better). They have an extensive Asian breakfast option cooked to order, plenty of fruit and yoghurts, several types of cereals, different breakfast breads, champagne for early morning boozy breakfast, lots of juices and ........ most important ........ reasonable coffee and tea.
IMPORTANT -- the resort does not serve pork as this side of Phuket is mostly Muslim.
4) How was the trip from the airport? How long did it take? Did you do a cab or?
Fine for us -- we had booked a car from them, we were met by their employee at HKT who then had the van driver pull around and load up the bags. Drive was about 30 minutes and when we got to the marina another employee was waiting with a cart to transfer the bags into for the 3 minute walk down to the pier. They then loaded them onto the boat and we were at the island less than 10 minutes after the boat launched from the pier.
Dec 4, 2015, 4:32 am
#292
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: HEL
Programs: SPG LTP, hotels, OWE, STE+, *G, Octopus
Posts: 5,789
I will be staying here in a few weeks. It looks like the resort has plenty of complimentary activities:
http://www.nakaislandphuket.com/en/resort_activities
http://www.nakaislandphuket.com/en/monthly-activities
Airport transfer rates are listed here:
http://www.nakaislandphuket.com/en/airport_transfers
http://www.nakaislandphuket.com/en/resort_activities
http://www.nakaislandphuket.com/en/monthly-activities
Airport transfer rates are listed here:
http://www.nakaislandphuket.com/en/airport_transfers
Dec 4, 2015, 4:52 am
#293
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,764
Dec 14, 2015, 1:52 pm
#294
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: HEL
Programs: SPG LTP, hotels, OWE, STE+, *G, Octopus
Posts: 5,789
I am booked in a Tropical Pool Villa. I am unable to apply an SNA due to "complex rate" 
- does anyone know which the possible categories are, and even more so, would they be recommended?
- does anyone know which the possible categories are, and even more so, would they be recommended?
Dec 14, 2015, 10:25 pm
#295
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Tit, Hilton Diamond, BA Gold, Carlson Gold, UA*S,
Posts: 1,363
If you've ever seen an episode of the Bachelor In Paradise, well this hotel is as close as it gets: a private island off Phuket reachable only by speedboat!
Our driver picked us up from the airport as arranged by the hotel before being driven to the marina. We picked up some snacks from a local 7/11 along the way (in-case room service was too pricey). Upon arriving at the marina, our luggage was wheeled to an awaiting speedboat and we were whisked away to the Naka Island resort!
This was truly an incredible experience. Upon arriving at the jetty we were greeted by Erich, the manager of the hotel. This really felt so very genuine and personal we were then given a brief island tour by Pui from the front desk who drove us around in one of the resorts golf carts.
Upon arriving at the villa, she explained the various features and facilities of the hotel. I had booked an basic villa but the hotel offered to upgrade me to a tropical pool villa for 1,500THB a night. As it was my honeymoon, I wanted to be sure that we got the pool villa (even tho there are apparently only four on the island without pool) I wanted to leave nothing to chance.
Upon arriving at the island, you will soon realize just how every isolated the place is. There is nothing particularly nearby... And you need to take a boat to reach the mainland before requesting a taxi.
One day we took a taxi to Patong town and some of the nearby beaches on the west of the island. They were spectacular. Patong is just as seedy as you've heard, but we knew what we were getting into and it was a fine day trip the hotel provided us with a local taxi driver to chauffeur us around for an afternoon at a very reasonable price.
On another day, I chartered a boat from a local islander to visit some nearbyl islands including James Bond island and a floating village (message me for more details). It was an exceptional journey and perhaps one of the most memorable days of our honeymoon. We stopped off wherever we decided and found hidden beaches and caves at which we were the only two people around. Pure tropical isolation.
The hotel provides a number of daily actives for its guests including cooking classes, towel folding classes, kick boxing and various other things to do.
