Koh Naka Retreat is situated on the island of Koh Naka Yai meaning "Big Serpent Isle", so called because it is shaped in the form of the Naka, the auspicious sea serpent of Buddhist and Bramman mythology.   Oriental belief in the power of the Naka holds strong today although its beginnings are lost in the timeless origins of folklore.   Some historical accounts credit the Naka with being present at the birth of the universe.   Unlike the serpent in the Garden of Eden the oriental Naka is a power for good and is the provider of all water on earth, including the oceans.   Naka images (Phraya Nak) are to be seen all over Thailand particularly in its role as protector of the head of the Buddha or as the decorative balustrades of stairways leading to Thai temples, symbolising a stairway from earth to the heavens. 
 
It is fitting that our location bears the Naka's name as it looks out upon the incredible dreamscape of Phang Nga Bay - a surreal panorama of island karsts that is simply "out of this world". 
At Koh Naka Retreat we have adopted the Naka image (or perhaps it has adopted us) as our theme.   Entrance to the villa is via a staircase leading from the water's edge and flanked by two guardian Nakas.   Various artifacts throughout the villa (including our door handles) reflect our association with the Naka. 
We are grateful to have the Naka as protector of our environment and of those who visit and we are fortunate to live in a location that can easily be perceived as "the world of the gods".