I had been to Phuket before, and like a committed tourist, I checked off all the must-dos. So, when the opportunity arose to revisit the Thai holiday favourite, I wasn’t quite sure what to look forward to. Fortunately, Saii Laguna Phuket resort’s stunning location right on the fringe of Bang Tao Beach, took me to a side of the city I was new to.
Located in the sprawling Laguna area, an erstwhile abandoned tin mine site that’s now a lush integrated resort complex, the resort takes you away from Phuket as it is known to Phuket as it should be experienced—slowly, consciously, and cradled in luxury.
Set across a tropical lagoon and barely a few steps away from the spotless beach, SAii Laguna at once feels like a cosy lakeside retreat and a dreamlike beachside getaway. However, despite its scale, the space does not take time to get used to. Even before you step in, the check-in process is taken care of in advance so that you can jump straight to immersing yourself in true relaxation. While for me, that has always meant spending as much time in my room on other occasions, taking in each corner, I reserved that for later and chose to check out the all-new Saii Spa instead—a defining addition made during the recent renovation.
Inspired by the natural element of sand (which in Thai translates to “Saii”) and bathed in the brand’s signature beige tone, the space is designed to instantly ground you, setting the mood for the impressive line-up of restorative treatments designed to address key concern areas. Exhausted from a red-eye flight, I decided to indulge in an hour-long Deep Restore massage, though they also had options for longer and shorter durations. To say that those sixty minutes were absolutely blissful and did away with all the exhaustion is no exaggeration—all thanks to the ritual of filling out a form where you get to circle the areas that need more focus during the treatment. Moreover, getting to choose from an array of natural essential oils was a lovely bonus that only added to the whole experience.
While I was spoilt for choice for things to do around the resort, I couldn’t resist spending any extra minute I got in my Lagoon View room. Done up in the deep colours of green and blue and their signature beige, the room is chic and cosy, yet spacious. It also comes decked with everything you may need, down to even an upcycled beach bag, beach towels and even rubber slippers.
My favourite part was undoubtedly the big indoor daybed, from where I enjoyed an unobstructed and a tree-framed view of the Lagoon’s emerald waters. The resort also has Ocean View rooms and suites fit for couples and even families. For larger groups, the two-bedroom Villa fits the bill perfectly.
For me, the many Singha Estate tea and Nespresso pods that came with the mini bar only made it tougher to ditch the nook for anything else—even the three swimming pools of various depths. But I did, and for good reason—the food.
Though my love for Thailand’s street food makes it difficult to settle for a meal at a restaurant, at Saii, I happily did. From relishing a slow breakfast at The Club overlooking the Lagoon to watching the sunset colour the sky orange from Mr Tom Yam, the in-house beachside shack serving flavour-packed Thai favourites, the range of food options available within is why one would never feel they are missing out on much, and it’s true. While Thai food is my favourite and I couldn’t help but keep indulging in it, there’s more cuisines to explore at Terra&Mar, many cups of coffee to be had at bean/Co, and Mediterranean dishes not to be missed at the Miss Olive Oyl.
Beyond the rooms, spa, and dining, there’s plenty at SAii Laguna Phuket to keep you happily occupied. Being part of the Laguna Phuket complex means you can hop on a free shuttle boat or bus to explore nearby cafés, shops, and even a golf course. Moreover, all you need to dine at one of the restaurants in other resorts is your key card. However, if you are not in the mood and want to do more at SAii, I suggest signing up for guided yoga and breathing sessions. If you’re adventurous instead, the on-site water sports facility fixes you up with a variety of activities, from kayaking to paddleboarding and even sailing.
Address: 323, Moo 2, Srisoonthorn Road Bangtao Beach Cherngtalay, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Tariff: INR 15,000 onwards
The resort sits between Bang Tao Beach and a tropical lagoon, inside the Laguna Phuket complex—about a 30-minute drive from Phuket International Airport.
Options range from Lagoon View Rooms and Club Lagoon View Rooms to spacious suites like the Ocean View Suite, Lagoon View Suite, and Beach Access Suite. Two-bedroom villas and connecting rooms are also available for families or groups.
Guests can enjoy Thai classics at Mr Tom Yam, Mediterranean dishes at Miss Olive Oyl, global flavours at Terra & Mar, light bites and coffee at bean/Co, and premium breakfasts or evening canapés at The Club.
Yes, there’s a dedicated kids’ club, a pool with a 55-metre waterslide, and family-friendly activities both at the resort and within the Laguna Phuket complex.
The SAii Spa offers a range of treatments, from traditional Thai massages to signature therapies, plus a fitness centre, tennis courts, squash courts, and yoga sessions.
Yes, guests can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing, and more, often with equipment and lessons provided.
Yes, the property caters to weddings, private events, and corporate meetings, with both beachfront and lagoon-facing venues.
