Anantara Layan Phuket Resort — Attraction in Choeng Thale

This five-star resort is exceptionally well-designed, catering to diverse clientele with staff who often have international experience and speak perfect English.

Check-In Experience The check-in area is located in a peaceful section of the resort. Check-in was quick, and we were welcomed with a refreshing drink, a cool towelette, and a floral arrangement of jasmine and orchids. While our room wasn’t immediately ready, we waited only 10–15 minutes in the library.

The resort features its own app to request services or communicate with staff, which is convenient but occasionally inconsistent. For example, during check-out, we requested our bags be collected via the app. Although we received a confirmation, the bags were still in the room when our taxi arrived.

Accommodations We stayed in a deluxe pool villa, though the listed size of 100m² felt smaller—perhaps 65m² for the room and another 17m² for the pool area. The space likely includes the outdoor area, but it didn’t feel as spacious as advertised. The private pool was unheated, making it too cold for me to use.

Our first villa was located near the Beach House, which hosts Sunday brunch with loud music—too much for my sensitive ears. Sunset brought additional noise with drumming and a traditional Thai ceremony. The staff, particularly Mina, were very accommodating, showing us another villa further from the noise, which we happily moved into.

Daily housekeeping was thorough, including cleaning the pool, refreshing towels and linens, and providing kitchenware. The room offered thoughtful amenities like a first aid kit, a jewelry box inside the safe, a speaker, and a smart TV for device connectivity. We appreciated the two types of robes (one for drying off, one for lounging) and flip-flops provided for relaxing around the resort.

Activities and Facilities The resort offers numerous daily activities to keep guests engaged. We joined the bike tour with Tony and Manu and later attended a CrossFit class at the open-air Active Zone gym, also led by Tony. The wellness center is well-equipped, but for barbell and weight exercises, the Active Zone is the better option.

Dining Options Dining options include several on-site restaurants and 24-hour room service. The breakfast buffet was a standout, catering to all preferences. It featured: • A fruit, smoothie, and juice bar • Traditional Western breakfast items • A made-to-order omelet station • A healthy food section • Gluten-free options • Thai food, a noodle soup bar, and a kids’ corner

Every morning, GG greeted us warmly, anticipating our needs and making our mornings delightful. The breakfast staff was attentive, promptly replacing silverware and keeping tables immaculate.

Kamille consistently checked in on us, made dinner reservations, and even arranged a special tom yum noodle soup for breakfast one morning, served Thai spicy.

Beach and Pool Area The beach and poolside areas are well-maintained. Chairs are prepared for guests upon arrival, and staff provide cold water and refreshing towels. The beach resembles a shallow bay, allowing guests to walk across to a neighboring island during low tide. Water activities (both free and paid) are available, though we didn’t try them.

Transportation and Safety Golf carts are available to transport guests around the resort. We always felt safe, with staff genuinely caring for our well-being. Their happiness and lack of stress added to the serene atmosphere, enhancing the luxury experience.

Staff and Service The staff’s professionalism and kindness were highlights of our stay. They genuinely seem happy and well-treated, creating a relaxed environment for guests. We witnessed a rude interaction between a couple and reception, but the staff handled it gracefully despite the disrespect. All staff members speak excellent English and deserve immense appreciation for their hard work.

Final Thoughts Thank you, Anantara, for a wonderful, thoughtful, and memorable anniversary stay. Special thanks to GG at breakfast for going above and beyond to make our trip...

I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to write a review for Anantara Layan! My husband and I stayed here for six nights in January, and we loved it so much that we came back for another six-night stay in October.

We’ve experienced a few luxury hotels in Phuket (Rosewood, Banyan Tree, Trisara & Amanpuri), but Anantara Layan stands out as our favorite. During our first visit, we encountered a minor issue with our room, but the staff went above and beyond to resolve it. Mina, the Guest Relations Manager, was exceptional—she really listened to our concerns and made sure everything was corrected perfectly. - We got the warmest welcolm from her on this visit.

We’ve tried several differnt room categories, and every one has been stunning. Even the entry-level rooms are spacious, beautifully designed, and stocked with everything you need for a beach holiday (mosquito repellent, beach bags, plenty of water, towels, and more).On this stay, we split our time between the Deluxe Layan Suite and the Beach Access Pool Villa. While both were wonderful, the Beach Access Pool Villa, with its private pool, was truly special.

