Phuket, ThailandKamala
The Naka Phuket
Cantilevered hillside villas
Cantilevered hillside villas
Minimalist glass boxes sit among preserved old trees, suspending each stay directly over the forested valley.
“Here, architect Duangrit Bunnag has inserted 94 all-pool, glass pavilions into the thick tropical shrubs, with every bedroom cantilevered over the edge.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Duangrit Bunnag cantilevered glass box bedrooms protruding six meters over the forested hillside.
Notable
A five-story spa tower with a cascading facade waterfall hosts element-balancing massage treatments.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Wallpaper* and AFAR.
Bedrooms are cantilevered, protruding into space, with 270-degree views from their floor-to-ceiling windows.
“The Naka Phuket is part of Marriott’s Design Hotels portfolio and it shows. This 94-room boutique property is an architectural marvel—the hotel’s striking design details are matched by the views of the Andaman Sea from the cantilevered villa rooms, all with their own private pools.”
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Yae Beach borders the property at the foot of the valley, reached only by a private mountain road.
The rooms
Villa bedrooms project six meters into space behind wrap-around glass, and each has its own infinity pool.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The 50-meter infinity pool stretches along the beachfront lawn, bordered by timber sundecks and palms.
The spa
Six treatment rooms host warm herbal oil bodywork and crystal lymphatic drainage. A dry sauna and steam room sit within the spa.
The gym
The fitness studio houses cardio machines and weights, hosting sessions in Muay Thai, yoga, and TRX.
Bar
The Meka
The open-air rooftop lounge looks out across Nakalay Bay, serving twilight cocktails and light dishes as the sun sets.
At the table
The Wiwa grills Phuket lobster and local seafood beside the beach, and The Nana serves drinks directly on the sand.
How it began
The name honors Phaya Nag, the mythical serpent of Thai culture revered as a symbol of good fortune.
Phuket
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.