“Escape to a Sanctuary for the Senses at the award winning Banyan Tree Phuket located in the Andaman’s greatest treasure, the island of Phuket.” Laguna Phuket
Banyan Tree Phuket is an 89-acre haven set in lush greenery within the much larger Laguna resort located on the central west coast of Phuket. The huge complex offers seven hotels, restaurants, an 18-hole championship golf course, activities, lakes and shops with complimentary shuttles ferrying guests from place to place.
Featuring traditional Thai architecture with a modern twist, Banyan Tree Phuket is a luxury sanctuary that offers a selection of private pool villas. First impressions were good with a stunning open air lobby with tranquility pools, Thai art and views over the saltwater lagoon.
We stayed in a stunning one bedroom Serenity Pool Villa with its own private pool and separate jet spa pool. Our large walled villa had tasteful decor with lounge and kitchen areas, an enormous bathroom with his and hers sinks, wardrobes, indoor/outdoor shower. It also had a Japanese toilet and if you have been to Japan you know how great these are. The bed was ginormous and super comfy, definitely the biggest bed I have ever slept in. The stylish villa is one of the nicest I have ever had the pleasure to stay in. Larger villas are also available as well as those located around the central lake.
Dining options were varied with an all-day dining restaurant where the large international daily breakfast buffet was served and Saffron, a fine-dining Thai restaurant. Room service was good which was ideal when isolating in the villa awaiting our airport negative PCR result. We also enjoyed an indulgent floating breakfast served to our pool. Fresh fruit is served daily in the lobby.
Guests can enjoy everything this amazing resort has to offer which includes a swimming pool with swim-up bar, spa pool, fitness center, tennis courts and the Banyan Tree Spa which offers an extensive treatment menu. Complimentary yoga, pilates and stretch sessions are offered in the standalone Wellness Center, we tried the core pilates and spinal stretch classes. Other experiences on offer include Thai cooking classes, aromatherapy workshops, batik painting and even beach cleaning.
Guests can use free bicycles to explore the tropical jasmine filled gardens on two-wheels. There’s the Ranger’s kids club to keep the younger family members entertained and the Laguna Golf Phuket and golf academy for keen golfers. Golf buggies can whisk you between the other six Laguna resorts and the Canal Village shopping center.
Within walking or cycling distance (hotel bikes have to be left at the resort gates) is the stunning Bang Tao Beach. It’s an idyllic spot with some authentic beach bars serving fresh coconuts, great cocktails and traditional food. Boat Avenue in Cherngtalay is just a short taxi drive away where you can shop, dine and enjoy local, traditional massages.
I highly recommend the fabulous Mrs B Bar & Table which serves fantastic food and cocktails. We also enjoyed the Little Paris Phuket which offers a Thai and International menu that’s popular with the local expat community and tourists. The specialty coffee at Phuket Coffee Lab was excellent. The Avenue Night Market is held every Friday from 5pm–10pm offering street food and local and international arts and crafts.
The resort is just a 45-minute drive from the airport and well placed to explore other areas of the island like Phuket Old Town and Patong. Banyan Tree Phuket guarantees a luxury stay and a place to make great memories.
The Nitty Gritty
Banyan Tree Phuket, 33, 33/27 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Amphur Talang, Phuket
Telephone: +66 (0) 76 372 400
Website: www.banyantree.com/thailand/phuket
Check-in: 3:00pm
Check-out: 12 noon
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The Good…
Luxurious villa accommodation with private pool
Spa
Championship Golf Course
Complimentary fitness sessions
Free bikes for duration of your stay
Walking distance to beach
Great service
Free fast wifi
The Not so Good…..
Limited dining options open in resort
**In order to travel to Thailand visitors need an approved Thailand Pass. All travelers are required to have a confirmed SHA+ accommodation booking, hotel airport transfer and a pre-paid Covid-19 on arrival test (taken at the airport). I would advise only booking accommodation that is fully refundable just in case your Thailand Pass is not approved, or the approval doesn’t arrive in time to travel or you have a Covid-19 related emergency (November/December 2021).**
We travelled to Phuket with Etihad Airways and booked our stay directly with Banyan Tree Phuket
All views are my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2021. All rights reserved.