Destination Thailand: Legacy and luxury at Banyan Tree Phuket

An oasis of tropical serenity on the Andaman coast.

It has been almost two decades since I last set foot in Thailand, no longer following in the footsteps of Leonardo DiCaprio as seen in Danny Boyle’s hit movie The Beach. Gone are the frivolous days of Koh Phangan full moon parties and five-dollar-a-night youth hostels on Khaosan Road. Older and hopefully wiser, I have traded in my backpack, bandanas and fisherman’s pants for a different kind of experience at Banyan Tree Phuket. 

Nestled amidst the lush emerald greens of Phuket’s exclusive Laguna complex, Banyan Tree Phuket redefines luxury through a mix of traditional Thai aesthetics and world-class hospitality. A stay at this relaxed retreat balances wellness, nature and modern comforts, resulting in a harmonious duality that would enamour even the most discerning traveller.

First impressions

Upon arrival, one immediately senses a departure from the conventional hotel experience. A lobby anchored around trickling water features, tropical vegetation and Thai-style pagodas wrap guests in nature’s embrace, instantly instilling the resort with a unique sense of place. A short journey by buggy whisks guests through a landscape dotted with fragrant frangipanis and towering palms, leading you to your villa—a world within itself. Each villa, whether a Pool Villa, Double Pool Villa, or Wellness Sanctuary, exudes an understated elegance.

Luxe Living

Designed to evoke the charm of a traditional Thai village, this resort is built on a rehabilitated tin mine and is home to 218 luxury villas grouped along a serene saltwater lagoon adjacent to the shores of Laguna Beach. Concealed behind high stone walls, each low-rise villa features a private pool shrouded in verdant greenery that becomes an extension of the surrounding lagoon.

High wooden ceilings, intricate Thai decor, teak flooring, and floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping garden views, crafting an ambience that feels simultaneously expansive and intimate. Inside, luxury is woven into every corner: plush king-sized beds and amenities that echo Banyan Tree’s dedication to detail, from their comfortable kimono-style bathrobes to hand-crafted furnishings inspired by Thai artistry.

Over the past 30 years, the sprawling property has seen multiple expansions and renovations, making it well worth borrowing one of the complimentary bikes to explore the resort grounds, Laguna development and the beautiful beachfront.

Restaurants & Bars

Culinary experiences at Banyan Tree Phuket elevate the senses. The resort’s signature restaurant, Saffron, presents a modern twist on Thai cuisine. Each dish, from the spicy Tom Yum Goong soup to the more delicate Pla Sam Rod (crispy sea bass fillet with three flavours of sweet-chilli sauce) and the perfect iteration of Khao Niew Mamuang (traditional mango sticky rice with sweet coconut cream), is an intricate balance of flavour and presentation. With its lantern-lit ambience and views over the lagoon, dining here feels deeply rooted in local tradition. 

Banyan Café offers light Thai and Western food options overlooking the Laguna golf course, Hōjō is a refined poolside Japanese dining experience, and Tin Tapas Bar serves sundowners and sushi on a floating pavilion in the centre of the lagoon.

Breakfast at The Watercourt was a particular delight, offering a staggering selection of dishes from around the world—Chinese dim sum, French pastries and Thai delicacies included. Set on a terrace overlooking the lagoon, the location offers an inspiring start to the day as you caffeinate and experience a true Phuketian meal.

Rest and recreation

Beyond the confines of the villa, the resort unfolds with an array of offerings that invite guests to relax, indulge, and explore. For those inclined towards wellness, the Banyan Tree Spa is standout, renowned for its in-house training school, skilled therapists, and an extensive menu of transformative treatments. Options include the Aloe Lavender Healer, Chrysanthemum Enhancer, Kieffer Lime Mask and full-body Thai messages. The spa also includes an apothecary space, and the first meditation white room at a resort in Thailand.

For the active traveller, Banyan Tree Phuket offers activities that blend adventure with cultural immersion. Sunrise yoga sessions, boat excursions to nearby islands, kayaking in the lagoon, and Thai cooking classes add a layer of insight into the local culture. Golf enthusiasts will love the 18-hole Laguna Golf Phuket, while the fully equipped fitness centre, two inviting swimming pools and a lazy river offer family fun.

Out and About

Banyan Tree Phuket is housed within the impeccably maintained Laguna complex that includes six luxury resorts, a golf course, and scenic lakes and canals spanning over 1,000 acres and three kilometres of beachfront. Set on the shores of Laguna Beach, the location offers a secure and serene environment. The airport is a 45-minute drive from the resort, as are the bars, nightlife and revelry of Patong or the timeless charm of Phuket Old Town with its century-old Sino-Portuguese townhouses.

The Verdict

Banyan Tree Phuket, the flagship property of the Banyan Tree brand, debuted in 1994. It has survived tsunamis and pandemics while continuing to deliver authentic local experiences for visitors from across the globe. The brand has since spread to AlUla in Saudi Arabia, Bluewaters Island in Dubai and the Mandai Rainforest in Singapore, yet it still feels beautifully boutique. Spa staff across the global portfolio are trained in therapies and techniques in Phuket to ensure the brand’s essence is felt throughout its global portfolio of more than 70 resorts in 20 countries. 

Banyan Tree Phuket prioritises purposeful travel, providing a sanctuary where nature, culture, and sophistication converge and an invitation to experience Thailand’s timeless charm through the lens of refined luxury.

GO: Visit www.banyantree.com for reservations and more information.