The small lighthouse by the entrance of this boutique hotel tells arriving guests just how much Sugar Marina has committed to its nautical theme. The building itself is another big tip-off -- its gleaming white exterior studded with round-edged windows is meant to mimic an ocean liner. Interiors double-down on this playful motif: The lobby is embellished with portal mirrors, model ships, and wooden ship wheels. Trunks here, acting as coffee tables look as if they could have held pirate booty in a past life. The nautical theme is maintained throughout, even in stairwells and hallways, which are lined with rope and adorned with framed sailor knots. And across guest rooms' doors, anchors serve as “do not disturb” signs. On the downside, some guests complain that the decor is starting to look a touch worn in some spots.

Sugar Marina Resort - Nautical is part of the local Sugar Marina Resort chain, a cluster of boutique properties in the area that have various flamboyant themes, such as "art," "fashion," or "surfing." At just 66 rooms, the Nautical outpost is the smallest of the lot, and in many ways that adds to its charm. There's a certain intimacy built into the experience, as guests tend to cross paths repeatedly at the pool or at breakfast. That said, the pool itself is rather modestly sized, and never becomes a social scene the way pools can at larger resorts. However, the long wooden sundeck, topped with striped umbrellas, gives a pretty spot to soak in some rays.

Overall, the hotel is tranquil, but noise can be an issue on occasion, and past guests have pointed out that echoing hallways can amplify voices from the housekeeping staff. However, compared to other resorts in Phuket that are immersed in loud street scenes, the Nautical stays relatively peaceful.

Given its cozy size and intimate nature, this Sugar Marina tends to draw plenty of couples, and honeymooners are often a part of the mix. But families, solo travelers, and groups of friends also make their way here, drawn by the delightful design and the beachy location. A full range of nationalities are also represented among the clientele, including Australians, Russians, Chinese, and Americans, along with a handful of Europeans.

While it's not beachfront, Nautical's location is well situated for beach-bound travelers as it's close to two sandy spots, Kata Beach and Kata Noi. Kata Beach is the closer one, situated just a short three-minute walk away. This broad stretch of sand is a lively scene, full of vacationers and locals sunbathing on the shoreline. Peddlers selling snacks, trinkets, and even photo ops with little lemurs are part of the scene as are water-sports aficionados. Kata Noi is farther away, about a 12-minute walk or three-minute taxi or tuk-tuk ride. (Given the lack of sidewalks along the coastal road, getting a lift here is a smart idea.) This is also the smaller of the two beaches, but some find it to be a touch calmer. 

The streets immediately surrounding the hotel are stuffed full of restaurants, bars, shops, other hotels, and cheapie massage venues. For the most part, it's pedestrian-friendly, although the downhill road directly in front of the hotel lacks a proper sidewalk. This area is also close to plenty of conveniences, including ATMs, money exchange kiosks, pharmacies, and mini markets, including a Family Mart a minute's walk away.

While the beach and eateries are all close at hand, reaching some of Phuket's major cultural attractions still requires a car. The towering Big Buddha sculpture is a 30-minute drive away, while the temple complex of Wat Chalong is a mere 20 minutes. The up-all-night party scene of Patong also takes a car to reach as it's a 21-minute drive away. Taxis and tuk-tuk rides are easy to come by in the area. Phuket International Airport, all the way in the north of the island, requires an hour-long drive.

The boutique resort's nautical theme does not let up when it comes to guest rooms. Everywhere playful thematic details add charm, such as the framed driftwood above beds or the lantern-style brass lights above the closets. Anchors, maps, and rope-laced mirrors also come into play. Thankfully, a neutral backdrop of creamy whites paired with pearl-gray keeps things tasteful and grounded. Furnishings such as wingback headboards, wooden writing desks, and streamlined loungers also add upscale polish. That said, some past guests have noted that these decorative elements are starting to show their age a touch.

Rooms are divided into three categories: Deluxe, Deluxe Pool View, and Deluxe Pool Access. But apart from their views, they vary little in terms of size and decor. All categories offer balconies wide enough to be furnished with a pair of chairs, with Pool Access ones opening directly onto the pool water below. Deluxe Rooms, while lacking a water view, can look out over the mountains beyond town.

Rooms are also nicely equipped with all the expected perks for an upper-middle-range resort. Smallish flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi are standard. Closets come fully stocked with bathrobes, flip flops, hairdryers, safes, and flashlights. Beach mats and beach bags are also on hand -- a welcome extra. Electric kettles are paired with tea and coffee, and while minibars are lightly stocked with just a Snickers bar and a few nonalcoholic drinks, their contents are free for guests and restocked daily. Toothbrushes and toothpaste can also be requested from the front desk. On the downside, some past guests have complained that housekeeping could do a more thorough job and noise can be an issue, carried from echoing hallways.

Bathrooms are every bit as stylish as bedrooms, with sliding shutter doors that allow bathtubs a picture window view. Separate glass-enclosed showers, stocked with pump toiletries, offer both handheld and rainfall showerheads, and narrow gray marble countertops give a bit of room to set items out. Here, too, the nautical theme continues with wireframe boats and (covered) porthole windows adding a final flourish.

While Sugar Marina Resort - Nautical is small in stature, it covers all the features required for a fun-in-the-sun getaway. The resort's centerpiece is its long rectangular pool, which is bordered on one end by room balconies and on the other by a wooden sundeck. Here, white loungers and striped navy-and-white umbrellas provide a cheery spot to sunbathe, although there are only a handful of loungers to go around. At night, the water here is illuminated with lights in a compass shape, giving the area a bit of sparkle. A petite glassed-in fitness center sits by the pool. The equipment here is fairly limited, but a handful of cardio machines, a weight-lifting machine, and a few free weights give a serviceable spot for a workout. (Those that appreciate the Sugar Marina look but prefer more features when it comes to fitness could consider Sugar Marina Resort - Surf, which also includes a Thai boxing space.)

For dining, the hotel's restaurant and bar serves all meals in an attractive, white-walled dining room decorated with ships, maps, and oars. The breakfast buffet covers the usual Western egg dishes, pastries and breads, cereals, and fresh fruit, along with a few Eastern additions, like fried rice. Breakfast can be included in room rates, but not always.

The front desk can help guests with tours, airport transfers, bike and car rentals, and local recommendations. A pair of public computers is available in the lobby, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.