Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket

Part of Laguna Phuket -- a massive development of multiple high-end resorts and hotels that spans nearly 1,000 acres on the Andaman Sea -- the Dusit Thani is one of the most popular choices. This relaxed resort is set within lush, tropical gardens full of native casuarina trees and coconut palms. Hammocks and lounge chairs are scattered throughout the grounds. The hotel itself is modern, with Thai decorative elements, but as one of the older Laguna hotels, it's not top-of-the-line contemporary. Interiors, while bright, tend to favor heavy furniture and woodwork -- that being said, the atmosphere is pleasant and well kept. The grand, open lobby has a vaulted ceiling, large arrangements of fresh flowers, spacious seating areas, and water features surrounded by Thai statues. The resort is popular with couples and families, but also regularly hosts large business conferences and even international sports events like the IronMan. It can be filled with groups on those occasions and get quite busy.

The Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket is set right in the heart of Phuket on the shores of the Andaman Sea. The hotel sits on a stunning white sand beach in Bang Tao Bay. It’s a tranquil location and has such a wide range of things to see and do on-site that many guests do not leave the resort during their stay. The immediate area is filled with other resorts that are part of the Laguna development, so there's not much of interest within walking distance. Those who do want to venture out will need a car and can reach both Patong Beach and Phuket City in 30 minutes. Patong's most notorious nightlife is centered on Bangla Road, which will take 10 minutes longer to reach depending on traffic. The Phuket FantaSea cultural theme park is also a 30-minute drive from the resort, where there are a range of performances, shops, and restaurants. Sirinat National Park, home to a beach and nesting sea turtles, is a 30-minute drive north, as is Phuket International Airport.

The 252 guest rooms at the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket are spacious and modern, even if the decor can be heavy and dark. Design elements include teak furnishings, Thai fabrics, and modern artwork on the walls. Motifs favor violet, gold, and black, creating distinctive spaces that lack the lightweight minimalism of today's design trends. All rooms have air-conditioning, balconies, a flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and DVD players, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, safes, and daily fruit and mineral water. There are a range of room categories available. Deluxe Rooms have either a lagoon or sea view. Oceanfront Deluxe Rooms are closer to the beach and have excellent sea views. Those staying in Dusit Club Rooms have extra benefits included such as afternoon tea and pre-dinner drinks in the lounge. The Laguna Pool Villas are luxurious three-story properties with two bedrooms and bathrooms, a private garden, kitchen, living and dining room, and a spectacular rooftop deck with private infinity pool, outdoor shower, and sun loungers with panoramic views of the lagoon. They are a popular choice for families. All rooms have large bathrooms with a separate shower cubicle and bath tub, and plenty of counter space. Hairdryers, toiletries, and robes and slippers are provided.

Like all of the properties that make up the Laguna development, the Dusit Thani offers a wide array of activities and features, some of which are shared with neighboring resorts. The Dusit Thani has a large freeform pool near the beach and a large hot tub. There are also a wide range of sports facilities, including a tennis court, track, water sports center, and fitness center. The hotel has a spa with eight individual pavilions set around a lotus pond where a large range of treatments can be enjoyed. There is also a kid’s club and playground, plus a game room. 

The hotel has three restaurants on-site. The Thai restaurant offers a wide range of authentic dishes and plays classical Thai music; the Italian venue is set in the hotel's pretty gardens; and the beach restaurant serves an international menu and offers stunning panoramic views over the sea and some spectacular sunsets. Breakfast is only included with certain bookings. There is also a poolside cafe and bar, another cafe, and an open-air lobby bar where cocktails are served and live music is played. For business guests, there are six meeting rooms and a 24-hour business center. On-site parking is free, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Guests of this hotel can also use the services of the five Laguna Phuket resorts along the beach, which includes an 18-hole championship golf course, jet skiing, horse riding, and parasailing. A free shuttle runs between the resorts.