Dusit Thani Laguna Resort, Phuket
Date of visit : Many times but the last visit was in March 2019
We love Phuket, and have travelled every year now for many years. Yes it’s commercialised, and some resorts on the island are less salubrious, but the west coast and in particular the Laguna area are lovely. The Dusit Resort hotel sits directly on the huge beach of Bang Tao bay, and in the best location too. You can walk for miles up and down the bay while dipping in out of the warm Andaman Sea, and due to the west coast location there are incredible sunsets, you know the type where the massive ball of fire slips slowly down onto the horizon and then melts into the sea, while you sit sipping a delicious G&T!
Unfortunately though we are not sure we are going to return to this particular property again. Sadly, it has become tired over the years and there doesn’t seem to be the investment going back into the hotel. Numerous management changes have occurred and the hotel seems to have veered towards family friendly, with water jets etc in the swimming pool. This is great if you have little ones, but for couples not so great!
The staff at the property however make it, and they are so friendly and accommodating. Thai hospitality is some of the best in the World and comes so naturally to them. When we arrive at the hotel the fantastic girls at the bar dash over to us for hugs and kisses, it makes it so special, and makes it all the more difficult to switch properties.
The rooms we usually stay in are the club level rooms, ground floor, near the beach, and with a separate breakfast venue. They are well appointed and have recently been enhanced, but really it was just a lick of paint, new curtains etc. We’re sad to say the hotel needs a massive refurbishment plan, it could be so spectacular as the location as we said is perfect.
There are a selection of restaurants at the hotel, including Italian, Thai, and international, plus a seafront restaurant. All are pretty good, and if you tire of them then there are a myriad of local restaurants who will pick you up for free if you dine with them. There are a few beach vendors in front of the hotel who sell fresh coconuts, fruit, alcohol, tours and transfers, they are very reasonable but we do feel a bit guilty that they are taking the bread from the hotels mouth by undercutting them!
Another bonus of the property is the vicinity to the airport, it’s only approximately 20-30 minutes by taxi, which is fantastic. They do a great airport meet and greet service and transfer too.
There is a small gym, but again pretty basic equipment and not supervised very well, plus the air con struggles. The spa is adequate, but the massages aren’t very good so Christina usually nips off to the Banyan Tree Hotel where they are amazing. There is a free shuttle bus and boat service that connects all the hotels in the lagoon area, and drops you at the start of the town if you wish. The town of Cherngtalay comprises of a good selection of shops and restaurants, with some upmarket choices and designer boutiques. There’s a fantastic supermarket too there called Villa Market that sells virtually everything, and some great wines too.
Writing this we have a bit of a pang as we just love the area so much, the small town, the people, it’s just that we feel we could get better quality for the same money. We will see. There is another hotel next door called the Outrigger Resort, and we have tried it, and the rooms are superior to the Dusit, but there’s just something missing that the Dusit Thani has, and we think it’s their people, they make it better than what it is, it really is like going home when we go there…
Further Information :
You can fly direct to Phuket on Tui airlines (approximately 12 hours), but you are stuck to maximum of a fortnight as a package and only premium economy as the best option. Otherwise Emirates via Dubai or Qatar via Doha are great options with amazing business class services.
Time zone : GMT +7
Currency : Thai Baht
Local restaurant suggestions include SOM for amazing authentic Thai food in very simple surroundings, but with incredible prices! Tatonka, a fusion of Thai & European cuisine and run by chef Harold who turns out some very tasty creations (try the Thai green curry pasta – yum). Palm Seaside Restaurant for very chic dining, sunken tables surrounded by water and fire, delicious food and excellent wine list, with a DJ mixing the tunes.
Bang Tao Bay is spectacular, but at certain times of year sea lice can sting you in the water, and sometimes Jelly Fish make an appearance. The sea lice are annoying, and we unfortunately have encountered them on our last few visits.
There are watersports available all along the beach including parascending and jet skis etc.
