After hearing and reading a lot about the Banyan Tree hype, we had very high expectations arriving at the hotel. Overall, we would have to say our expectations were met, but not necessarily exceeded. We were upgraded a couple of steps from our original room type, and the villa was very well appointed and big, but aging a little bit. Maybe this is a little bit fussy, but we had just come from a very similar high-end luxury private pool resort that was much newer. The buffet breakfast included was absolutely amazing. I've never seen such a large and delicious spread for breakfast - anywhere! The biggest disappointment was our dinner at the Saffron restaurant. It was very mediocre food at an exorbitant price (USD200 for dinner for two with one drink each!). Absolutely avoid this place! Hopefully they will shut it down and open something much more suited to a great resort like this one. We also had a massage at the brilliant Banyan Tree Spa which was the best we had in all of Thailand. However, befitting the spa's reputation, the price was pretty high - on par with high-end spas in the USA.

Stayed here for 1 week in May as part of our honeymoon. Banyen Tree is one of a number of hotels on the laguna resort but by far the most superior hotel. We had a Lagoon View Villa with pool. The villa was simply stunning, huge bed, plenty of space and even an outdoor sunken bath. The swimming pool was a good size and the garden we had was huge. Everything about this place oozes class, from the breakfast buffet, the amazing spa to the restaurants. Whilst this isn't a cheap hotel it is well worth every penny. Tip - Avoid the Italian Restaurant La Tratoria in a different hotel. Terrible! Also expect insects and lizards - you are in a tropical environment! So if you want privacy, seclusion and 5* pampering this is def the place to go in Phuket

I have just returned from a fantatsic week at The Banyan Tree, Phuket. The accomodation, service and overall experience were the best I have ever experienced.My wife and I have stayed in many 5* Hotels around the world including Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton, and in my opinion this is best hotel by a mile.

I decided to hold my wedding at the Banyan Tree because of their perfect service rating on Conde Naste, and because of their experience in running large events. I could not have been happier as the whole wedding was seamless - from the exchange of vows in the chapel to the reception at the lagoon deck - the events team was on fire! I especially have to thank Yvonne Suner who followed me around for a couple of days and basically ensured that our every need was taken care of! We had around 80 family and friends arrive for the wedding, and all of them had positive comments about the Banyan Tree's service. Even when it started to rain on our wedding day, and I wanted to continue holding out for the Beach area for the After Party, they were willing to accommodate me until the last minute. When it looked like the rain would not give up in time (ie: beach would have been very messy), they effortlessly moved the After Party to the Banyan Cafe overlooking the golf course. There were a million of other "disasters' that only happen at weddings, but the Banyan Tree took care of them all so that I didn't even notice! I can not say thank you enough - I have been told many times by family and friends that it was one of the most magical and beautiful weddings ever. We stayed in a Spa Pool Villa, which was gorgeous. You have to stay in one to believe it. There are insects, frogs etc.,just like a previous reviewer said, but Phuket is tropical island, so what do you expect? Just bring lots of mozzie spray! I loved it so much, I am already planning my next stay at a Banyan Tree - perhaps one of their beautiful resorts in China...