STARTING July 1 2021, the much-anticipated Thailand’s Phuket Sandbox Programme will kick-start international travel to the Land of Smiles. With the post-Covid quest for increased emphasis on wellbeing and sustainability, Banyan Tree Group is set to welcome global guests back to its Safe Sanctuary in Laguna Phuket with experiential offerings at its Banyan Tree Phuket, Angsana Laguna Phuket and Cassia Phuket resorts.
Sustainability and wellbeing have been part of the Group’s identity since inception. Besides connecting guests to nature and the community, its ecosystem of brand experiences will feature wellbeing elements by offering nature-oriented environments, plant-based menu options, lifestyle practices and sustainability activities during the stay.
A plethora of curated experiences include wellbeing beyond the Spa, destination dining, golf, beach activities, sea sports to family and kids programmes. In the wake of Covid-19, the Group has continued to work closely with local authorities and partners, incorporating stringent adherence to health and safety regulations and distancing protocols while stimulating travel rebound and vibes.
Laguna Phuket has stepped up its efforts to safely restart Thailand’s tourism industry by partnering with Bangkok Hospital to launch the first hotel-based PCR test centre for Phuket Sandbox arrivals. To ensure the safety of tourists and local residents, all arriving travellers will be required to take a PCR test upon arrival at Phuket International Airport, and then on the 6th and 12th days of their stay.
The establishment of this new facility at Laguna Phuket will enable guests to be tested quickly, comfortably and conveniently. The PCR test centre, opening on July 1, is located in Canal Village, the retail precinct in the heart of Laguna Phuket that features more than 30 stores.
It is steps away from the existing Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) Clinic and operated by highly trained medical professionals from Bangkok Hospital Phuket. With Phuket Sandbox, travellers from Thailand can visit and leave as they wish, providing they are vaccinated or arrive with a negative Covid-19 test certificate.
Likewise, international travellers may travel to Phuket for any duration of time, as long as Phuket remains the single arrival and departure point. If vaccinated international travellers wish to travel to other parts of Thailand, they may do so only after staying in Phuket for 14 days. During this time, there would be a PCR test on arrival and two further tests.
“We know that Phuket is on top of every one’s bucket list. There is no better destination than Laguna Phuket given our variety of offerings from beach to lagoon and dining to accommodation options. Working closely with government partners and accredited with Thailand’s Safety and Health Administration Plus (SHA+) certifications, we have been at the front of ensuring our integrated destination is the #1 choice for leisure travellers wanting to balance discovery and security,” said Mr Ravi Chandran, Executive Vice President of Banyan Tree Group & Managing Director of Laguna Phuket.
Banyan Tree Phuket – “Your Island Affair”
A sanctuary for the senses, Banyan Tree is an all-villa concept with private pools located in stunning destinations around the world. Each journey is designed to inspire a greater connection between self, others and nature, with Banyan Tree Group’s enduring commitment to sustainability woven through the experience.
At Banyan Tree Phuket, the luxurious pool-villa resort presents the “Your Island Affair” package. It includes a choice of preferred villa and lifestyle perk – from a 18-hole Golf game at Laguna Golf Phuket, a 60-minute massage at Banyan Tree Spa or a fine-dining Thai dinner at Saffron restaurant.
