A quick night flight from the Chennai International Airport and we landed at the Phuket International Airport in three hours. Free hassle-free visa-on-arrival makes Phuket one of the top choices for leisure travellers. Phuket is well-connected with direct flights from major Indian cities, and SAii Laguna resort is just a short drive from the airport. With summer holidays round the corner, here’s how you can plan a perfect escape from city life. Imagine waking up to the serene sound of waves and stepping onto Bangtao Beach, one of Phuket’s most stunning locations, surrounded by lush greenery. Our drive to SAii Laguna Phuket from the airport was so scenic that despite being sleepless on the early morning flight, we couldn’t resist keeping our eyes wide open, what with the breathtaking views all around.

SAii Laguna Phuket

After a smooth check-in, we walked down to Terra & Mar for a wholesome breakfast of fresh and organic salads, breads and local fruits. Healthy hot breakfast also included a choice of stir-fried vegetables, rice and noodles. And then there was freshly-made sandwiches, and of course their signature gourmet coffee and tea selections from bean / Co. After a shower and some rest on the plush bed in our swanky room, we made our way to the same restaurant for a delicious lunch. Oh, did I mention, the personalised welcome message, adorned with leaves on the bed with my name Khun Namita (In Thai culture, Khun is a respectful and polite honorific placed before a person’s name), added that special touch and showed the attention to detail and care.

Our afternoon was reserved for some pampering at the SAii Spa. I tried the Deep Tissue Massage that was extremely relaxing and opened up all the tight knots that had formed due to excessive usage of laptops and phones. The resort’s wellness offerings include rejuvenating spa treatments that draw from Thai traditions, such as herbal compress massages and aromatherapy.

The open kitchen of Mr Tomyam is where our beachfront dinner was set up. The chef served us some of his handpicked Thai fusion signature dishes like Pad Thai and Massaman curry that reflected SAii’s eclectic approach to hospitality. The alfresco zone was the perfect beachfront setting for this intimate dinner under a star-studded blanket.

The next morning we were up early for a blissful yoga session followed by a SAiisational breakfast at The Club. After a walk around the stunning resort post the brekkie, we headed to Miss Olive Oyl, a simple yet sophisticated spacious eatery that takes its inspiration from the fresh and familiar flavours of the Mediterranean. Organic ingredients, fresh seafood and tasty grilled dishes were devoured over lots of laughter and interesting conversations.

It was time for a quick nap and then a dip in the ocean followed by a round of swimming in the large pool with crystal-clear waters reflecting the azure sky, surrounded by lush tropical greenery with an infinity edge overlooking panoramic ocean views. With its waterslide and playground, the Fun Pool is perfect for families, and in a serene spot, while the Lazy Pool is all about basking in tranquility.

The golden hour of the sunset called for a round of evening cocktails as the sunset painted the sky and the ocean in hues of gold, pink and crimson, with the horizon melting into a serene symphony. Our dinner at Terra & Mar that night was a seafood indulgence, as the restaurant celebrated everything seafood with a lavish assortment of the finest ocean’s bounty.

SAii Phi Phi Island Village

We hopped onto the speed boat from the Royal Phuket Marina Pier that brought us to this dream-like tropical resort on a private stretch of pristine white sand beach lapped by the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. The SAii Lounge at the Royal Phuket Marina pier helped us take a quick unwind in air-conditioned comfort with snacks and refreshments, and relax in cozy seating before heading to our exclusive tropical haven. As soon as we were about to approach the island, we were flanked by coconut palm plantations, in the privacy of Loh Ba Gao Bay on Phi Phi Island, in a picture perfect setting.

A smooth check-in was followed by a delicious lunch at Api, a beachfront restaurant and bar serving authentic Asian and international cuisine. This cheerful all-day diner whipped up a hearty meal for us and set the tone for the week ahead in this fantasy island. The diner also comes alive every morning serving a sumptuous and lavish buffet breakfast, including a health food section. The casual bar and lounge next to it is perfect for pre-dinner drinks over live music in the evenings and special theme nights. Flavourful dishes carefully prepared with fresh, superior and seasonal ingredients, embrace the thrill of honest food, but with all the frills.

We were escorted to our cosy yet uniquely styled cottages. SAii rooms spell relaxation with a twist of imagination with intriguing interiors that feature quirky curios inspired by Phi Phi’s natural beauty. I was whisked away by the uber sumptuous linens as I indulged in a short afternoon siesta, before a scuba dive session.

What really drew me to this property were its sustainability initiatives. In 2025, SAii Phi Phi Island Village was recognised by the Green Globe™ Certification for the third consecutive year for sustainable operations. Sister property SAii Laguna Phuket has also been certified for 2025. Since 2021, a total of 35 sharks have been released, with 25 shark eggs and juveniles currently nurtured at the centre.

During our scuba diving activity, we were lucky to have got an opportunity to be a part of the shark release activity. It felt so unreal, as we took the plunge 18 feet deep under water and released the sharks along with the General Manager of the property.

Their other sustainability initiatives include upcycling of bags called Seeds of Change where they transform old fabrics (bed runners & curtains) into beach bags. They also work on an educational outreach conducting sessions to share knowledge with many local communities. SAii Resorts are certified by Green Globe and are committed to eco-friendly practices like reducing single-use plastics and conserving energy. Sustainability and social responsibility are part of the resort’s DNA, preserving the natural environment, while protecting and helping develop local communities. There are also island excursions and snorkelling trips in traditional long-tail boats to support local employment, and mangrove kayaking promoting biodiversity around the resort. The Marine Discovery Centre is an interactive facility dedicated to the preservation of the local undersea environment. We loved the interactive session here learning about projects like clownfish breeding and bamboo shark conservation. Water lovers can sail out among the nearby bays to snorkel in crystal waters, climb up to peerless viewpoints or soak up some local culture while exploring the wider world around the resort.

The evening was booked for us at the Ruan Thai Restaurant, famed for its exceptional authentic cuisine. Dressed up in our chic resort wear, we were all set to experience a true taste of the Thai kingdom, with classic Thai favourites, served alongside stunning sea views at this rustic hillside setting modelled after a traditional Thai home. The live soulful music added a magical touch to the evening that ended with a star-gazing session by the beach.

Ocean adventures include kayaking, snorkelling and paddle boarding. Head to world-famous Maya Bay on a half-day longtail boat tour and see the stunning setting for blockbuster movie “The Beach” in real life. You can also encounter spectacular submarine life at incredible nearby dive sites with help from the team at their PADI-certified 5-Star Gold Palm dive centre.

SAii Phi Phi Island Village ensures a sophisticated, intimate, and organically blissful getaway experience. Se(a) you there!