Let the waves guide you to rest, play, and peace at SAii Laguna Phuket

Phuket has long been the crown jewel of Southern Thailand, celebrated for its sweeping beaches, lush foliage, and a charm that feels distinctly local yet effortlessly welcoming. Once an island famed for its tin mines, which drew fortune seekers from far and wide, the island has since transformed into a playground for those seeking more than just a tan: surfers chasing the perfect swell, kiteboarders skimming the horizon, and travellers after a seamless blend of local character and laid-back luxury. Despite its easy accessibility and quick connections that make it a popular escape from the city’s pace, stepping onto Phuket still feels like entering another world. To truly embrace the island dream, your accommodation must be more than a place to rest; it should reflect Phuket’s relaxed elegance, which SAii Laguna Phuket does with a knowing nod and a splash of style.

Driving up to the property, we were welcomed by lush greenery and a tennis court so perfectly green it seemed to blend seamlessly into the landscape. Stepping into the lobby, the interiors immediately reflected the colours of the shore with soft beiges like sand, rattan furnishings, and a striking centrepiece dressed with greenery, flowers, and coconuts that brought to mind coral beneath the ocean’s surface. A cold towel and refreshing welcome drinks were the perfect antidote to the balmy heat. Check-in was swift, followed by a guided stroll to our room.

We stayed in a freshly refurbished Lagoon View room that mirrored the calm of the ocean just moments away. Directly outside our window, the jade-coloured lake shimmered under the sun, dotted with paddle boarders, kayaks, and even a gondola ferrying guests from one side to the other. My favourite spot was the cosy sun bed tucked into a corner, surrounded by tall windows that framed the view—an ideal nook for afternoon reading after a swim. The balcony, just the right size for two, made for a charming setting for late-night chats over a bottle of red. Since ours was a club room, we were granted access to The Club, a brisk, lakeside walk away, which proved to be a lovely spot to sip and unwind. I quickly admired how effortlessly connected everything felt. Moving from our room to meals, the spa, or the pool was a breeze, making it an ideal setup for larger groups, whether everyone sticks together or decides to wander off on their own little adventures.

During our stay, we savoured a delightful variety of dining experiences that perfectly showcased the best of SAii Laguna Phuket’s culinary offerings. Our first day began with lunch at Terra & Mar, a restaurant proudly living up to its promise of ‘The Best of Land and Sea.’ Every dish felt fresh and thoughtfully crafted from local ingredients, setting a high bar for what was to come.

That evening, we headed to Mr. Tomyam, a charming beachside spot rooted in Thai tradition. The menu balanced sweet, sour, and heat in perfect harmony, serving up classic Thai favourites with a playful European twist. We’re still torn over our favourite dish. The pizza was wonderfully fluffy and cheesy in all the right ways, yet their take on the classic kraprao continues to linger in my thoughts.

Dining outside as the sun dipped below the horizon was pure magic and the kind of place you would want to escape to after a splash in the pool for something truly satisfying.

Breakfasts at Terra & Mar quickly became a highlight thanks to a generous spread of continental treats. I could not get enough of the flaky pastries and the freshly brewed coffee, which felt like the ideal companion to my morning pages. After wandering the lush grounds, we found ourselves at Miss Olive Oyl for lunch. Inspired by Mediterranean flavours, the food was simple yet sophisticated, comforting and beautifully prepared, and exactly the fuel we needed for an afternoon on the water.

As mentioned, we also discovered The Club, an exclusive lounge with stunning views over the lagoon. Whether it was morning coffee, afternoon tea, or a sunset drink, this spot offered a calm retreat from the buzz. For me, as a writer juggling edits on the move, it was a dream with strong java, light bites, and a view that felt like food for the soul.

SAii Laguna Phuket knows how to keep guests entertained and feeling their best, so you’ll never find yourself wondering what to do next. I don’t know about you, but as a tireless child, even the pool could only hold my attention for so long during holidays.

For lovers of the water, there’s plenty on offer. Paddle around the lake in a kayak, set sail on a catamaran, or join expert instructors for sailing and windsurfing lessons. If being poolside is more of your calling, there are three stunning swimming pools to choose from. The kids’ pool is perfect for younger guests, the tranquillity pool offers a serene retreat for adults, and the main pool features a 55-metre waterslide that guarantees fun for the whole family. Families will find plenty to keep little ones busy, too. Mafeung and Mafai’s Junior Beach Club and Camp welcome kiddos aged four to 12, with activities ranging from cooking and painting to tie-dye and batik. We caught a glimpse of the fun and spotted two girls getting their hair braided mermaid-style, complete with beads and giggles!

