Apart from the constant mushrooming of new restaurants, cafes and bars in Bangkok, the city is also witnessing the rise of boutique accommodations.
There are two reasons why’d you’d want to come to Phu Quoc. First, to be among the first travelers to set foot on Vietnam’s fastest-growing island; second, to get lost in the fantasy world of JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay
A backstory complements the creation of the resort and it is this tale, more than its stunning private location, that holds more interest. Following the success of their first collaborative project in Danang, investor Sun Group once again turned to architect Bill Bensley to give life to the Phu Quoc property. As the story goes, Sun Group, completely satisfied with the visionary architect’s work in Danang, signed a blank check for this project, giving the latter free reign over the resort’s design. And the rest is history.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay
As he created the resort, Bensley reimagined the grounds as an ancient port town frequently visited by sea merchants. The town grew and developed so much that it built a school named Lamarck University after French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck. But when sea trade was replaced by other means of transport, the town and the university were left forgotten. Centuries passed before people rediscovered the place and transformed its abandoned buildings into a luxury resort.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc
This fictionalized story became Bensley’s inspiration for JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay. The grand structure boasts colorful buildings—each one bearing its own theme—that could be incarnations of Hogwarts. The spacious rooms take on the theme of their respective building. Hugged by vibrant walls, an oversized bed sits facing a gigantic window that overlooks the ocean. (Try requesting for a room in the Faculty of Architecture, which features lots of graphic artwork and amazing views of the crescent-shaped beach.) The lobby is just as impressive, featuring all-white walls and a lofty ceiling.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay
The lobby and rooms aren’t the only locations that provide photo ops. A pristine running track on the resort grounds—what we imagine a Quidditch pitch would look, the mirror-walled meeting rooms, the checked walkways, the Chemistry lab-themed washrooms, the labyrinthine spa, and more themed rooms—these also provide amazing backgrounds for that perfect selfie.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay
For those fond of cohesive, minimalist design, the resort, with all its stately trappings, might seem like an architectural nightmare. (To be honest, there were times when we regarded a detail or a design element too much. Sometimes, it’s not a bad idea to limit your designer.)
Hoping to become a gourmet destination in Vietnam, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay has just revealed a fine-dining French restaurant called Pink Pearl. Conjured as the former residence of French-Vietnamese Madame Pearl, the second wife of the university’s dean, Pink Pearl is an opulent, multi-chamber, pink mansion that reflects the lady’s many interests—from bird watching to entertaining.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay
Back in reality, Chef Amine Lakhdari heads the kitchen, churning out dishes that highlight the freshness of local seafood (you’re by the sea!), including Phu Quoc sea urchin.
If there was one thing that put a damper on our stay, it would be the problematic service. (We had a similar experience at another Sun Group resort in Danang.) The staff’s low English proficiency is one thing, their minor inefficiencies are another. Service was not bad, but considering the amount of money you’re paying, you would expect a bit more. But if you’re an easy-going kind of guest, you’re guaranteed a pleasant stay.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay
Note: Phu Quoc island is visa-free for all nationalities.
