Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand

Located within the Laguna Phuket complex of 988 acres (shared by 7 glitzy neighbours), it’s hard to imagine that this now-picture-perfect gated resort community was once a forsaken tin mine. Desolate mines massaged into lagoons, devastated landscape reimagined as canals, the area is now the epitome of luxe and one of Phuket’s success stories. Of the 7 resorts, Banyan Tree Phuket wins hands down as the plushest of them all.  Refined seclusion, epicurious menus, triple digit thread counts and a spa worth crossing continents are sinfully hedonistic – if you’re not planning to immerse yourself in the culture and luxe is high on the agenda…

22 Moo 4 Srissoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay Amphur Talang, Phuket, Thailand 83110
Situated at Bang Tao Bay on the north-west coast of the island, the Banyan Tree Phuket is an easy 20 minutes drive from Phuket International Airport.

Bang Thao is unquestionably one of the nicest beaches on the island. Stretching 8kms, the sweeping arc of sand is white and the water is glistening clear. The resort is set back from the beach, so if you’re not feeling overly energetic travel via a buggy; complete with Banyan Tree sun loungers and a team of staff, all your beach-related needs and wants will be met fret-free

The landscaped pool with swim-up pool bar is set amongst serene gardens; exercise enthusiasts will appreciate the 40m-long lap section

Fitness pavilion (gym, yoga), Laguna Phuket Golf Club, swimming pool, tennis courts, cooking classes, library, Banyan Tree Gallery, non-motorised water-sports, meeting rooms and business facilities

A total of 135 villas (Deluxe Villa, Pool Villa, Sanctuary Villa, Deluxe Two Bedroom Villa, Spa Pool Villa, 24 brand new DoublePool Villas)
In all villas: coffee/tea making facilities, IDD telephone, internet access, TV, in-villa safe, mini bar, private landscaped garden, hairdryer
And then there are the DoublePool Villas which are in a class of their own: 1,300 sqm including private garden and pools, floating floor to ceiling windowed bedroom pavilion surrounded by private wading pool, en-suite bathroom with bath and his and hers private dressing area, sun loungers surrounded by tropical garden, 4 x 15 m outdoor private pool and its immersed crystal jet pool, outdoor jet-pool and shower, steam room, indoor open-air living/dining space, dining patio poolside, Thai sala, fully equipped kitchen, mini bar, wine bar, coffee machine, Wi-Fi internet, LCD TV, Video/Audio system, home theatre system, in-villa safe, hair dryer, IDD telephone, 24 hr personal villa host, daily in-villa cooked breakfast or buffet breakfast at the Watercourt, Thai-style coffee delivered at 4pm by a traditional ‘coffee man’, evening cocktails

0200PM / NOON

Saffron –savour the exotic flavours of stir-fried black crab with pepper and chilli, sticky rice with yellow curry ice cream and other traditional Thai dishes at the resort’s signature restaurant
Banyan Café – when you’ve a had a tad too much spice, venture across the gardens for a steak sandwich or fish and chips and other familiar comfort food
Watercourt – surrounded by water and magically lit, the Mediterranean inspired menu for dinner feature the likes garlic prawns citrus salad, charred aubergine with truffle oil and lobster with spicy basil salads, and sumptuous buffets for breakfast
Sala Terrace – delivers innovative food in an open-air romantic setting; foodies won’t be disappointed
Tamarind Restaurant – light, fresh and uncomplicated dishes, including spa cuisine is on offer at the graceful dining pavilion
Pool Bar – whether you swim up to it or have it delivered, the Mangotini is tropically refreshing
Lobby Bar & Wine Rack – whether you’re winding down or up, open till late, the Lobby Bar serves espressos, cognacs and Cuban cigars

A personal villa host is on call for all DoublePool Villa guests

Banyan Tree Spa set the spa resort benchmark sky high when Banyan Tree Phuket first opened nearly a decade ago by pioneering the first integrated spa-cum-tropical garden concept for Phuket and the rest Asia to follow – it is still one of Asia’s best.  Spa devotees will be in heaven; everyone else may just be converted

This resort ups the romance quotient and is a must for couples and honeymooners; and if your wallet can handle it, the DoublePool Villa is the creme de la creme of villas

The word wedding naturally comes with a price tag and at Banyan Tree Phuket, this is no exception. If you have the bling to drop on a dream wedding, then this is the place to do it.

Children are well catered for with tailored activities and programmes

Designed by Max Wexler and David Abell, Laguna Phuket Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-71 resort course. It features a covered area for sun and rain protection, a full length driving range, putting greens, practice bunkers and chipping areas, and extensive practice facilities and state of the art teaching centre