Many a sun-drenched afternoon (and quite a few grisly wet season ones) was spent within the confines of Blue Tree. A haven for frazzled parents like myself, with a distracted little one in tow, it offered a welcome respite from the unrelenting Phuket traffic and scorched beaches. The promise of a slide, a dunk tank and a chance to refuel with (initially) decent food was enough to lure us in, time and again.
But let’s be honest, Blue Tree was never the picture of perfect management. Marketing efforts seemed perpetually on a summer vacation, leaving many unaware of the park’s offerings. Then came the arrival of Andamanda in Kathu – a competitor with a clear vision and a superior selection of slides and attractions. Blue Tree’s days of holding a monopoly on watery fun in Phuket were over.
The decline, however, wasn’t solely due to external factors. Over time, the park itself seemed to lose its spark. The once-decent food quality took a nosedive, with prices inexplicably rising. The baffling decision to remove coffee from the main restaurant menu, while simultaneously opening a Starbucks franchise at the far end of the park, left many a parent yearning for a caffeine fix without a lengthy trek.
Despite constant discount offers plastered online, visitor numbers dwindled. Perhaps it was the lack of variety in slides and activities compared to competitors, or maybe the gradual deterioration of the park itself. One could only look on with amusement at the seemingly misplaced optimism of the on-site shops, perpetually stocked with an abundance of Blue Tree merchandise that never seemed to sell.
Yet, amidst the mismanagement and missed opportunities, Blue Tree held a special place in the hearts of many. The semi-clad Russian men performing diving shows (a constant source of amusement, if not a slight bewilderment, for mothers) were a unique if slightly bizarre attraction. The paddleboard rental offered a fantastic introduction to the sport for countless island kids, igniting a passion for ocean exploration.
The news of its transformation into a wellness centre, however, raises more questions than excitement. Laguna Phuket, a mere stone’s throw away, already boasts a world-class facility. Another wellness centre, backed by Bumrungrad, is also slated to open nearby. Surely, the gaping hole in Cherng Talay’s healthcare system lies not with wellness retreats, but with the lack of a proper international hospital. This would be a far more practical and beneficial land use, catering to a genuine need in the community.
The final, and perhaps most infuriating, detail in this tale is the park’s logo. A park named ‘Blue Tree’ inexplicably chose a giant orange hook as its symbol – an uncanny resemblance to Maui’s magical fishhook from Disney’s ‘Moana’. This baffling marketing choice perfectly encapsulated the overall feeling of Blue Tree ‒ a place with good intentions, a hint of promise, but ultimately a collection of bizarre decisions and missed opportunities.
As the gates close on Blue Tree Lagoon, a wave of nostalgia washes over many Cherng Talay residents. We lose a landmark, a destination for family fun, and one of the few decent kid-centric options on the island. Hopefully, whatever rises from the ashes of the Blue Lagoon will be something the community truly needs, planned and executed with a clearer vision. And for the love of all things logical, please use a logo that reflects the name.
Simon Causton is a long-time Phuket resident, founder of Citadel Phuket and author of ‘The Phuket Periodical’ newsletter. X (Twitter): @SimonCauston