Blue Tree Phuket is set to open in 2019. The new water park will offer an upscale family activity and entertainment complex with a 17,000 sqm artificial lagoon at its heart.
The water park will spread over 22.5 hectares in the Cherngtalay district and is costing in the region of $40 million. Cherngtalay is a buzzing new hub in the northwest of Phuket, packed with art studios, craft beer bars, galleries, cafes and restaurants.
The first phase, spanning 11 hectares, will include a water and entertainment park, a fitness zone, kids’ club and a four-storey beach club. There will be 17 F&B outlets and a weekly Thai market alongside retail spaces.
Activity play includes Slip N Fly
The centrepiece will be the 17,000 sq m Blue Tree Lagoon, surrounded by artificial beaches. It is set to offer a splash zone for small children and daredevil activity attractions for older guests, including Slip N Fly (a zip wire that launches guests into the water), water slides and cliff jumping. The park will make the most of its setting, including a variety of forest paths for jogging and cycling.
An amphitheatre will host a variety of entertainment. Phase 2 of the project will include a wellness centre and an indoor entertainment facility.
“Pattaya has two water parks, Hua Hin has three water parks, but Phuket has just small water parks,” said Michael Ayling, general manager of Blue Tree Phuket in an interview with TTG Asia. “There’s been a clear demand for inland entertainment alternatives for some time now. Blue Tree will offer an immersive lifestyle experience that combines the fun of water sports, family activities, retail and relaxation in one strategically located destination that will cater precisely to this demand.”
Ayling believes Blue Tree will prove to be an “accessible destination”, appealing to both “middle class Thai families and Amanpuri guests”.
Competition for Blue Tree
However Blue Tree is not the only new water park coming to Phuket. Two other parks – Vana Nava Phuket (by Proud Real Estate) and Kata Water Park (by Kata Group) – are also in development. However Ayling is confident about Blue Tree’s appeal and prospects. He believes the growing tourism in the area will increase demand, particularly as the demographic is moving from European beach holidaymakers to Asian tourists.
“Blue Tree Phuket will also suit the seasonality of the destination and make a great low-season product,” he said. The island’s monsoon months from May to October aren’t suited for beach holidays with rough surf and strong currents.
Water park competition heats up as Blue Tree Phuket prepares to make a splash
