SAii Laguna Phuket Review: Laid-Back Luxury in Bang Tao

If you’re wondering whether SAii Laguna Phuket is the right resort for your next trip to Thailand’s largest island, my review is here to help.

My husband and I stayed at SAii Laguna for three nights and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. From the beautiful rooms and grounds to the excellent amenities and stunning beach, everything was wonderful, and we found ourselves wishing we had stayed longer.

We’ve visited Phuket several times before, but this resort has quickly become our favourite spot on the island. If you appreciate relaxed luxury, stunning natural surroundings, and easy access to amenities, I’m confident that SAii Laguna will be a perfect fit.

Read on to learn more about my honest experience and detailed insights into everything the resort and its surroundings have to offer.

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Overview of SAii Laguna Phuket

The view of the SAii Laguna Phuket resort from the lagoon — View of the resort from the Lagoon

Nestled between the stunning Bang Tao Beach and the serene lagoon on the west coast of the island, SAii Laguna Phuket is an upscale resort that seamlessly blends world-renowned Thai hospitality, a wealth of amenities, and a tranquil atmosphere.

Surrounded by lush tropical greenery, the resort features elegant Thai-inspired architecture paired with a modern, airy design. While it’s a relatively large property, the layout ensures it never feels overwhelming.

We travelled as a couple and found the serene setting, outstanding dining options, and convenient access to Phuket’s attractions made SAii Laguna an ideal destination for a romantic getaway. The resort also caters well to families, offering plenty of activities, from a kids’ club to various water sports.

The resort underwent renovations in 2024, and when my husband and I visited in late November, some final touches were still underway. Unfortunately, this meant we didn’t get to see the newly redesigned lobby, and one of the restaurants hadn’t yet opened.

That said, these minor limitations didn’t detract from our overall experience. The resort fully reopened in mid-December, so any visitors now can look forward to enjoying everything it has to offer at its best.

Ksenia sitting on a beach swing at the resort

Resort Facilities

Whether you’re seeking total relaxation or an action-packed holiday, SAii Laguna Phuket offers a range of facilities and experiences to make your stay truly memorable.

Savour delectable cuisine at the resort’s restaurants, keep active with a variety of fitness and outdoor activities, or treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa session for ultimate tranquillity. More on these later.

The highlight of the resort is its three stunning swimming pools: the main pool, featuring a 55-meter water slide perfect for kids and parents alike; an elevated tranquillity pool designed for peaceful relaxation; and a dedicated kids’ pool that’s sure to keep young guests entertained.

The main pool and the slide — The main pool and the 55-meter slide

Sun loungers are plentiful, whether you prefer poolside or beach. For an added touch of luxury, consider reserving a private pool cabana.

With direct access to the beach, you can seamlessly switch between relaxing by the Andaman Sea and lounging by the pool, depending on your mood.

My days at SAii Laguna involved a swim in the warm waters of the Andaman Sea in the morning followed by plonking myself on the poolside sun lounger with an umbrella to enjoy a book in the shade.

Finally, for any essentials or souvenirs, the resort features a small on-site shop offering resort apparel, footwear, and other holiday essentials.

Kids pool and access to the beach — Kids pool

Rooms at SAii Laguna Phuket

One of the highlights of staying at SAii Laguna is the excellent views from every room, whether overlooking the beach or the serene lagoon. No unpleasant surprises like random construction sites outside your window (something I’ve experienced elsewhere).

Guests can choose from a variety of accommodation, ranging from standard rooms with waterfall showers to larger Club rooms that include bathtubs and Club Lounge perks. For those seeking even more luxury, there are also suites and villas.

The decorative elements in the room (left) and the welcome tropical fruit bowl (right)

My husband and I stayed in a Lagoon View room, complete with a spacious private terrace. The room was airy and generously sized, blending modern chic with rustic, Thai beach-inspired décor.

We especially enjoyed the large, comfortable bed, the smart lighting system that allowed us to set the perfect evening mood, and a cosy window nook ideal for reading or napping. The welcome tropical fruit bowl was a thoughtful touch as well.

Ksenia enjoying the cosy reading nook at her resort room — The reading nook

The terrace was a true highlight, with comfortable seating that made it an ideal spot to spend a relaxing afternoon. With a hot drink in hand – courtesy of the Nespresso machine and premium Singha Park teas provided in the room – we enjoyed watching the peaceful lagoon world pass by.

Ksenia enjoying the private terrace adjacent to the room

A quirky feature of the room was a sliding wooden wall panel that separated the sleeping area from the bathroom. Depending on your preference, you could leave it open for a sense of flow or close it for added privacy. The bathroom itself boasted a luxurious waterfall shower and indulgent M.I.Y. toiletries with tropical aromas.

We celebrated my husband’s birthday during our stay, and the housekeeping team surprised us with a beautifully arranged display to mark the occasion. This thoughtful gesture added a personal touch to our experience.

The birthday arrangement from the SAii team

Food and Drink

SAii Laguna Phuket offers three restaurants, each catering to a variety of tastes, along with a casual coffee shop serving snacks and hot drinks. Let’s take a closer look at each dining option in a moment.

