Villa Nandana
Facing beautiful Natai Beach, Villa Nandana is an elegant four-bedroom ocean-side retreat ideal for families and groups. Just 30 minutes from Phuket airport yet well away from the crowds, Nandana offers a 20-metre seafront pool, chic yet comfy living areas, spa, gym and a wide terrace for taking in the majestic ocean and sunset views. The poolside master suite also boasts lovely sea views, and all four bedrooms are lavishly appointed with ensuite bathrooms. Villa Nandana is staffed with a full-time housekeeper and chef. Awaiting discovery beyond the villa are the endless beaches, jungle parks and glittering bays of Phang Nga.
Though Villa Nandana’s ample comforts offer a complete holiday escape, there are many sights and activities in the vicinity that offer tempting reasons to explore beyond the villa. The natural wonders of Phang Nga are breathtaking, while Phuket Island offers myriad nightlife, shopping and cultural attractions.
Here are just a few ideas for things to see and do:
- Natai Beach has attracted some luxury resorts to its shores, making it a new destination for fine dining and sunset cocktails. The restaurants at Iniala and Aleenta resorts have both earned acclaim, while Baba Beach Club is a lively place with tasty Thai and Japanese menus, DJ nights and a swim-up bar.
- Venture into the jungles of Phang Nga with its scenic waterfall parks, river rafting adventures and ATV rides. Or rise before dawn to visit Samet Nangshe viewpoint in time to catch the spectacular sunrise views over Phang Nga Bay.
- After enjoying a bird’s eye view of it, hire a yacht or long-tail boat and explore Phang Nga Bay and its dramatically steep limestone islands and floating village. Or navigate by sea kayak for a paddle through hidden lagoons and caves.
- Discover Thailand’s exotic wildlife with a visit to some of the animal rescue centres in the area. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary in northern Phuket lets visitors observe elephants in their natural habitat, while at the nearby Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, rescued gibbons can be seen at rest and swinging around their large enclosures at the edge of Khao Phra Thaeo national park.
- With dazzling white sands and crystal-clear waters, the Similan Islands are known to be a top diving and snorkeling destination. Join a day trip or hire a private yacht to explore this vibrant marine wonderland. Note that the Similans are open to visitors from 15 October to 15 May only.
- The history behind the restored Sino-Portuguese boutique shops and cafes in Phuket’s Old Town is as colourful as the pastel-toned exteriors. Join a walking tour to learn more about the island’s culture, or simply wander around the Old Town area to shop, eat and soak up the lively street scenes. The walls of several buildings have also been splashed with large eye-catching murals.
- For those who are keen to recreate the flavours of Thai cuisine in their own kitchens, a visit to Phuket offers an ideal time to learn with a real Thai chef! Thai cookery classes are available at nearby Aleenta resort, the JW Marriott Phuket resort on Mai Khao Beach and The Slate hotel at Nai Yang Beach, with some courses including a visit to a local market.
- Golf enthusiasts will find some challenging courses to try just a short drive away from the villa. The Tab Lamu Thai Navy course is the nearest place to play, while Mission Hills Phuket Golf Club and Blue Canyon Country Club are found over the bridge in northern Phuket. Be sure to book tee-off times early in the morning before the tropical heat sets in for the day.
- While the Andaman Sea offers endless aquatic adventures, some fun alternatives can be found inland. Splash Jungle water park near Mai Khao Beach offers water slide thrills and a wave pool, while wakeboarding lessons and rentals on a lake are available at Anthem Wake Park. And for some indoor wall climbing challenges, visit Rebel Rock Climbing just next door to Anthem – a good rainy-day activity.
- Spend a few hours hunting
for souvenirs and more in Phuket’s many shopping centres and markets. In Patong Beach, find some bargains in the lively street markets or wander in air-conditioned comfort in Jungceylon mall. Phuket Town offers plenty of places to shop including the busy Naka Weekend Market, Lard Yai Sunday street market in the Old Town and Central Festival mall.