Talking Travel with Frank Grassmann

1. Tell us a bit about yourself …

Originally from Germany, I have worked in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia. Throughout my career, I have travelled together with my wife and two children – leaving Germany for the Middle East when they were both below the age of two! Now they are 25 and 27 and live their own lives (outside the hospitality industry). During my 20 years in Thailand, I have worked in Bangkok, Koh Kood and now the beautiful island of Phuket.

2. What is the single, most defining thing about The Nai Harn?

Undoubtedly the views from our guest rooms. From a distance, the resort may look like a concrete block on the jungle-covered mountain, but once guests enter their rooms and look out of the terrace window, the views over Nai Harn Bay are nothing short of breathtaking. All but six rooms out of 120 have the same amazing views, regardless of whether on the first or ninth floor.

3. What is something most people don’t know about The Nai Harn, but you think they should?

The Nai Harn is an iconic property as it was the very first five star luxury hotel on the island way back in 1987.

The first owner, Mom Luang Tridhosyuth Devakul, also known as Mom Tri, was a pioneer in the development of Phuket as a premier travel destination. He chose the location of the hotel as it is one of the most beautiful and romantic settings on the island.

4. What is one of the unique selling points of The Nai Harn?

Undoubtedly the sleep comfort in the rooms. When we renovated the resort in 2014/2015 we installed special over-sized mattresses with a width of 220cm in every room. These specially designed, made-to-order mattresses are enhanced by a mattress pad and topper. The mattresses are so big that we could not get them through the guest room doors –  and they had to be lifted through the sliding doors on the terraces!

5. Can you share an unforgettable experience at The Nai Harn?

Sunset cocktails paired with a selection of sushi or sashimi on our rooftop deck Reflections, accompanied by soothing sounds of the Eric Canham Music Collective, our 4-piece band from South Africa. The breathtaking views over Naiharn Bay dotted with bobbing sailing boats are unforgettable. 

6. Do you have any events, highlights coming up soon that we shouldn’t miss?

The 7th anniversary of our beach restaurant Rock Salt on 15 April. Every year we celebrate this success story and give back to the guests and the local community who support us from breakfast through to lunch, sunset cocktails and dinner.

We will offer Happy Hour all night long with one hour of complimentary Rock Salt canapés.

7. What do you most love about your job?

It’s not knowing what the next day will bring – and also seeing our guests so happy.

Being part of a service team that day in and day out works so hard to ensure that our guests are happy and enjoying their stay.

The joy of speaking with guests at the breakfast buffet and hearing how much they relish the quality and selection. 

8. What is a ‘must do’ for guests in the hotel?

Trying the Eggs Benedict for breakfast.

Sunset drinks with spectacular views at Reflections.

Having our Japanese Chef Neung at Hansha surprise you with his Omakase creations

A Thai Cooking Class with Chef Ann.

Dinner at Rock Salt to sample our signature oysters and fresh mussels – delivered fresh every Friday.

What’s the most popular dish in any of the resort’s restaurants?

At Rock Salt probably the Lamb Kofta, a Mediterranean dish that is so suitable for the casual setting of the restaurant and as either an accompaniment with sunset cocktails or the start of a bigger meal for dinner. 

At Cosmo I would say it is our Paella. Our chefs were taught the tricks of how to make a classic Paella by Spanish Chef Lluis Cantons Pesarrodona.