 LUXURY GOLFER
Laguna Phuket offers top golf and five luxury resorts in oneBy Ian Lenton, 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, which opened in 1987. 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.
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.
For those seeking something permanent, residential options are available. There are detached contemporary homes from $655,000 at Laguna Residences. Three-bedroom, two-story homes at Dusit Laguna Villas, with ocean or lagoon views, start at $840,000. At Banyan Tree Pool Villa you can get a lovely Thai-style villa with a pool that extends into a lagoon for $2,500,000. The real estate may be ritzy but the attitude is relaxed - nothing happens quickly in Thailand. These properties will take 12 months to complete, but most residents say that the wait is well worth it.
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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.
Room rates vary according to seasons and resort: $450 to $2,800 at Banyan Tree, $143 to $369 at Sheraton Laguna, $100 to $800 at Dusit Laguna, $120 to $850 at Laguna Beach Resort and $130-$310 at Allamanda. Golfing will set you back about $100 (resort guests pay less), including caddy.
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