Phuket, or ‘The Island That Never Sleeps’, is constantly buzzing with activity, whether it’s within upscale beach clubs attracting partygoers around the world or chic cafes housed within Sino-Portuguese buildings in Old Town. Saii Laguna Phuket, tucked away within the exclusive Laguna Phuket integrated resort complex, offers a tranquil escape from the hullaballoo just a short drive from these local attractions, while simultaneously providing both privacy and serenity away from the hustle and bustle. The complex boasts exceptional amenities, including an award-winning 18-hole golf course and the Canal Village shopping precinct, which offers a range of retail and dining options that hotel guests can access with ease.
Uniquely nestled between a shimmering lagoon and the pristine Bang Tao Beach, Saii Laguna Phuket recently re-opened its doors a few months ago after a comprehensive renovation. As I caught sight of the crystal-clear turquoise waters at the resort, I couldn’t help but gasp and ask a hotel staff member, “Is the ocean this beautiful every day?” “Yes, every day,” they replied with a smile.
The timberwork of the original traditional Thai lagoon-styled architecture was preserved to maintain its historical charm while incorporating new tech-forward amenities such as a fully digitalised room service system. Within, the minimal yet tasteful new rooms feature warm wood accents, such as its herringbone patterned flooring, wicker chairs, and a cosy corner alcove with a built-in daybed. The most luxurious accommodation option is the Two Bedroom Lagoon View Villa, which distinctly offers views of the ocean on the left and the lagoon on your right. As a personalised touch, every guest is greeted with a towel animal on their beds—mine was an adorable squid.
Although one could be perfectly content unwinding within the resort’s sophisticated interiors, Saii also boasts extensive leisure facilities that include the best tennis facilities of any resort in Phuket as well as a three-tier swimming pool with three levels, including an impressive winding slide (for kids and adults alike).
Saii Laguna Phuket’s reopening also sees the debut of the Saii Spa brand, inspired by the calming qualities of sand—fittingly, “Saii” means ‘sand’ in Thai. The spa features a serene environment, with cloud-like pendant lamps, a stunning floral centrepiece of white orchids, and light wood panelling. The spa also uses sustainably sourced local ingredients like coconuts for its soothing Coconut Herbal Compress, as well as pineapples, which adds an eco-conscious choice to indulgent experiences.
Before starting my Saii Signature Massage, I was asked to choose from five different types of oil, which helped me feel more comfortable as I am particular about scents. My friendly massage therapist then started my session that combined Thai stretching and deep tissue techniques with the sound of a gong to promote relaxation.
Into the Blue
Phuket is a fantastic hub for island hopping, and guests can extend their stay at Saii Laguna Phuket’s sister property, Saii Phi Phi Island Village, which is the only international hotel on Koh Phi Phi. After a 30-minute drive to the Royal Phuket Marina Pier and a one-hour boat ride, guests will arrive at what seems like an entirely separate world. The resort’s thatched roof villas are nestled between towering limestone formations and a private 800m stretch of pristine white sand beach fronted by the aquamarine waters of the Andaman Sea.
After being welcomed and serenaded by a Filipino band, guests will check into one of the 189 traditional Thai-style bungalows, each thoughtfully renovated with refreshed interiors. The resort also has 12 exclusive Hillside Pool Villas, each with its own private pool, which overlooks the magnificent scenery.
Outside, the resort beckons to be discovered. While you’re here, you can book a Longtail Boat tour to the nearby Maya Bay, where Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Beach was famously filmed. The highlight of my stay was dining at Ruan Thai, undoubtedly the most scenic restaurant I’ve ever visited. The multi-tiered restaurant, which reflects architectural elements of the Ayutthaya kingdom, is perched on hilltops with ocean views. The beautifully presented and flavourful dishes—such as Stir-fried Crab Meat with Yellow Curry and Tom Yum Kung (which a Thai friend vouched for as authentic)—perfectly completed the gastronomic experience.
A truly unique activity was the stargazing session, led by an astronomy expert from the Phuket Planetarium, who helped guests to identify constellations through telescopes. Additionally, with a profound commitment to environmental stewardship, Saii Phi Phi Island Village is one of Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ Top 100 Sustainable Hotels and Resorts of the World for 2024, the only resort in Thailand to receive this honour. It also houses the island’s only Marine Discovery Centre, where you can come face to face with clownfish, or rent a kayak to explore the mangrove forests within the resort.
As part of the resort’s ‘Save Our Sharks’ programme, in collaboration with the Phuket Marine Biological Centre, I and other guests took a short boat ride together with their resident marine biologists to Koh Mah, where the waters are an enchanting emerald green. On the coral reefs of the island, five bamboo sharks, which are considered ‘near threatened’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, were released. These had been bred at the centre and marked a total of 35 sharks released since 2021. There, I snorkelled for the first time and saw the wondrous sight of schools of colourful fish while the other guests tried scuba diving.
With scenic ocean views and world-class amenities, both Saii Laguna Phuket and Saii Phi Phi Island Village offer unforgettable, authentic tropical escapes.
