Skypark Elara expands on Laguna Phuket's wellness model

It enhances a successful concept with innovative rooftop amenities.

Skypark Elara Lakelands, the latest addition to Banyan Tree Holdings’ portfolio, brings a refined approach to the successful wellness model pioneered by Laguna Phuket.

Ho Kwon Ping, Founder and Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings and Laguna Resorts and Hotels, described Skypark Elara as an “improved version” of its predecessor.

“It’s just like you roll out this prototype car, and then you roll out version two of this car. Version three of this car is always an improvement… in every little aspect,” he explained, emphasising that Skypark Elara is meant to retain the essence of Laguna Phuket while offering incremental enhancements.

A core element of Skypark Elara’s design is its use of space and unique rooftop amenities. “The inspiration behind it was… we wanted to do something which was affordable and yet had interesting features,” Ho noted, highlighting how Skypark Elara integrates both affordability and exclusive amenities to stand out in the luxury wellness market.

One such feature, initially introduced at Laguna Phuket and now a hallmark of Skypark Elara, is the use of rooftops as active communal spaces, breaking away from traditional design norms.

“Prior to Skypark, everybody, including us, put all our air conditioning and our MEP [mechanical, electrical, and plumbing] equipment on the rooftop,” Ho explained. Instead, Skypark pioneered the concept of placing amenities on rooftops, including swimming pools, jogging tracks, and barbecue pits, creating a near one-kilometre stretch for exercise and relaxation.

“When it was launched, it was the only condo in Phuket that would feature swimming pools and everything on the roof rather than on the ground floor. And now everybody’s doing the same thing, which just proves the point… you can’t rest on that one innovation, because a year down the road, everybody’s doing it already,” Ho said.