Laguna Beachside Residences Building 2 by Banyan Living

Laguna Beachside Residences Building 2 by Banyan Living is an aparthotel for divers who would rather have a home base than a standard hotel room. You get space to sit, prepare something simple and keep your own rhythm, with air conditioning, a kitchenette, Wi-Fi and a balcony built into the daily routine.

That makes it a sensible choice for couples, families and groups travelling together. The larger residence suits a small party who want separate sleeping areas and room to spread out, while the one-bedroom options keep things simpler for two. It is residential rather than formal: less lobby performance, more keys in the door and a place to recover properly.

The property is in Bang Tao Beach, Thailand, within the Laguna Phuket area on Phuket's west coast. Bang Tao Beach is 2.1 miles away by car, while Pineapple Beach and Surin Beach are each around 3.7 miles away by car. Pansea Beach is about 3.9 miles away, and Laem Sing Beach around the same distance.

The surrounding area gives you plenty to do once the dive kit is put away. Reggaebar Bangtao Beach is around 650 feet away, Bangtao Beach Bar & Cafe about 1.9 miles by car, and Laguna Cafe about 0.8 miles away. Pine Tree Restaurant is around 2 miles away by car, with Tawai Thai Cuisine and Durian & More roughly 1 mile away.

For a change of scenery, Khao Phra National Park is about 4.9 miles away by car and Khao Phra Thaeo National Park around 6 miles away. Phuket International Airport is about 10 miles away, with a drive of roughly 21 minutes.

The useful distinction here is not decoration but how much living space you want around the diving day. The one-bedroom residences are the straightforward couple's choice: a private bedroom, seating area, dining space and kitchenette give you somewhere to eat, sort tomorrow's plans and stop the whole evening happening on the bed.

Travelling with family or friends? The three-bedroom ground-floor residence gives a group more breathing room, with three private bathrooms and a separate living area rather than one heroic attempt to share a single room. It is the option to look at when several people need somewhere to sit, dry off and get out of each other's way without turning the holiday into a logistical exercise.

Every unit has air conditioning, a fan, a private bathroom, a balcony, a washing machine and a refrigerator. The kitchenette includes a stovetop, microwave, toaster, electric kettle, kitchenware and a dining table. There is also a sofa, seating area, desk, wardrobe, flat-screen television and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. For a diver, that means cold water can stay cold, laundry need not become a week-long project, and the room can function as more than a place to collapse.

Your meals start with a kitchen of your own rather than a set restaurant routine. You have a hob, microwave, fridge, toaster, kettle and kitchen utensils, so you can sort out breakfast yourself or prepare something simple in the apartment after a long day. There is a dining table, along with a separate living and seating area. For longer stays, that is more convenient than looking for a free table every day.

When you fancy an evening at a restaurant, you can stay close by. Pine Tree Restaurant is around 1.9 miles away, Tawai Thai Cuisine around 0.9 miles and Durian & More around 0.9 miles. For coffee or a drink, Laguna Cafe is around 0.7 miles away, Bangtao Beach Bar & Cafe around 1.9 miles, while Reggaebar Bangtao Beach Phuket is right nearby.

You can also use the property’s barbecue area and carry on into the evening on the balcony, terrace or rooftop terrace lounge. Fridge rather than minibar, kitchen rather than buffet: you decide how it works.

The Laguna Pool gives you an easy place to cool down without turning the afternoon into another expedition. Around it, the property has a garden, terrace and landscaped courtyard areas, with a rooftop terrace and leisure space for a change of level. Sun loungers and parasols are available at the beach area, while a residents-only beach lounge adds another place to sit when the sea has done enough for one day.

There is a fitness centre for those who still have energy to spend, plus board games and puzzles for a quieter evening. Tennis is available off site and golf is within 3 km, with both activities carrying an additional charge. A BBQ grill area is available for residents and guests, and children's play areas make the larger residences more workable for families.

The property also sits within the wider Laguna Phuket resort community. Lakeside paths, partner facilities and a complimentary Laguna shuttle connect parts of the area, while Boat Avenue and Porto de Phuket bring cafés, shops, international restaurants and a weekly night market within reach. That gives you options beyond the pool without pretending every afternoon needs an itinerary.

Check-in runs from 14:00 to 23:00, and check-out is from 08:00 to 12:00. You need to give the property your expected arrival time in advance, which matters if your flight lands late or your transfer does not run to a Swiss-watch timetable. An airport transfer is available on request.

Parking is free on site, with no reservation required, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. There is 24-hour security, a safety deposit box, smoke alarms and CCTV in the common areas and outside the property. Children of any age are welcome; a cot is available for children aged 0 to 3 on request, while extra beds are not available.

Smoking is not allowed, and parties or events are not permitted. Pets are not allowed either. Construction is taking place around the residences from Monday to Saturday, between 08:00 and 17:00, and noise may be experienced during those hours. That is the practical caveat to keep in mind when deciding whether a quiet daytime base matters to you.