Banyan Tree Phuket

The Banyan Tree is a luxury property that draws both couples and families with its array of features. A striking tree at the entrance is hung with wooden leaves that guests can write on before they leave. Much of the resort is centered around a manmade lagoon, which has a small island for romantic private dinners and longteel boats for rides. The enormous grounds are richly manicured with lush flowers that emit a lovely scent, towering rubber trees, and maintained bike paths; although it can take a while to get from some villas to common areas, golf carts are on hand to shuttle guests to and fro. The open-air lobby is set in a large pavilion with high wood ceilings and wicker furniture, as well as reflection pools and pagoda architecture that add interesting touches. This upscale Thai style continues into the spacious villas, all of which have private pools. Public pools, dining options, and an elegant spa provide lots to do on-site, or guests can walk roughly five or so minutes to the beach.

Banyan Tree Phuket is located along the western coast of Phuket, with little of interest in walking distance. Visitors are about a five-minute walk to Bangtao Beach, which can sometimes be too rough for swimming. Directly adjacent to the resort is the 18-hole Laguna Golf Phuket. Expect a 25-minute drive south to the nightlife of Patong Beach and a 25-minute car ride north to Phuket International Airport. Parking at the resort is free. 

The huge pagoda-style villas are true highlights at Banyan Tree Phuket. Villas have sleek wood floors, charming Thai-inspired painted wall panels, and comfy furnishings in earth tones. All have beautiful outdoor spaces with private pools and loungers, plus some have stand-alone bathtubs. Villas have either small sitting areas or more spacious living rooms, as well as one or two bedrooms. Swish marble bathrooms have separate showers and tubs, hairdryers, and upscale toiletries. Also standard are free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, coffeemakers, closets with robes, slippers, and electronic safes, and DVD players. Views are either of the garden or lagoon.

Banyan Tree Phuket offers a variety of features for both adults and kids. Guests can walk around five minutes to reach the beach, or take the free-to-borrow bikes or a shuttle. There, the hotel has loungers and umbrellas set up. The spa at Banyan Tree Phuket is highly decorated and relaxing. An open-air pavilion with black columns painted with gold flowers, floating flower petals, and plush daybeds provide an excellent place to chill before or after a treatment. Couples' treatment rooms and an outdoor tub for two complete the romantic vibe. There's a gorgeous outdoor freeform pool (with a swim-up bar and hot tub) surrounded by a sophisticated pool deck housing loungers and umbrellas. Around the corner from here is another, often quieter, pool with an adjacent aqua gym (a few underwater exercise equipment).A fitness pavilion provides cardio equipment and weights. Yoga, tennis courts, and bikes to borrow are additional fitness options. The adjacent 18-hole Laguna Golf Phuket is a popular course, and it has a pro shop and cafe. Staff organizes a wide variety of activities such as Thai language classes, cooking demonstrations, and tours of the local night market (fee). Rides in traditional Thai boats on the lagoon are popular. The Rangers Club has a variety of supervised activities for kids. Wi-Fi is free throughout.

The dining and drinking options at Banyan Tree Phuket get good marks for variety and quality, plus buffet breakfasts are included in most room rates. Banyan Cafe overlooks the golf course and serves a casual breakfast along with light lunches and early dinners. Saffron serves upscale Thai food for dinner with a resort casual dress code. Taihei serves gourmet Japanese fare for lunch and dinner on a gorgeous outdoor, covered patio. Tre is a contemporary fine-dining dinner option, while Sands provides Western and Thai cuisines for lunch and early dinners. Watercourt is the most casual option; it's where a breakfast buffet and dinner are served, along with a la carte options. In-villa dining is also available. Private dinners within the lagoon can be arranged with prior notice. Pool and lobby bars are on-site.