Set on Phuket’s northwest coast along Bang Tao Bay, Laguna Phuket is one of Asia’s premier integrated resorts, bringing together luxury hotels, private residences, standout restaurants, indulgent spas, first-class leisure and sports facilities, and an immaculate 18-hole championship golf course.
Stretching along an idyllic 3km ribbon of white-sand beach on the Andaman Sea, the resort is just a 25-minute drive from Phuket International Airport, which, after a 12-hour flight, is exactly what you want. There’s nothing worse than finally touching down only to face another three-hour journey to reach your hotel.
Golf Today had the privilege of visiting Laguna Phuket to experience everything it has to offer, and boy, was it worth the trip. Here’s everything you need to know…
Golf at Laguna Phuket
First and foremost, let’s start with the golf, as the majority of us, it takes precedence over anything else. But, before I dive into my experience playing the course, here’s the quick overview:
The course
- Championship standard 18 holes, Par 71
- 6,756 yards from the tips (work is underway to lengthen this year)
- Set inside the Laguna Phuket complex with lagoons/water features and first-rate conditioning.
Course architect and redesign
- The original course opened in 1992, designed by Max Wexler and David Abell.
- A major revamp, including reshaping/contouring and other changes, was led by architect Paul Jansen.
- The revamp included reversing the front and back nines and introducing new contours/features.
Practice, facilities, and setup
- Practice facilities: driving range, chipping/putting greens, practice bunker.
- Clubhouse facilities: pro shop for registration with apparel, balls, tees, sun cream and sundries sale.
- Food & drink on site: Banyan Café is presented as overlooking the course, with Thai/Western dishes and drinks.
- Caddies: Caddies will be assigned for each round, or can be booked specifically if you know them (shout out to Mayu for two very enjoyable rounds).
Formalities out of the way, now for the experience. I’ll start by saying make sure you’re covered head-to-toe in suncream and have plenty of water, because it’s HOT. That said, you’ll be in a buggy, so you don’t feel the full brunt of the Southeast Asian climate.
From the moment you walk in, you can tell it’s a serious setup. You’re greeted on arrival and, if you have your own clubs, they’re taken care of and placed on your allocated buggy. After checking in, you’ll meet your caddy and head to the practice area for a quick warm-up before heading out.
Something that often goes unnoticed but is very much appreciated is the journey from the range and putting green to the first tee. Laguna does this superbly well, with the first tee situated right next to the practice area, meaning you can sink your last putt, walk a few steps and be teeing up within 30 seconds. There’s also a small shop with drinks and snacks between the two, so you can stock up before heading out (or grab something you might have forgotten) without trekking back to the pro shop.
Naturally, with the name Laguna, you can expect a lot of water, so be sure to have enough balls and listen to your caddy. I was guilty of vetoing a couple of club choices in the opening holes and was immediately humbled, before trusting my caddy with my life from there on in.
The layout is thoroughly enjoyable, with scoring holes on offer in between some serious thinking and tactical play, keeping you on your toes without ever feeling beaten down. You’ll have to lock in for a stretch where the water feels as inevitable as paying back an unpaid student loan, but if you come through unscathed, there are genuine birdie chances that spark an intrinsic drive to get a score going.
All the while, you’re playing with a smile on your face, and the best part is feeling like you’re part of a team with your caddy. There’s something incredibly satisfying about playing the exact shot they’ve called and then celebrating together like Europe winning at Bethpage.
Architecturally speaking, the design team (both original and revamp) have done a tremendous job. The run-off areas around the greens, landing zones and bunker positioning are detailed and well thought out. The former is something I’d consider a key feature of the course. Multiple holes feature slightly raised greens with 360-degree run-off, while others force you to seriously weigh up the risk and reward of going at the pin.
You can tell a good course by its ability to shake things up simply by changing the pin position. You could play the same hole three times with three different pin locations, and each would immediately affect your approach from tee to green. Your ideal landing zone in the fairway would need to change to allow for the best angle in, while par threes might demand a different club and/or shot shape. Clever design like this makes a course dynamic and adaptable to all abilities, while ensuring higher-level golfers never get bored.
Which brings me neatly to my final point: this course wouldn’t go amiss on the DP World Tour’s Asian Swing. The recent work to lengthen the layout, combined with comprehensive practice facilities, a large and stylish clubhouse, and ample space to host spectators, would make it a natural fit. Pair that with six standout hotel and apartment complexes for tour players and visitors alike, and you’ve got a genuine all-in-one set-up that caters for every aspect.
