Banyan Tree Phuket

A standout among Banyan Tree properties, this serene Asian retreat offers a plethora of lily ponds and tranquil pools, as well as holistic healing and active pursuits.

• The double pool villas
• The award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, one of Thailand’s best
• The resort’s convenient location
• The acclaimed, adjacent golf course

Of the seven hotels that make up the terrifyingly large 988-acre Laguna Phuket development, Banyan Tree Phuket is by far the development’s most glamorous and, accordingly, priciest resort. Even first impressions are reassuringly calming, the lobby a marvel of water and sunlight, with an open roof and a decorative, pebble-bottomed pool. Guests come here because they know and love the Banyan Tree brand and its peaceful Asian style—all lily ponds and tranquil pools speckled with light and cool shadows.

What the hotel lacks, though, is that essential direct access to sand and sea. You can hop on the shuttle bus to Bang Tao, the beach that the Banyan Tree shares with the other Laguna resorts, but you’re better off avoiding the crowds and cooling down in your own private pool, or two, instead. These 115 luxurious villas boast sloping pavilion roofs and other nods to traditional Thai architecture. Little touches keep the Banyan Tree from feeling too resort-y: the lemongrass essential oils burning on the nightstand, the vases of fresh lotus flowers and bamboo in the bedroom and bathroom, and the choice of linen or cotton on your bed. If you're here to relax, request one of the Spa Pool Villas, which have an open-air sunken bathtub, outdoor shower, and in-room space for spa treatments. Or go for the ultimate upgrade to a one-, two- or three-bedroom Double pool Villa.

The adjacent 18-hole golf course (par-71) is the deciding factor for many guests. Or head to the beach for the day and go riding at sunset. There’s also the huge swimming pool, three tennis courts (and weekly tournaments), meditation and tai chi classes, sailing, canoeing, scuba diving and windsurfing.

The award-winning spa happens to be one of the best in Thailand. The Banyan Day package lasts seven hours and includes body scrubs, rubdowns, facials and footbaths, all performed in open-air pavilions, and a delicious break for lunch. Food-wise, your best bet is Saffron, for modern Thai dishes and some wacky puddings, like sticky rice with yellow-curry ice cream. There is a dress code, so don’t turn up in your bikini. Meanwhile, dieters can tuck into the spa menu at Tamarind without guilt. In all, Banyan Tree has six restaurants; while the Laguna Phuket development boast thirty altogether. Or order up a huge, fresh-caught lobster to be grilled by a private chef in the comfort of your villa’s own barbecue.

Those who know and love the Banyan Tree formula, including spa devotees and golfing geeks, which works well for couples who have different interests. The Laguna location also works well for those who want speedy access to Phuket’s best shopping and dining.