Amy Adejokun
Section editor
With incontestable features - a golf course, a very high level of service, accommodation of very high category - , the Banyan Tree imposes itself without difficulty as one of the most luxurious establishments in Phuket.
Banyan Tree - © Christophe Hiltgen / EASYVOYAGE
Banyan Tree - © Christophe Hiltgen / EASYVOYAGE
By the beach of Bang Tao, on the west coast of Phuket and bordering a large artificial lagoon built here in the 80's on the site of a former tin mine. Phuket Town is 14 miles away, on the west coast, and the airport is also 14 miles north, which is around 30 minutes by car.
Each of the 109 villas of the Banyan Tree (with one or two rooms, all face the interior lagoon) is isolated from the external looks by walls, 56 of them have a garden and their own private pool. The major concept of the hotel: privacy and intimacy. The internal arrangement of the villas, very spacious, favours noble materials (amazing wood, external shower in black stone), always with this touch of soberness that contrasts with garish luxury. Video and hi-fi in all the villas, high quality materials and a superb bathroom, the amenities are evidently in harmony with what you would expect from a hotel of this level.
"A sanctuary for the senses". In fact, all or almost all is included in the slogan of this very high standard hotel, surely, one of the most luxurious hotels in Phuket. The Banyan Tree - with tall trees at the entrance, which gave it its name - sets its singularity from the entrance into the very spacious and beautiful lobby, maintained in total soberness, in an extremely refined setting of water, stone and wood. Serenity, calm, a feel of zen, in summary, this absence of ostentation provides true luxury. Built on several acres, the hotel is in fact a set of villas with tropical private gardens, some with their own pool, distributed on the perimeter of a small lagoon. Indeed, there are no high constructions, and there is lots of vegetation all over. Amongst the communal amenities to point out: a beautiful pool, a sophisticated spa and a rare attraction, an 18 hole golf course.
Five restaurants, complemented by three bars, compose the gastronomic offer of the Banyan Tree: Mediterranean cuisine at the Watercourt, Thai and Asian specialties at the Saffron, seafood, outdoors on the Sala Terrace, diet menus with Tamarind and international cuisine at the Banyan Cafe. A wide choice, with a quality level corresponding to the hotel, high quality. Culinary thematic soirees are also organised two times per week at the Banyan Tree. The hotel also has its own boat on the lagoon, it is possible to arrange private dinners aboard; a very popular option among the guests, it seems....
Bang Tao beach, which extends for several kilometers, is a good alternative to the spots of Patong Beach or Karon Beach, quite crowded in high season, during the winter months. Much more tranquillity and space, in summary, a seductive option for relaxation lovers. The satisfying quality of the water and the sand as well as the slope of the beach, should please swimming lovers. However there is a real disadvantage: summer is a period when the sea is high and tempestuous, the water "nibbles" the beach and makes it almost impracticable.
The Banyan Tree is part of a 990 acre complex, integrating four other hotels from the zone of the lagoon (Laguna Beach Club, Dusit Laguna Resort Hotel, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket, Allamanda Laguna Phuket) belonging to the same owner: the amenities, services and facilities of each hotel are accessible to the guests of the other four. A free shuttle service operates within the five establishments all day. All the villas should benefit from their own Internet access very soon. Electric buggies with driver are available to the guests, they ensure the transport inside the domain all day, free of cost. A rarity amongst the offered activities: meditation workshops.
massage, beauty salon, sauna, hammam, stretching, keep fit, spa, Turkish bath, wellness
tennis, gym, aerobics, beach volley, golf, sailing, kayak, canoe, windsurfing, fitness, sports
The Sheraton is the biggest infrastructure in Phuket. This hotel has impressive dimension and is located in the Phuket lagoon. It combines a lot of comfort, luxury, equipment and quality of the services.
The Laguna Beach Resort is a beautiful and big infrastructure built in the splendid setting of Phuket lagoon. It has an impeccable comfort and all equipment and services necessary for a nice stay. Couples or families, the satisfaction is guaranteed.
