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 Phuket,
Thailand, was once known for its commercial tin-mining operations. While
this was a very profitable exercise, the damage to the local environment was
thought to be permanent, and
Bangtao Bay was written off as too far gone to be of any value to
tourism.
Until 1977, when a $200 million investment brought in enormous amounts of
fertilized topsoil and truckloads of native tropical plants to start
bringing the region back from the dead.
The result was the 600-acre Laguna Resort. The huge craters that once held
tin mines were transformed into stunning lagoons stocked with marine life.
The reclamation has been heralded one of the world's most successful
environmental achievements.
Surrounding these lagoons are five deluxe resorts:
Banyan Tree Phuket (named one of the world's best hotel deals in Asia by
Conde Nast Traveler,
Dusit Laguna Resort,
Laguna Beach
Resort,
Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket and
Allamanda Laguna Phuket.
For golfers, the resort complex offers the
Laguna Phuket Golf Club, a moderately challenging Max Wexler design
opened in 1992. Winding its way through the gorgeous lagoons, its flattish
6,850-yard layout pleases golfers of all levels. "People love to play at
Laguna golf course because of its convenient location and its playability,
so everyone can enjoy a good round," Director of Golf Steve Scott said.
Still, there are hazards here. Water features on 13 out of the 18 holes,
most prominently the par-5 17th. Two water carries and the crossing sea
breeze make accuracy a must; the average golfer will feel very lucky to
escape with his or her original ball.
The clubhouse was voted among the 10 best in Asia by the readers Asian Golf
Monthly magazine. It has a well-appointed pro shop and popular teaching
facility. There's also a driving range, putting greens, practice bunkers and
chipping area on-site.
Combined, the five resorts provide an impressive list of features: 43
swimming pools, six palm-fringed lagoons adjacent to the Andaman Sea, more
than 30 restaurants and bars, a variety of spas and more than 1,100 rooms
and villas built in a modern but traditional Thailand style. Conference
facilities are also available and can cater to large numbers.
Each year around the middle of June, Laguna Phuket hosts the Phuket
Triathlon. This can be a very busy time, with room occupancy maxed out.
Unless you are interested in this international event, don't come around
this time of year.
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Banyan
Tree Resort Phuket
Dusit
Laguna Resort Phuket