Accommodation at Laguna Phuket
As mentioned above, Laguna Phuket comprises six distinct hotels and apartment-style resorts, all delivering luxury accommodation but each subtly tailored to a different kind of holiday within the same destination. Here’s the quick lowdown:
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Style: 5-star beachfront resort with lagoon vistas. Right on Bang Tao beach with lagoon and sea views, huge pool and loads of activities for all ages.
Highlights: Direct beach access; multiple pools; spa; dining; watersports and wellness.
Best for: Couples, families, golfers, or groups seeking big-resort fun and beachfront convenience.
Style: Ultra-luxury private villas, lush gardens, all-pool access and that indulgent “escape it all” vibe.
Highlights: Positioned close to the golf course and the resort heart.
Best for: Couples on a romantic break, honeymooners, or anyone craving complete serenity.
Style: Vibrant serviced apartments right in the heart of the resort, pet-friendly, self-catered kitchen options and easy access to local nightlife.
Highlights: Backpacker style vibe, providing an easy-going stay.
Best for: Friends, long stays, travellers with pets, and those who want more flexibility and self-catering.
Style: Classic beachfront resort with Thai heritage, full-service dining, spa & multiple room types including villas.
Highlights: Central location with easy beach access.
Best for: Families or couples who want resort-luxury with all the amenities and easy beach access.
Style: Your home-away-from-home. Big suites, kitchenettes, loads of space, perfect if you’re staying a while or travelling with mates.
Highlights: Overlooks the golf course
Best for: Golfers, longer stays, groups who want apartment-style comfort or self-catering, less traditional hotel feel.
Style: Laid-back, modern, right between lagoon and beach; good mix of chill and fun, especially for those wanting something stylish but not over-formal.
Highlights: Often promoted with “golf + stay” packages that include tee times at Laguna Golf.
Best for: Golfers, young couples, design-savvy travellers, or anyone who wants relaxation and a little social buzz.
Now, it goes without saying that all of the above are well-suited to a golf holiday; it’s just that some are better aligned with the overall golfing atmosphere than others. Location-wise, however, it doesn’t really matter where you choose to stay, as the resort offers complimentary internal shuttle services (both bus and boat) connecting the hotels with restaurants, shopping areas, spa facilities and the golf course. You can hop on a shuttle anywhere around the resort, or simply ask a concierge to call one for you if needed.
During our stay, we were based at both Angsana and SAii. Not only were the views and facilities on offer second to none, but the staff were also above and beyond friendly and attentive, something we can all agree goes a very long way as a guest.
Angsana Laguna Phuket
Our first stop was Angsana, which sits directly on Bang Tao Beach. The hotel is fronted by a serene lagoon and boasts a huge outdoor swimming pool that runs the length of the property, alongside a children’s pool, spa and fully equipped gym. Additional amenities include a kids’ club, bike hire, beach volleyball and yoga, paddleboarding, kayak tours and regular on-site entertainment.
The 376 rooms span a wide range of categories, from garden and lagoon views to beachfront suites, with double and deluxe room configurations, as well as a variety of suite options, including multi-bedroom pool suites.
Our short stay at Angsana was superb, with a sea-facing room and a balcony overlooking swaying palm trees and golden sand, best enjoyed with the complimentary fresh fruit left in the room. Food and nightlife are also worth writing home about, with restaurants catering to every taste and plenty of spots to see the evening through with drinks and live music. I’ll go into more detail further down, but as an overview, Angsana’s dining options include:
- Azzurra (Italian; all-day)
- Seafood Market (seafood/Asian fusion/Thai; dinner-led)
- XANA (beach club / bar; international snacks; late hours)
- Bodega & Grill (BBQ/steaks + wine; breakfast + lunch/dinner)
- Poolside (drinks + light meals/snacks)
- Loy Krathong Bar (bar; drinks/snacks)
- Market Place (breakfast buffet; also positioned for Thai flavours at dinner)
One of the standout highlights at Angsana is the hands-on Thai cookery experience, where we learned to prepare traditional dishes under the guidance of an experienced local chef. During our session, we prepared, cooked and ate Tom Yum Goong (spicy and sour prawn soup), green curry and Som Tam (spicy salad), with the emphasis not just on what to cook, but why ingredients are used in specific ways. Truly and honestly, it was a 10/10 experience.
