A Night In: SAii Laguna Phuket, the complete escape that has it all

We’ve all started to ask for something more from our travels – it’s less about seeing everything and more about finding places that leave us feeling restored. On our recent visit to Phuket, we found this very feeling brought to life at SAii Laguna Phuket.

The philosophy begins with the name itself. SAii – the Thai word for sand – feels less like a brand and more like a quiet call to be grounded. It’s a place that upholds a different kind of luxury, one that has nothing to do with gold taps or chandeliers, but everything to do with ease.

So, what does this luxury of ‘ease’ look like in practice?

The resort's lofty, open-air lobby. — The resort’s lofty, open-air lobby.

It reveals itself the moment you arrive. The space unfolds under a lofty ceiling, its formal grandeur immediately tempered by the open-air design. This balance extends to the décor. Here, sculptural rattan chairs sit comfortably alongside modern sofas, while vibrant art gives traditional Thai motifs a contemporary edge. The overall effect makes it feel less like a hotel and more like a private, curated residence.

For example, in the quiet corner of the lobby, amidst an atmosphere of curated comfort, we found a vintage Chinese apothecary cabinet. Instead of old tinctures, we slid open a drawer and discovered a help-yourself supply of biscuits and nuts. This simple detail of pure whimsy proved their luxury was rooted not in formality, but in sincere, welcoming warmth.

A world of your own

The Club Lagoon View room.

The bathroom and bedroom combine to form a single, spacious area.

The delicious, complimentary welcome bites waiting in our room.

In just one night, our Club Lagoon View room proved to be a complete retreat. Its design catered intuitively to our day, offering a spacious terrace for morning coffee and a cosy nook for an afternoon read. Underlying it all was a constant sense of comfort, thanks to the huge bed and artful welcome bites.

However, the designer’s masterstroke was the bathroom. By incorporating a sliding wall that opened the entire space to the lagoon view, it turned a simple bath into a luxurious experience. We spent longer than we’d admit in there, just watching the light shift and change across the lagoon.

Flavours of the lagoon

The made-to-order noodle station at Terra & Mar, featuring a wide selection of fresh ingredients.

As part of the breakfast buffet, Terra & Mar also features an overflowing counter of fresh pastries.

The warm, rustic atmosphere of Miss Olive Oyl.

A menu of classic Mediterranean flavours at Miss Olive Oyl.

Mr. Tomyam, the resort's casual dining spot for authentic Thai cuisine.

As the sun started to set, our minds turned to one thing: dinner. We were hungry and, honestly, curious to see if the resort’s dining could live up to the promise of its rooms. Our first taste of this was at Miss Olive Oyl, which welcomed us with the warm, rustic atmosphere of a Mediterranean coastal eatery. The menu continued this theme; while we enjoyed the creamy hummus and thin crisps, the meal’s true highlights were the warm focaccia and a well-seasoned lamb kebab.

Where dinner was an intimate à la carte affair, breakfast the next morning was a spectacular buffet. We headed to Terra & Mar, the resort’s all-day dining spot, to find a feast laid out before us. The spread catered to every preference, featuring live egg stations, Western classics, fragrant Asian dishes, and a counter overflowing with fresh pastries.

Of course, in a resort with this much variety, a one-night stay means you can’t possibly try it all. We knew we’d have to save a proper Thai lunch at Mr. Tomyam for our next visit. Overlooking the Andaman Sea, we saw guests having authentic Thai dishes delivered right to their sunloungers. It’s an experience we’ve already moved to the top of our list for a return visit.

The ‘Live Well’ philosophy

SAii Spa.

A couple's treatment room at the spa.

Post-treatment refreshments of lemongrass tea and sweet sesame snacks.

For now, our focus shifted to a different kind of experience – one focused on pure restoration. We felt this intention the moment we entered the SAii Spa. From the first calming sound of a singing bowl, it was clear this wasn’t just about an hour of pampering – it was about genuine restoration. The massage that followed confirmed it. It was incredibly targeted, designed to undo the kind of deep-seated tension that comes from months of non-stop schedules.

We later learned this is all part of their ‘Live Well’ philosophy. And while that might sound like a marketing term, it’s really their holistic view of a guest’s stay – a belief that true well-being comes from a balance of good food, deep sleep, and mindful activity, often using natural, local ingredients. It’s their commitment to making guests feel better long after they’ve left the spa itself.

An open invitation to the water

Sailing is one of the complimentary water sports offered to guests.

One of the resort's three beautifully designed swimming pools.

Our first real challenge of the day wasn’t deciding on breakfast, but simply how to fit everything in. From a single viewpoint, we could see kayaks gliding across the lagoon and the splash from one of three different swimming pools. What made this scene so inviting was how accessible the resort made its water activities.

Not only were all non-motorised sports complimentary, but the range of options also catered to every skill level. We could grab a paddleboard for a casual glide or book a sailing lesson to try something more adventurous. That same spirit of easy accessibility extended to the resort’s other offerings, from the modern gym and international tennis academy to the 18-hole golf course nearby. With so much on offer, there was always an activity to suit our intention, whether it was to train, play, or simply try something new.

Getting there

In fact, one of the best parts of a stay at SAii Laguna Phuket is just how easy it is to get to. Our drive from Phuket International Airport (HKT) was surprisingly short – we went from baggage claim to relaxing at the resort in about 40 minutes. For us, that easy accessibility made a huge difference. It meant less time in transit and more time enjoying our well-deserved break from the very start.