One thing I have to mention is that I did not realize just how very isolated this resort is, you are totally cut off. Yes, there's Internet, but you are on a private island. To leave, takes planning and effort. I am not saying that I would have chosen another Phuket poverty such as le Meridien Phuket (which is noisy, loud and crowded - but in a great location near the town and on the beach) - but you should know what you're getting into when you book the place. I had no idea just how cut off we would be for the three days we were resident in the island.
For two of the days, I used the special offer star point redemption at 26k a night... This is superb value for the treatment and amenities you are offered.
When we had to leave the hotel at 4:30am, I couldn't help but recite the words made famous by the abc TV show The Bachelor: "Now you must leave paradise forever."
Our driver picked us up from the airport as arranged by the hotel before being driven to the marina. We picked up some snacks from a local 7/11 along the way (in-case room service was too pricey). Upon arriving at the marina, our luggage was wheeled to an awaiting speedboat and we were whisked away to the Naka Island resort!
This was truly an incredible experience. Upon arriving at the jetty we were greeted by Erich, the manager of the hotel. This really felt so very genuine and personal we were then given a brief island tour by Pui from the front desk who drove us around in one of the resorts golf carts.
Upon arriving at the villa, she explained the various features and facilities of the hotel. I had booked an basic villa but the hotel offered to upgrade me to a tropical pool villa for 1,500THB a night. As it was my honeymoon, I wanted to be sure that we got the pool villa (even tho there are apparently only four on the island without pool) I wanted to leave nothing to chance.
Upon arriving at the island, you will soon realize just how every isolated the place is. There is nothing particularly nearby... And you need to take a boat to reach the mainland before requesting a taxi.
One day we took a taxi to Patong town and some of the nearby beaches on the west of the island. They were spectacular. Patong is just as seedy as you've heard, but we knew what we were getting into and it was a fine day trip the hotel provided us with a local taxi driver to chauffeur us around for an afternoon at a very reasonable price.
On another day, I chartered a boat from a local islander to visit some nearbyl islands including James Bond island and a floating village (message me for more details). It was an exceptional journey and perhaps one of the most memorable days of our honeymoon. We stopped off wherever we decided and found hidden beaches and caves at which we were the only two people around. Pure tropical isolation.
The hotel provides a number of daily actives for its guests including cooking classes, towel folding classes, kick boxing and various other things to do.
One thing I have to mention is that I did not realize just how very isolated this resort is, you are totally cut off. Yes, there's Internet, but you are on a private island. To leave, takes planning and effort. I am not saying that I would have chosen another Phuket poverty such as le Meridien Phuket (which is noisy, loud and crowded - but in a great location near the town and on the beach) - but you should know what you're getting into when you book the place. I had no idea just how cut off we would be for the three days we were resident in the island.
For two of the days, I used the special offer star point redemption at 26k a night... This is superb value for the treatment and amenities you are offered.
When we had to leave the hotel at 4:30am, I couldn't help but recite the words made famous by the abc TV show The Bachelor: "Now you must leave paradise forever."
Last edited by Johnny Rocket; Dec 14, 2015 at 11:14 pm
Dec 16, 2015, 2:07 am
#296
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: HEL
Programs: SPG LTP, hotels, OWE, STE+, *G, Octopus
Posts: 5,789
I contacted plat concierge and was told there's no SNA options from Tropical Pool Villas. As these are villas, I suppose that might be correct? Lurkers?
Dec 16, 2015, 10:16 am
#297
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
On the general issue cited, however, if you book a room/villa/suite above the standard suite on this rate plan, you will not be able to add SNA's because it is, effectively, a downgrade if it were to go through. So, the system is programmed to prevent this kind of mistake.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Last edited by Starwood Lurker; Dec 16, 2015 at 10:29 am
Dec 29, 2015, 9:35 pm
#298
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: HEL
Programs: SPG LTP, hotels, OWE, STE+, *G, Octopus
Posts: 5,789
Broke up my stay into 2 properties in Phuket and had a fantastic stay here. I got a sort of 'Gold' upgrade, meaning I booked and received a Tropical Pool Villa, but this one was (apparently) one of the few equipped with a separate dining villa. It was such a nice concept, I just had to stick to in-room dining!
