Phuket has always been a beautiful holiday destination in Thailand, be it a romantic beach getaway with the significant other, a lovely shore excursion while on cruise with the family, a travelling party that never stops when I’ve been there with friends, or even as a solo adventure for deep-sea dives, snorkelling, and lagoon hopping in long-tail boats. It has great food options, shopping galore, stunningly beautiful Thai temples, a fabulous cultural show called Siam Niramit, as well a vibrant nightlife. But, on my most recent visit, while staying at the Angsana Laguna Phuket, the town revealed itself to me as one with immense potential for investment in luxury real estate. The gorgeous resort is part of the Banyan Group, one of the world’s leading operators and developers of premium resorts, hotels, residences and spas, with a collection of award-winning brands. I’ve been fortunate to enjoy the group’s hospitality at two of their top brands: the iconic Banyan Tree and Angsana. Both of these are inside the leading integrated resort in Thailand – Laguna Phuket – which is run by the Banyan Group’s subsidiary, Laguna Resorts & Hotels Public Company Limited. But what was most interesting to witness was how, between the period that I first visited and today, how the Group has blurred the line between resort living and residential life.
A tempting transformation
Laguna Phuket, which started as a smart development of the wasteland around an abandoned tin mine in the 1980s and 1990s, has become one of the most lush and aspirational locations in Thailand. From the initial resorts along Bang Tao Beach, it’s also turning into one of Asia’s most desirable places to live, spanning more than 1,000 acres. Stuart Reading, Managing Director – Group Property Development, Banyan Group, is proud that Laguna Phuket is now home to residents from over 70 nationalities including families, retirees, entrepreneurs and remote professionals. He points out that the estate encompasses six internationally branded hotels, an award-winning championship golf course, world-class wellness facilities, diverse and curated dining and retail, and more than 3,000 branded residences interconnected by a network of scenic lagoons and landscaped pathways. A dedicated shuttle system, waterways and golf buggy network move residents seamlessly between amenities.
It was interesting to see the community-operated international kindergarten, as well as the medical and wellness facilities offered by the reputed Bangkok Siriroj Hospital. Laguna Phuket’s security infrastructure adds another layer of reassurance. The estate operates as a gated community with 24-hour security, controlled access points and a professional on-site management presence, offering privacy and peace of mind. For families relocating with children, the combination of a safe, walkable environment and access to international schooling options both on and near the resort (the British International School here has an amazing campus and curriculum) makes the transition to Phuket considerably simpler. I also noticed the availability of pet grooming services, doggy day care and other amenities that would be useful for families with furry friends. The Banyan Living team handles concierge and property management services that include all the practicalities of ownership, from maintenance and housekeeping to arrivals preparation, so that owners can arrive and immediately feel at home, whether they have been away for two weeks or two years. Thanks to the ease of living here, it’s a growing and increasingly close-knit international community. The social fabric of Laguna Phuket has deepened over the decades. A full calendar of community events, owner gatherings, sporting activities and cultural programming means that new residents quickly find their footing within a welcoming and genuinely cosmopolitan neighbourhood.
“Phuket’s evolution from a world-renowned holiday island into a mature international residential community is entering a new phase, supported by expanding long-haul air connectivity and sustained global confidence in Thailand as a safe and welcoming destination,” observes Australian-born Reading, who moved to Phuket more than two decades ago. Indeed, Phuket offers a rare combination of affordability, natural beauty, and international-standard infrastructure within a country known for its welcoming hospitality and stability.
The facts and figures speak for themselves
The Banyan Group shares statistics that reinforce my observations
Thailand welcomed more than 35 million international visitors in 2025.
Long-haul arrivals exceeded 11 million, increasing 13% year-on-year and generating approximately 668 billion baht in tourism revenue.
Visitors from Europe, Russia, India and beyond continue to drive sustained demand for Thailand as a preferred long-haul destination, with many returning to explore extended stays and residential options.