The breakfast is another highlight. Whether in high or low season, it’s always impressive. There’s a wide array of options—juices, fresh fruits, cold cuts, cheeses, Asian dishes, and a hot station where eggs and other hot meals are made to order and brought right to your table.

One of our favorite spots is the main pool. It’s huge and beautifully positioned in front of the breakfast restaurant and Zuma pop-up, which opens during high season. There are plenty of loungers and cozy seating, so you can relax at your own pace. Prince, one of the staff members around the pool, was fantastic—always attentive and full of personality, making sure we had everything we needed. As for dining, Anantara offers a great selection. Zuma is excellent, as is Age, the steakhouse, which serves some of the best steaks we’ve had. Breeze, the all-day dining restaurant, was our go-to for lunch every day, with such a diverse menu that we never repeated a meal during either of our six-night stays. A new Thai restaurant called Dara had opened since our last visit, but we didn’t have the chance to try it. Based on our experience with the other restaurants, I’m sure it’s fantastic.

We were also given a tour of the brand-new Wellness Centre, which was in its soft opening phase during our stay. It’s one of the first of its kind in Phuket, offering a wide range of treatments focused on promoting health and well-being, and it was absolutely stunning. The equipment and treatment options were top-notch—comparable to, if not better than, a five-star spa or health center in central London. We met the staff, and they were incredibly knowledgeable. Although we didn’t try any treatments this time, I already know exactly which ones I want to experience when we return.

My husband enjoyed 4-5 traditional Thai stretch massages at the spa, and he mentioned that they were some of the best stretches he’s ever experienced. His therapist, Noi, was incredibly professional and knowledgeable, leaving him feeling completely rejuvenated after each session.

What truly makes Anantara Layan special is the staff. There were so many staff members who made our stay truly memorable, even though I could only remember a few names. Here are just a few standouts:

Porsche, Smile, and James at the Breeze Restaurant/Beachside Bar, who made each visit enjoyable.

Kwan, a senior waitress at Age, who is amazing at her job. She always brought such energy and had the warmest smile.

Luke and Kate from Guest Relations, especially Mina, who checked in with us daily to ensure everything was perfect and see if they could arrange anything for us.

I’d also like to recognize all the behind-the-scenes staff who keep the resort running smoothly—the housekeeping team, resort maintenance, resort cleaners, and the breakfast kitchen crew. They greeted us with a friendly hello and smile every day.

We’re already booked to come back in February 2025, and...

We would like to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for the truly outstanding experience we had during our recent stay at your resort. We stayed between September 25-29 in Villa 25, and from the very first moment we arrived, it felt as though we had stepped into a dream.

Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed at the reception and were delighted to receive a complimentary upgrade to a villa with a pool - a gesture that immediately set the tone for our stay. The resort itself is absolutely beautiful and impeccably maintained. Our villa was stunning, spotless, and clearly cared for with great attention to detail. It is easy to see the hard work and dedication of your housekeeping team, who ensure that every corner of the property reflects perfection.

The dining experience was equally remarkable. At both breakfast and lunch, the restaurant staff impressed us with their warmth, professionalism, and genuine hospitality. Every interaction was accompanied by a smile, and nothing was ever too much trouble. We must highlight that breakfast at Anantara Layan was without question the best we have ever had at a hotel - everything was fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented.

The pool and bar staff also stood out with their friendliness and eagerness to help at any moment. Their cheerful attitude made each visit by the poolside a true pleasure.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of our stay was how child-friendly your entire team is. Every staff member we encountered was kind and welcoming to our children, often approaching them with a toy, a smile, or an extra effort to make them feel special. As parents, this meant so much to us and created memories we will cherish forever.

The front desk and guest services teams also went above and beyond to assist us with every request. It was evident throughout our stay that your staff work seamlessly together, constantly communicating and updating one another to ensure that guests receive the best possible service. This level of teamwork is rare and truly commendable.

As our stay comes to an end, we leave with a heavy heart, wishing we could remain longer, but at the same time filled with joy and gratitude for the unforgettable experience you have given us. We consider ourselves proud ambassadors of Anantara Layan and will happily recommend your resort to anyone who asks. In fact, after sharing our experiences on social media, dozens of friends and acquaintances have already reached out asking for details - and we are delighted to share our glowing recommendation.

We will also be more than happy to leave a top rating and a positive review to recognize the exceptional efforts of your team. If there is anything further we can do to support or promote Anantara Layan, please do not hesitate to let us know - we would gladly help.

Once again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making this holiday perfect and for creating family memories we will carry...