For a truly special occasion—or simply because you deserve it—you can indulge in a romantic beachfront dining experience. The team will set up a private table on the sand, adorned with torches and flowers, overlooking the Andaman Sea. Choose from a Thai or Western set menu for an evening of gastronomic delights.

If you’d like to master your favourite Thai dishes, consider booking a cooking class with SAii’s resident chef. Learn about the ingredients and techniques that make Thai cuisine so distinctive, and take home new skills as a lasting souvenir.

Terra & Mar

Terra & Mar is a stylish all-day dining destination that celebrates the finest local ingredients alongside an impressive selection of international dishes from Thailand, Japan, India, Italy, and beyond. Pair your meal with choices from a global wine list, local and imported beers, or expertly crafted cocktails to complete the experience.

This is also where guests enjoy the buffet breakfast, which truly offers something for everyone. Whether you prefer a healthy start to your day or a touch of indulgence, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Highlights include a live egg station, hot breakfast favourites from East and West, cold cuts, cheeses, and irresistible pastries—plenty to savour during your stay.

Occasionally, Terra & Mar hosts themed buffet dinners, spotlighting flavours from across the globe. It’s a great option if you want to try lots of things without committing to just one or two dishes as you would in an a-la carte setting.

Unfortunately, during our visit, Terra & Mar was still undergoing renovations, so we didn’t get a chance to experience it firsthand. Instead, breakfast was served at Miss Olive Oyl, which was still a great experience.

Having seen the plans for Terra & Mar, I know it looks fantastic—a perfect reason to plan a return visit.

Miss Olive Oyl

Miss Olive Oyl is a chic and inviting eatery that showcases the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean. From pasta, mezze, and souvlaki to shawarma, the menu also highlights exquisite local seafood prepared with the herbs and spices of the Med.

The interiors are a stylish blend of industrial charm, with exposed ductwork and brick accents, and Mediterranean warmth, featuring intricate tiles, timber details, and cosy leather seating.

My husband and I loved the creamy burrata, hearty pasta dishes, and the delightful complimentary focaccia—a fluffy pre-starter treat. And don’t miss the artisanal gelato; it’s absolutely divine.

The focaccia and cocktail at Miss Olive Oyl (left), and Ksenia enjoying her gelato (right)

The cocktail list deserves a special mention too, offering an extensive selection of signature and classic concoctions. I highly recommend the Miss Olive Oyl Spritz, a refreshing and perfectly balanced drink that complements the tropical setting beautifully.

As mentioned earlier, during our stay, Miss Olive Oyl served as the venue for the buffet breakfast while Terra & Mar was under renovation. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, we thoroughly enjoyed the same incredible breakfast offerings now available at Terra & Mar.

View from the breakfast terrace at Miss Olive Oyl — View from the breakfast terrace

Mr. Tomyam

Mr. Tomyam restaurant and bar offers a laid-back, Thai-inspired dining experience with lovely views of the pool and beach. It’s an ideal spot for alfresco meals or a sunset aperitif while taking in the beauty of the Andaman Sea.

During our stay, my husband and I enjoyed a wonderful beachfront dinner featuring classic Thai dishes. The Tom Yam Goong, a spicy and sour prawn soup, was bursting with flavour, and the aromatic green curry was equally delicious. Don’t miss the crispy chicken wings—they’re perfectly cooked, with a crunchy crust revealing tender, juicy chicken.

Tom Yam Goong (left) and Ksenia with yet another cocktail (right)

If you’re not in the mood for Thai cuisine, the menu also includes a variety of international favourites, such as pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and burgers.

Mr. Tomyam also offers poolside service during the day, delivering meals directly to your sunlounger. We took full advantage of this one afternoon when relaxing by the pool was far too enjoyable to interrupt.

Bean/Co

Since this casual café is part of Terra & Mar, we didn’t have the opportunity to try it during our stay. However, it’s now open and provides a casual setting to enjoy coffee, premium teas, pastries, and an assortment of sweet and savoury snacks.

The café stays open until 11 PM, making it a great choice for a post-dinner treat or a tipple. With a great cocktail menu on offer, Bean/Co is the perfect spot to wind down your evening.

The Club

Club and Suite-level guests have exclusive access to another dining destination within the resort: The Club, an elegant lounge situated in a beautifully designed Thai-inspired pavilion along the lagoon’s edge.

The Club offers breakfast, complimentary non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails with canapés. Although we weren’t staying in a Club room, we could still enjoy the afternoon tea at the lounge.

Ksenia enjoying afternoon tea at the Club Lounge terrace

Between 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM daily, guests can graze on delicious sweet treats, delicate finger sandwiches, tropical fruits, and premium teas and coffees. The hot drinks are served in elegant china adorned with intricate Asian designs.

The lounge also features a terrace with serene lagoon views, providing a tranquil and picturesque setting. This quickly became one of my favourite spots at the resort and was one of the (many) highlights of our stay.

Activities

For those seeking more than just lazy days by the pool, SAii Laguna Phuket offers an impressive variety of land and sea-based activities to keep you energized and entertained.