International air connectivity to Phuket has expanded significantly in recent years, with the island now linked to more than 80 cities worldwide across Europe, Russia, India and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
This growing connectivity is translating into rising interest in extended stays, family relocation, and residential investment. Increasingly, visitors are returning to Phuket not only for holidays, but to explore long-term living options within a secure and internationally connected environment.
Beyond its idyllic setting, Phuket offers international-standard healthcare, leading international schools, yacht marinas, championship golf courses and a well-developed infrastructure network.
According to industry research, Phuket now ranks among the world’s leading destinations for branded residences, alongside markets such as Dubai, Miami and New York. Foreign buyers account for more than 60% of condominium purchases, reflecting sustained international confidence across a broad range of source markets.
Thailand’s structured long-term visa framework provides renewable residency pathways for retirees, investors, entrepreneurs and remote professionals, offering clarity and continuity.
For buyers of select premium residences, Banyan Group facilitates Thailand Elite long-term residency visas, providing multi-year entry privileges and streamlined access to the country.
Banyan Group, ranked fifth worldwide and number one in Asia in branded residences, plans to launch approximately US$1 billion in new residential projects in Phuket in the coming years. This scale of commitment from one of Asia’s most respected hospitality and residential developers is a clear signal of confidence in Phuket’s enduring appeal.
What’s on your shopping list?
Depending on your budget, you can choose from plush condominiums with various bedroom configurations to the most prestigious beachfront residences expansive villas and penthouses set directly on Bang Tao Beach, with private pools, generous indoor-outdoor living spaces and direct access to the sand. I enjoyed seeing all the different spaces, their impeccably done interiors, with thoughtful touches (the one with the cute pet door to the enclosed balcony had my heart!), and the amenities each came with. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious flagship residence as your Phuket pad, a seasoned investor building a portfolio, a smart owner wanting to rent out your vacation villa to holidayers, or a first-time buyer, Laguna Phuket offers a rich bouquet of options.
Two ownership models make it easy for would-be buyers to pick what works best for them. A representative explained how certain residences are integrated into Banyan Group’s hotel inventory, managed as part of the group’s world-class hospitality operation and positioned primarily as investment properties with strong income potential. Others, sit entirely outside hotel inventory and are operated as fully independent residences with professional management by Banyan Group but without the constraints of hotel-programme participation. This model is designed for owners who prioritise the privacy and flexibility of a true private home, while still benefiting from the exceptional service standards and lifestyle infrastructure that only Banyan Group can provide. Both pathways offer access to the full Laguna Phuket ecosystem; the choice simply reflects the balance each buyer seeks between investment return and independent living.
Looking to the future
What excited me even more was hearing all about Laguna Lakelands, the Banyan Group’s all new project alongside the well-established Laguna Phuket. Approximately 5,000 additional residences are coming across both brands. Laguna Lakelands is a pioneering new eco-conscious residential enclave boasting seven lakes, forests and enchanting botanical gardens. Coming up here are themed precincts – Hillside, Orchard, Forest, and Lakeside – which will offer completely unique nature-centric living experiences. Imagine a 15 km network of trails, spacious apartments with rooftop sky parks or opulent waterfront villas surrounded by expansive landscapes. Infinity pools with stunning views; outdoor terraces; charging points for electric cars, dedicated farms, orchards, and ponds for the freshest produce, and beautiful restaurants. Plus, a hillside adventure park, a forest canopy walk, family picnic areas, a state-of-the-art sports and aquatic complex, and a community centre in a vibrant town centre. And to add some glam, the Rava Beach Club, a stylish new all-day to late-night hangout on the world-famous Bang Tao Beach, with laid-back vibes, gentle sea breezes, and sweeping ocean views. If like me, you’re ready to embrace the tropical lakefront lifestyle, go ahead and book one of their Waterfront Villas, with four bedrooms and a private pool, to relax into true lakeside luxury.