RAVA Beach Club
I had the good fortune of visiting Laguna Phuket with my significant other, which, aside from the golf, allowed me to experience the resort as a couple. Along with its strong restaurant offering, which I’ll come back to shortly, the nightlife within Angsana, and the wider resort, is excellent. That’s most evident in Laguna Phuket’s newest and most impressive addition: Rava Beach Club.
Just a five-minute walk from our room overlooking the Andaman Sea, Rava Beach Club was completed last year and has quickly become one of Bang Tao’s standout lifestyle destinations, combining dining, drinks and beachfront socialising under one roof.
Set across around 180 metres of prime sand, it’s one of the largest beach clubs in Phuket in terms of scale and frontage. But rather than feeling oversized, Rava is thoughtfully laid out to work as a true day-to-night hangout, with enough variety to suit different moods without losing its laid-back feel.
Food and drink anchor the experience, with beachfront dining and slick bartending supported by live music and DJ sets, alongside a rotating programme of wellness and creative events. A small boutique retail offering adds to the sense that this is somewhere to linger, not just dip in and out of.
The space is split into distinct zones. The central social area is the most energetic, with three infinity pools, sunbeds, cabanas and a lively soundtrack setting the tone. Elsewhere, the grill-focused dining zone centres on an open charcoal kitchen serving premium meats and seafood, while the more discreet Prestige Lounge offers a quieter, elevated option with indoor dining, private pool access and daybeds.
SAii Laguna Phuket
Our second room at the resort was a SAii, a hugely impressive hotel that strikes that rare balance of scale and comfort, offering around 255 rooms and suites spread across beach-access, lagoon-view and ocean-view categories, alongside a handful of club-level options for those wanting a little extra. Despite its size, it never feels overwhelming, helped by a layout that flows naturally between the beach, lagoon and central facilities.
It’s a resort built to keep everyone occupied. There’s a full-service spa specialising in Thai and aromatherapy treatments, a large outdoor pool complete with waterslide, separate kids’ pool, well-equipped fitness centre and a healthy selection of courts for tennis and squash. Add beach volleyball, water sports and easy access to the sand, and it’s easy to see why SAii works just as well for active travellers and golfers as it does for families.
Breakfast is typically included, with a generous buffet to start the day, while sunloungers and umbrellas line the beach for slower afternoons. As mentioned briefly above, SAii also offers “club rooms” (where we stayed), which, in my opinion, represent no-brainer added value. They include executive lounge access, plus afternoon tea, cocktails, mocktails and canapés served at an idyllic boathouse overlooking the lagoon, all included in the price.
On top of all this, SAii has another impressive array of culinary delights, ranging from chilled-out bites to memorable meals. These include:
- bean / Co (coffee, pastries, sandwiches)
- Terra&Mar (all-day “land & sea” concept; flagship all-day venue)
- The Club (club lounge for club/suite guests)
- Miss Olive Oyl (Mediterranean-inspired)
- Mr Tomyam (Thai-inspired beachside dining)
All told, it’s a strong all-rounder, delivering comfort, variety and a relaxed resort atmosphere without ever feeling forced.
Culinary Delights
Before getting into the specifics, it’s worth saying that we didn’t have a single bad meal at Laguna Phuket. Everything we ate was fresh, full of flavour and cooked to perfection. On top of that, my other half has a couple of minor dietary requirements, which were not only catered for everywhere we dined, but in some cases proactively accommodated without us even having to ask. Attention. To. Detail. It’s something we were both genuinely taken aback by.
That said, to cover everywhere we ate properly would require a three-part series of its own, so instead I’ll focus on a select few that really stood out.
Benjarong
Benjarong is Dusit Thani’s signature Thai restaurant and easily one of the most refined dining experiences within Laguna Phuket. Housed in a standalone pavilion inspired by traditional Thai architecture, it offers a calm, elegant contrast to the resort’s more casual beachfront venues. This is a place rooted in heritage and authenticity, designed for slow, considered dining and one of the strongest examples of traditional Thai cuisine across the resort.
