On the northwest coast of the island of Phuket, this resort on Bang Tao Bay does not flaunt its luxuriousness; instead, it prefers to celebrate it quietly. Small, freestanding villas with small pagoda roofs are tucked into the tropical vegetation. The resort’s Laguna Phuket Golf Club offers a somewhat shorter course, but it will soon receive a 382-yard addition. Hole 12 is unique with a sharp dogleg to the right: The green is completely defended by a curving bunker. At the spa, the Royal Banyan treatment promises three hours of pure indulgence and features East-meets-West massage techniques. Guests who would like to experience something extraordinary should look into elephant trekking. The hour-long trek on an elephant, guided by an experienced mahout (elephant trainer), takes riders through the jungle and across smaller streams. There’s no need to worry—perched on top of their elephant at 13 feet above ground, guests will stay high and dry.