JW Marriott Phu Quoc Hotel

Vietnam

Step out into a unique tropical-island paradise in Vietnam and expect the unexpected at a sweeping luxury resort conceptualised by mastermind designer Bill Bensley to stand out from the crowd.

Reconsider what it means to get an education at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay. At this extravagant, whimsical resort, award-wining architect Bill Bensley spins the tale of the fictional Lamarck University. Set on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand, the design narrative is inspired by the French colonial period and results in a lavish ‘campus’ that rewrites the hotel rule book.

An overarching academic theme sees each of its sun-soaked buildings named after a scholarly department – Astronomy, Fine Art and so on – with vintage antiques (hand-picked on Bensley’s travels) dotted around to complement each subject. It’s a true lesson in the art of balance. Of the 244 suites and villas, most come with bay views, while high ceilings, sorbet shades and parquet floors are a given.

The best way to swerve the island’s sultry heat is to dive into a PE session at the shell-shaped pool. After, take a mixology module at the Department of Chemistry Bar or book in at the Alice in Wonderland-like spa to enter a world of relaxation. As the sun sets, try supper under exposed steel at the Architecture Department’s restaurant, Tempus Fugit, or head to the theatrical Pink Pearl for the best-stocked cellar in the region. It’s a school of thought we’re on board with.

Doubles from £186. 00 84 297 3779 999. marriott.co.uk

Words by Jasmina Matulewicz.

This review was taken from the January/February 2021 issue of Food and Travel.

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