The menu focuses on classic Thai dishes prepared to royal-style standards, with an emphasis on balance, technique and presentation. Expect rich, aromatic curries, delicately spiced stir-fries, traditional soups and regional specialities. Flavours lean firmly towards authentic rather than Westernised, making this a proper Thai dining experience and an ideal choice for a romantic evening or special occasion.
The atmosphere is quiet, intimate and polished, enhanced by subtle décor and understated cultural detailing. The staff, as always, were excellent, walking us through the menu with thoughtful explanations around ingredients, preparation, flavour profiles and presentation. Once again, the attention to detail was second to none.
Most importantly, the food was superb. From the Som Tam Thai salad prepared tableside to the immaculately cooked lobster, every dish was worth taking your time over. If you’re looking for an evening that allows you to switch off completely and simply enjoy the setting and your company, this is the place.
Bodega & Grill
Bodega & Grill is the resort’s go-to grill and steakhouse, offering a relaxed but lively dining environment that sits comfortably between casual and upscale. It’s the kind of place that works just as well for a laid-back dinner as it does for a longer evening with a few drinks.
The menu is built around premium grilled meats and steaks, BBQ-style dishes and international comfort food, with generous portions designed to please rather than challenge. We had a brilliant evening here, working our way through a healthy selection of steaks, sausages and seafood, paired with a few cocktails and sides of fresh, creamy spinach. Simple, well-executed and thoroughly enjoyable, definitely one to recommend.
Hojo
The restaurant that truly took our breath away was Hojo, the Japanese speciality restaurant at Banyan Tree Phuket. It offers a polished, modern take on classic Japanese cuisine and is an absolute must if you value high-quality sushi, sashimi and traditional techniques delivered with precision.
The quality of the seafood was exceptional (genuinely some of the best I’ve had) with carefully selected ingredients, balanced flavours and immaculate presentation throughout. Set within the elegant Banyan Tree grounds, the restaurant blends contemporary design with traditional Japanese styling, creating a calming, almost escapist atmosphere that pairs perfectly with the food. Enjoyed as the sun dips and the evening sets in, it’s a dining experience that absolutely deserves a spot on your list.
Spa Treatments
You can’t go on an indulgent, all-out relaxation trip without visiting the spa at least once. Laguna Phuket has three on-site spas across its resorts: Angsana, Banyan Tree and SAii, and during our stay, we had the chance to experience two of them: Angsana and SAii.
Angsana Spa
Angsana and the Spa is set among peaceful gardens and alongside tranquil lagoons, designed to reflect its tropical surroundings and create an immediate sense of calm. Treatments focus on natural, aromatic elements, blending Eastern and Western techniques.
The menu includes traditional Thai massage, the Angsana signature massage, aromatherapy treatments, body scrubs and wraps, facials, and shorter express options, ideal for fitting a quick reset into a busy holiday schedule.
SAii Spa
SAii Spa channels the resort’s broader Live Well ethos, drawing inspiration from the surrounding sea and natural environment to promote relaxation and balance. Located within the SAii Laguna property, it’s calm, accessible and easy to dip into on a slower day.
Treatments include Thai massage, body scrubs, aromatherapy sessions and couples’ experiences, all influenced by sand, sea and natural ingredients. A standout feature is the personal steam room available before treatments (something I hadn’t experienced before), which adds an extra layer to the whole ritual. Its location near the beach and pool also makes it ideal for a spontaneous spa visit.
Our time at both spas was next level. Every detail felt carefully considered, meaning the experience begins the moment you walk through the door and only really ends once you’re sat with a cup of flower tea and a bowl of yoghurt and fruit. Whether used to start or finish the day, it’s a reset well worth making time for.
Is Laguna Phuket worth visiting?
In all, it’s near impossible to fault Laguna Phuket as a resort. The accommodation available is not only first-rate, but the subtleties between each option allow for a more personalised stay, depending on your itinerary and how you want to spend your holiday. Every meal was fresh and tasty, there are enough amenities and activities to try something new each day without getting bored, and the nightlife offers options for every kind of evening, whether that’s a few quiet drinks or a late-night party.
But most importantly (for us golfers), the 18-hole championship course is the cherry on top. Immaculately kept and thoughtfully laid out, it’s a track that keeps you on your toes and one you’ll look forward to playing time and time again.
Laguna Phuket is a true one-stop destination that covers everything you could think of and more. Solo, as a couple, with friends or as a family, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone it doesn’t suit.