The resort features a modern, fully equipped gym and a schedule of daily fitness classes, including yoga, HIIT workouts, archery, and beach volleyball. Additionally, tennis and squash courts are available for guests looking to work off those indulgent breakfasts.

If you prefer water-based activity, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, Hobie Cat sailing, and windsurfing are all available at the resort’s activity centre. Beginners need not worry—lessons are available throughout the week to help you get started.

Hobie cats and kayaks at the resort activity centre

For younger guests, the kids’ club provides a wide range of activities to suit diverse interests, from cooking classes and arts and crafts to children’s movie sessions and Thai language lessons. For something unique, you can even enroll your child in a sailing course.

Golf lovers will also feel right at home here. SAii Laguna serves as a convenient base for accessing the nearby 18-hole Laguna Golf Course.

SAii Spa

The beautiful SAii spa deserves a special mention. This small but perfectly formed oasis of tranquillity offers a wide range of treatments, from signature massages and body scrubs to rejuvenating facials and soothing after-sun therapies, all designed to help you achieve ultimate relaxation.

During our stay, my husband and I indulged in a couple’s Thai Fusion massage. This unique treatment masterfully blends traditional Thai massage techniques with modern elements, including the use of essential oils, for a deeply calming experience.

For those who enjoy a more traditional approach, the spa also offers authentic Thai massages. While I’ve tried and appreciated them before, my personal preference leans toward oil massages. We opted for the healing oil infused with lavender, which enhanced our sense of relaxation even further.

The collection of essential oils at SAii spa

Our spa experience was delightful, made even more special by the impeccable service provided by the spa team. A treatment session at SAii Spa is a must-add to your itinerary when staying at the resort.

For guests looking to take their wellness experience to the next level, the spa also offers multi-treatment wellness packages.

Location

One of my favourite things about staying at SAii Laguna is its location, just a 30-minute drive from Phuket International Airport. After visiting many parts of Phuket, I believe that Bang Tao is one of the best stretches of sand on the entire island. The area adjacent to it offers just about everything you could want from a great holiday.

Bang Tao Beach

At six kilometres long, the palm-fringed Bang Tao is one of the longest beaches on the island, with soft white sand and warm turquoise waters. Compared to other beaches in Phuket, it is less developed and less crowded.

At the southern end of Bang Tao, you’ll find a good selection of beach clubs, restaurants, various water activities, and Thai massage services. This is where most visitors to the beach tend to gather.

In contrast, the northern end is quiet, with only a limited number of resorts and a handful of eateries located just off the beach. This is where you can escape and enjoy tranquillity with hardly anyone in sight.

Laguna Phuket Complex

The Laguna complex, of which SAii Laguna is a part, lies in the middle on Bang Tao. This area was once an abandoned mine, but visionary developers transformed it into a fantastic destination.

The site was cleansed, the mine was filled with water, and new greenery was planted to create a stunning parkland. Today, the Laguna complex is home to several luxury resorts, condos, an 18-hole golf course, shops, cafés, and even a wellness clinic.

SAii Laguna guests can hop on a free shuttle boat, which operates every 30 minutes, to explore other parts of the complex. My husband and I used the shuttle to travel to Canal Village, a small area with shops, cafés, and ATMs.

Shuttle boats travelling across the lagoon — The shuttle boat at the Laguna Complex

Alternatively, there is a free shuttle bus, or rather a songthaew, available on request, which can take you to other areas within the complex. There is also a free shuttle bus to the Laguna entrance from Canal Village. You can get the latest timetable from the hotel reception.

Boat Avenue

At the entrance to the Laguna complex lies a relatively new neighbourhood called Boat Avenue. It boasts a smart feel that you won’t always find in other parts of the island.

The street and surrounding area offer an extensive selection of restaurants serving various cuisines, practical amenities such as pharmacies and money exchanges, and a new shopping mall called Porto de Phuket.

This is also where you’ll find a popular night market held every Friday from 4 pm.

Final Thoughts

I hope my review has inspired you to consider booking a stay at SAii Laguna Phuket. This beautiful resort perfectly captures the essence of modern, relaxed luxury, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a mix of relaxation, top-notch amenities, and convenient access to Phuket’s many activities and attractions.

For the best rates and exclusive offers, I recommend booking directly through the SAii Laguna Phuket website.

If you would like to learn more about Thailand’s biggest island, this guide to Phuket has you covered. With its diverse attractions, this destination truly has something for travellers of all ages.

Looking for incredible stays beyond Phuket? I recommend heading to SAii Laguna’s sister resort in Koh Phi Phi to experience one of Thailand’s most iconic location. Learn more in my review of the SAii Phi Phi Island Village resort.

If you fancy a trip to Koh Samui instead, check out my reviews of the SAii Koh Samui Villas and Santiburi Koh Samui resorts. Both are fantastic spots to explore the island from.

Our visit to SAii Laguna Phuket was sponsored, but I only recommend places that I genuinely enjoy. This review is an honest account of our experience in November 2024.

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SAii Laguna Phuket Review: Laid-Back Luxury in Bang Tao

Overview of SAii Laguna Phuket

Resort Facilities

Rooms at SAii Laguna Phuket