New Luxury Collection Resort Opens on Thailand's Naka Island

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Starwood Hotels & Resorts announced this week the grand opening of The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket.  An exclusive, all-villa island hideaway just minutes from the coast of Phuket, The Naka Island is hidden treasure of luxury in an exceptional setting that offers guests a totally unique opportunity to immerse themselves into the rich Thai experience.

"Welcome to The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket - an experience unlike any other in Phuket," said Erich Friedl, general manager of the resort.  "Although easily accessible from the mainland, The Naka Island is an enchanting escape from the everyday offering privacy, romance and a host of unforgettable experiences amidst an idyllic natural setting.  We look forward to welcoming travelers with a sense of adventure, who want to enjoy an indigenous Thai experience like never before from the luxurious comfort of The Naka Island Resort."

Nestled among stunning beaches, lush coconut groves, with never-ending views of the emerald-green Phang Nga Bay and idyllic landscapes of the Phuket coastline, The Naka Island is an exclusive boutique resort on Naka Yai Island, located just off Phuket. Accessible only by private speedboat, The Naka Island is a hidden Thai treasure of relaxation and privacy with just 67 luxury villas along with a three signature restaurants and lounges, one of the the largest spa facilities in the region, access to countless outdoor recreation opportunities, and uncompromising service.  Inspired by the rich local culture and gorgeous setting, The Naka Island seamlessly integrates these elements into all aspects of the guest experience - the thoughtful décor; the epicurean experiences; the world-class spa; and a menu of customized adventures that take advantage of the area's abundant recreation opportunities.

Naka Yai Island is located just 25 minutes from Phuket International Airport, including a five-minute ride by private speedboat.  The island is only 2.56 square kilometers in size - easily navigable on foot, or by bicycle, or by boat to the various beaches. Naka's stunning natural environs are the recreational focal point of The Naka Island resort, with ample opportunities for hiking, biking, watersports, and snorkeling.  Or, if relaxation is the priority, The Naka Island offers the area's largest five-star luxury spa and exclusive access to untouched and pristine sandy beaches.

Considered the "Pearl of the Andaman," Phuket is home to some of Thailand's most ornate temples, including the majestic Wat Chalong, along with a variety of idyllic beaches and quaint villages.  Phuket also offers a selection of world-class golf courses, high-end shopping and dining, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

The Naka Island features 67 exceptionally large, 450 square-meter villas that are designed in classic Tropical Island style, with architecture and décor that seamlessly blends the indigenous culture and island surrounds. Nestled in the tropical landscape, and some with spectacular views over Phang Nga Bay and Phuket Island, the villas feature open-air bathrooms, private plunge pools, spacious outdoor areas and Sala pavilions.  The villas offer every modern convenience, like iPod docking systems, a comprehensive music library and BOSE indoor sound systems.

Aromatic, flavorful and healthy - Thai cuisine and other flavors of the region are celebrated in The Naka Island's three restaurants and lounge bars. Tonsai is an all-day dining restaurant in a casual, beautiful seaside setting.  My Grill, an open beachside grill house, offers the freshest seafood and juiciest steaks with a southern Thai influence. Z Bar offers spectacular sunset views, a wine cellar with international selections, and an extensive menu of refreshing and exotic cocktails.  For those who want to eat in, The Naka Island's experienced chefs will prepare a spectacular feast at your villa, or create a picnic-to-go for a beach excursion.

Spa Naka by Luxury Collection is one of the largest spas in the region, with a focus on the key principles of health, beauty and inner peace.  Guests can choose from a suite of customized services that incorporate fresh, hand-picked herbs from the island's own organic native plant garden.  Each herb has its own special healing properties, and the Spa Naka therapists will match the herbs to each guest based on their needs and wishes.  After treatments, guests can enjoy a soothing cup of tea made with herbs they've chosen themselves from the garden.

Each guest on The Naka Island will enjoy the services of The Luxury Collection Concierge, a personal butler, concierge and guest relations officer rolled into one who will provide extraordinary service and help guests access Phuket's indigenous charms and treasures.   The Luxury Collection Concierge can book spa or dining reservations at the resort or on Phuket; arrange for fishing and diving trips; help plan events at your villa; or arrange excursions to Phuket and beyond.  Attentive, responsive and unobtrusive, The Luxury Collection Concierge helps you get the most out of your stay.

The Naka Island's exquisite location overlooking the Andaman Sea and across Phang Nga Bay offers an idyllic venue for intimate beachside weddings, or for unforgettable social and corporate functions. A 163-square-metre multi-function sala pavilion and multiple scenic outdoor locations provide a wide selection of unique and private settings.  The resort's professional catering team will attend to every level of detail to ensure that each function is effortlessly unforgettable.

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