I am happy I didn't read too many reviews because most of Naka was just full of surprises. All I can say is it's my new favourite SPG property in the HKT vicinity!
I am happy I didn't read too many reviews because most of Naka was just full of surprises. All I can say is it's my new favourite SPG property in the HKT vicinity!
Feb 2, 2016, 2:16 am
#299
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: MSP
Posts: 330
Here at Naka now, will do a longer write-up later, but wanted to ask you all about an experience I had with the concierge here:
I have SPG Gold through my SPG Biz card, but when I asked about any SPG Gold benefits I was told I wasn't eligible because my SPG account is "labeled C for Corporate" (their terminology). Has anyone experienced not receiving SPG benefits at properties because they achieved status through the business card?
Not a huge deal, I didn't argue with the concierge, but it seems silly to offer SPG Gold with the SPG Biz card if you can't use the benefits.
For reference, here are the benefits I was quoted for SPG Gold:
-Complimentary transfer to Ao Po Marina via speedboat (outside of normally scheduled times)
-Welcome Gift (either 250 starpoints or 1-time drink at Z Bar for 2 people)
-16:00 late checkout (subject to availability)
-Enhanced Tropical Pool Villa assignment (subject to availability)
I have SPG Gold through my SPG Biz card, but when I asked about any SPG Gold benefits I was told I wasn't eligible because my SPG account is "labeled C for Corporate" (their terminology). Has anyone experienced not receiving SPG benefits at properties because they achieved status through the business card?
Not a huge deal, I didn't argue with the concierge, but it seems silly to offer SPG Gold with the SPG Biz card if you can't use the benefits.
For reference, here are the benefits I was quoted for SPG Gold:
-Complimentary transfer to Ao Po Marina via speedboat (outside of normally scheduled times)
-Welcome Gift (either 250 starpoints or 1-time drink at Z Bar for 2 people)
-16:00 late checkout (subject to availability)
-Enhanced Tropical Pool Villa assignment (subject to availability)
Feb 2, 2016, 3:10 am
#300
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Guangzhou
Programs: SPG
Posts: 1,021
Here at Naka now, will do a longer write-up later, but wanted to ask you all about an experience I had with the concierge here:
I have SPG Gold through my SPG Biz card, but when I asked about any SPG Gold benefits I was told I wasn't eligible because my SPG account is "labeled C for Corporate" (their terminology). Has anyone experienced not receiving SPG benefits at properties because they achieved status through the business card?
Not a huge deal, I didn't argue with the concierge, but it seems silly to offer SPG Gold with the SPG Biz card if you can't use the benefits.
For reference, here are the benefits I was quoted for SPG Gold:
-Complimentary transfer to Ao Po Marina via speedboat (outside of normally scheduled times)
-Welcome Gift (either 250 starpoints or 1-time drink at Z Bar for 2 people)
-16:00 late checkout (subject to availability)
-Enhanced Tropical Pool Villa assignment (subject to availability)
I have SPG Gold through my SPG Biz card, but when I asked about any SPG Gold benefits I was told I wasn't eligible because my SPG account is "labeled C for Corporate" (their terminology). Has anyone experienced not receiving SPG benefits at properties because they achieved status through the business card?
Not a huge deal, I didn't argue with the concierge, but it seems silly to offer SPG Gold with the SPG Biz card if you can't use the benefits.
For reference, here are the benefits I was quoted for SPG Gold:
-Complimentary transfer to Ao Po Marina via speedboat (outside of normally scheduled times)
-Welcome Gift (either 250 starpoints or 1-time drink at Z Bar for 2 people)
-16:00 late checkout (subject to availability)
-Enhanced Tropical Pool Villa assignment (subject to availability)
It seems the hotel system did not reflect the correct SPG status of your account. You may ask the front desk staff to refresh their system and see if it will reflect the correct SPG status.
If you could provide your SPG account number to us via email below, we are happy to help clarify your SPG status with the hotel.
Best Regards,
Christina Zhou
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]