Located bordering Laguna Beach, the Bangtao Beach Resort has been existing since 2003. Find out about the road before coming here, it is located on a small street, where you will not think you will find a hotel. The staff of this hotel is very friendly and smiley. This hotel suits people who are looking for simple but effective comfort.
It is difficult if not impossible not to be charmed by this calm and relaxing place. The Manathai is a superb boutique hotel, open since 2006. Its unique decoration is much more refined than in certain grand palaces. However, you do not come here for the organised activities, as there are not any. Nevertheless, couples will be delighted to stay there. A beautiful success!
The Karon Beach has the major advantage of being built directly on Karon beach itself. Its small size is another advantage, given that it only has 80 rooms, although these are unfortunately a little on the small side. You will also be pleased to hear that the restaurant serves delicious food and offers magnificent views.
Luxury, isolation, exclusivity: in an exceptional environment, the Chedi interprets a high standard partition which makes it one of the most beautiful hotels in Phuket. After the tidal wave that affected Phuket on 26th December 2004, the Chedi suffers minimum damages on a few bungalows and the beach restaurant, but the hotel works normally.
Located near Karon beach, the Woraburi is a small comfortable town hotel with no facilities other than a pool and a restaurant. Nonetheless, it is still an ideal departure point for exploring the town on foot. There are lots of shops next to the hotel, but if shopping isn't your thing and you prefer to laze around on the beach, there is a public beach that you can go to but you will have to walk across the road to get to it, as is the case with all the beaches in Thailand. Moreover, there are no deck chairs or parasols set up for the hotel guests on the beach.
Just like its twin establishments, the Kamala Beach and the Patong Beach, the Courtyard Phuket at Surin Beach is definitively a family hotel. The children's club is a true paradise for kids: it's built on several levels and offers all sorts of activities. Located at the heart of the hotel, parents are never far. Bought in 2008 by the Marriott group, this is a well kept establishment despite having been around for a long time. However, the lack of facilities will prove disappointing to sports enthusiasts. The hotel isn't exactly a seaside establishment, but the beach is relatively close.
The Anantara Phuket Villas boasts truly peaceful, serene surroundings, and is the kind of place you'd come solely to relax. It consists of a series of villas with a private pool; you really would be hard-pressed to find a better place to get away from it all. The staff is also very attentive and the service personalised. Although the majority of the clientele is made up of couples, children are also welcome; there is even a special club for them. The complex faces northwest, so you'll get to enjoy some beautiful sunsets...
Here is the kind of hotel where you think to spend peaceful holidays, quietly sat on your terrace or on the beach with a good book... The Trisara opened in November 2004. It is then a beautiful hotel, isolated from the rest of the island but especially from the rest of the world...
Far away from the bustle of Patong or Karon, the Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club is a top high standard hotel. Luxury, calm and voluptuousness.
Opened since 2002, the Evason Phuket is a quality establishment. The hotel extends on a property of 158 acres. Families will be happy to know that the hotel offers a children club. And couples will have space for their privacy...
The JW Marriot hotel is one of the biggest infrastructures in Phuket. This luxurious hotel combines a big quantity of equipment, quality services and impeccable comfort in a nice well-ventilated setting.
The Sala Phuket was definitely one of our favourite hotels in Phuket. This splendid establishment is a true haven of peace, both in terms of its architectural qualities and in terms of the tranquillity it offers. It's the perfect love nest for couples, but the hotel also welcomes children, although there is no entertainment on offer. The standard rooms, called the Balcony Rooms, intentionally come in limited numbers. This is for good reason, as it would be a shame to come here without enjoying the superb villas with their private pools. The Sala Phuket opened in 2008 and has many successful years to look forward to!
The Movenpick Karon Beach of Phuket is open since 20th July 2007. It is the former Crown Plaza. The establishment is composed of big living spaces where guests are not crammed. It has the biggest children club on Phuket island: families will be seduced!
Welcome to the Indigo Pearl world! What a pleasure to discover an establishment with its own identity, where the keyword of the decoration is originality. Once arrived, you will not enter in an ordinary hotel, but in another world. The designer Bill Bensley is unquestionably a genius. A real favourite!