When it comes to caring for both body and mind, SAii Laguna Phuket offers a range of wellness experiences designed to restore and revitalise. The fitness centre provides everything needed to feel energised and renewed. With state-of-the-art machines alongside Pilates, yoga, Zumba, and Thai boxing classes, as well as personal trainers available to guide you, it offers a space where both body and mind can find balance. Tennis lovers will appreciate the choice of outdoor and indoor courts, all beautifully lit for play at any hour, while squash players of every level are invited to join for training sessions or lively matches.

Should you find yourself in need of rest and relaxation, SAii Spa offers a peaceful sanctuary where time seems to slow. Masala experienced the signature SAii Deep Restore treatment, a deeply restorative journey from start to finish. The personalised checklist, choice of fragrant body oils, soothing hot stones, expert hands, sound bath, and a delightful snack with tea at the end combine into a tranquil dream. I emerged feeling completely renewed, as though every trace of tension had melted away, leaving behind a lighter, calmer version of myself.

Beyond being a haven for relaxation and wellness, the resort has also earned a reputation as a coveted destination for Indian weddings. I had the opportunity to chat with Bart Callens, Cluster General Manager for SAii Resorts across Koh Phi Phi and Phuket, who shared some fascinating insights about what makes the property so special.

With direct flights now connecting major Indian cities to Phuket, destination weddings are more effortless than ever. Have you noticed a growing interest from the Indian market, and how is SAii Laguna Phuket tailoring its experiences to meet that demand?

Post-COVID, the rise in direct flights from India to Phuket has made travel far more convenient, and we’ve definitely seen a growth in Indian guests and weddings. SAii Laguna Phuket is well-suited for multi-generational stays, and with Chef Amit Gusain leading our Indian kitchen, we cater confidently to diverse dietary needs. Plus, we’re just 30 minutes from the airport, making celebrations seamless.

SAii Laguna Phuket recently underwent a thoughtful transformation. What design elements were preserved, and where did the resort choose to reimagine its identity?

We approached the transformation of SAii Laguna Phuket as more than just a renovation. While we preserved the signature Thai lagoon-style architecture, we reimagined the interiors with soft, sandy hues and ocean-inspired tones, an ode to the word ‘SAii’, which means sand in Thai. Rooms now feature smart upgrades like USB ports, Nespresso machines, and smart TVs, while our team underwent extensive training to align service with lifestyle-luxury standards. Beyond the design, we kept what matters most: heartfelt Thai hospitality and a strong sense of place.

How significant was it to introduce authentic Indian cuisine, especially for wedding celebrations and Indian leisure guests?

They say love goes through the stomach, and at SAii, that rings especially true. Chef Amit, our seasoned Indian national, brings depth and diversity to the resort’s culinary offering, with the rare ability to cater to the nuances of every Indian region. He’s worked across India and abroad, and is not only hands-on in the kitchen, but deeply committed to training Thai chefs to meet the high standards of authentic Indian fare. When it comes to weddings, the resort’s flexibility shines: from ballrooms to beachfronts, and even whimsical touches like boat arrivals across the lagoon.

Indian weddings and social celebrations carry their own spirit and scale. How does the resort meet the scale and spirit of such celebrations?

When it comes to scale, SAii Laguna Phuket is well-equipped, with not one but two grand ballrooms. The newer one, built in 2019, is sleek and modern, while the original offers sweeping ocean views and natural daylight that’s ideal for indoor-outdoor ceremonies. And because Phuket weather can be unpredictable, the resort always ensures a seamless Plan B, so the dream wedding isn’t left at the mercy of the monsoon.

SAii Laguna is known for its lifestyle-led brand identity. What excites you most about this new chapter at SAii Laguna Phuket?

I would say I’m most excited about the resort’s modern lifestyle approach moving forward, which blends effortlessly with warm and intuitive Thai hospitality. The SAii Gurus embody this perfectly. Instead of a single guest relations officer, any team member wearing the SAii Guru badge is ready to offer insider tips, local knowledge, or seamless assistance at any time. Wellness remains at the heart of the experience, extending beyond the tranquil spa to include fitness, family-friendly activities, and thoughtfully crafted health-conscious cuisine.