Banyan Tree Phuket: The Perfect Family Vacation Destination
Are you planning a family-friendly holiday in Phuket? If you want a luxury vacation in a beautiful tropical place, consider Banyan Tree Phuket, Laguna. From check-in to check-out, we had a stress-free experience-until our kids discovered the huge swimming pool!
The staff were very friendly and attentive. Everyone greeted us with a big smile.
Getting to the Resort
Banyan Tree is about 15km from Phuket International Airport (HKT), and it took us about 30 minutes to drive there in our rented car. You can also arrange a private transfer for a more relaxing start to your holiday, but it costs about the same as renting a car for the whole trip. Having a car allowed us to explore more of Phuket without relying on taxis.
The Resort
Banyan Tree Phuket is a family-friendly resort. When we arrived, we were welcomed with fresh fruit and a cool towel – so refreshing!
As Phuket’s longest-established luxury hotel, it’s part of a large complex with seven resorts, golf courses, lakes, and a beach. They have golf buggies to take you around the resort. Just call, and someone will pick you up in five minutes. The kids loved this!
Our Villa
We stayed in a Signature Pool Villa, which was amazing. It had a private pool right outside our bedroom, so we could almost dive into it directly from bed! The villa included a king-sized bed, an en suite bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities, daily cleaning, air conditioning, an outdoor bath, and plenty of storage. There was also plenty of bottled water refilled every day. For the kids, we just converted the sofa into a bed.
The decor was beautiful and traditional Thai, and I loved the roofs that looked like mini Thai temples.
The Swimming Pool
While staying at Banyan Tree Phuket, our girls found it hard to enjoy the shallow end of our villa pool, so we often moved to the impressive 40-meter main pool. This pool was amazing, featuring a special area for children, a vibrant pool bar, gentle rapids, and numerous sun loungers for a comfortable soak in the sun. We had a blast splashing around for hours! Just a quick reminder: water-resistant sunscreen should be reapplied every hour, as it tends to wash off easily. The Thai sun is definitely stronger than what we’re used to in Europe!
Culinary Delights
Dining at Banyan Tree Phuket was a delightful experience. We had the pleasure of enjoying dinner at Saffron, their signature restaurant, where we savored exquisite Thai dishes. One memorable evening, we opted for an in-villa BBQ, prepared by our own chef-the grilled meats were incredibly tender and delicious! Breakfast was a feast, featuring a variety of stations serving everything from traditional Thai fare to freshly made pancakes, accompanied by refreshing juices while we admired the picturesque lake view.
Beach Escapades
When we wanted some beach time, it was just a short ten-minute walk (or shuttle ride) to a beautiful sandy beach, equipped with loungers and umbrellas. Although the sea was too rough for swimming, we relished a gorgeous sunset and enjoyed a casual meal at a nearby beach shack, creating lasting family memories.
Fun-Filled Activities for All
Banyan Tree Phuket is a hub of family-friendly activities. Daily offerings included yoga, cooking classes, and a kids’ club for children aged four to twelve, open from 8 AM to 6 PM. One of our favorite adventures was a Batik painting workshop, where we learned to create our own art using traditional wax and dyes. The supportive instructor guided us through each technique, making it an enjoyable experience for all skill levels.
Exploring Phuket Together
Big Buddha Visit: A trip to Phuket wouldn’t be complete without visiting the iconic Big Buddha. The drive to the top can be steep, and parking fills up quickly, so arriving early is essential. While the site isn’t extensive, the views are spectacular, and we found nearby meditation rooms worth visiting.
Canoe Adventure to James Bond Island: We were excited to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Phang Nga Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with Amazing Canoeing. Our favorite destination was Hong Island, a hidden gem celebrated for its stunning lagoons. The trip was excellently organized, featuring friendly staff who provided refreshing cold drinks and a delightful Thai buffet lunch as we kayaked through the picturesque scenery.
Elephant Sanctuary Experience:
During our visit to the sanctuary, we not only had the chance to connect closely with the elephants, but we also learned about their unique stories and how they came to reside at the sanctuary. Professional photographers on-site captured our special moments, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience without worrying about taking pictures ourselves. After bathing the elephants, we enjoyed a refreshing shower followed by a delicious homemade Thai lunch. The sanctuary is equipped with changing rooms, lockers, toilets, and shower facilities for convenience.
Overall, our family had an amazing time at Banyan Tree Phuket. The kids absolutely loved the swimming pools, beach access, and delicious dining options, while we adults relished all the activities available to us!
For booking inquiries or more information, please contact us at Absolute Asia Tours, and let us help you plan the perfect escape!
