When expats talk about tropical paradise in Vietnam, Phú Quốc invariably comes up. This emerald island in the Gulf of Thailand is famed for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees. The best part? It’s only about a 1-hour flight from HCMC (with dozens of flights daily), putting sun and sand well within weekend reach.
On Phu Quoc’s southern shore lies one of Asia’s most distinctive luxury resorts – the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, a 5-star beachfront fantasy designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley. If you’re looking for a getaway that’s equal parts beach vacation and whimsical adventure, this resort delivers in spades.
Design & Accommodation:
JW Marriott Emerald Bay isn’t just a hotel; it’s an experience steeped in storytelling. The resort is extravagantly themed as a mythical 19th-century French university (Lamarck University) turned resort – and every building, from the lecture hall-inspired library to the Department of Chemistry Bar, plays along with the academic fantasy. Wandering the grounds, you’ll stumble upon vintage books, chemistry flasks, and old maps as decor, all part of the charm. The colorfully designed rooms and suites are spread across “departments” like Zoology, Architecture, Astronomy, etc. – each with its own character. But rest assured, luxury is not sacrificed for whimsy: rooms feature plush beds, deep soaking tubs, balconies, and ocean views aplenty.
For the ultimate splurge, the private pool villas offer expansive space and direct beach access. As you explore, “it’s impossible not to be stunned by the grandeur and detail” – every corner of the resort offers Instagram-worthy sights and quirky surprises. Yet all this playfulness is backed by serious luxury service, as expected from the JW Marriott brand.
Beach & Activities:
The resort fronts Emerald Bay (Khem Beach), a crescent of powdery white sand and gentle water so clear it looks like a postcard. The private beach area is extensive – in fact, the resort occupies a significant chunk of this beautiful coastline. You can spend all day swimming, paddleboarding, or lounging under a palm umbrella with drink in hand. There are also three themed pools on the property: one ocean-facing, one amid the “campus” grounds, and one riverside pool – each offering a different ambiance (the sunken amphitheater-style fun pool often hosts activities like water aerobics).
The resort’s Chanterelle Spa (mushroom-themed!) offers top-notch treatments, from Vietnamese massages to organic facials, ideal for pampering. If you manage to leave the whimsical campus, the resort is near Phu Quoc’s major attractions. The famous Hon Thom cable car – the world’s longest sea-crossing cable car – is a short drive away, whisking you to a small island for panoramic views and an amusement park. Boat tours to An Thoi’s coral reefs for snorkeling, night squid-fishing trips, or a visit to a pepper farm or fish-sauce workshop (Phu Quoc’s specialties) can be arranged by the concierge. But many guests hardly venture out – JW Marriott is like a self-contained wonderland where even a walk to breakfast feels like a mini adventure through its fantastical setting.
Insider tip: The resort offers a “University Tour” each afternoon – join this guided walk to learn about the clever design details and backstory, it’ll make your stay even more enjoyable. And if you want to explore farther, consider renting a scooter or car for a day to check out Phu Quoc’s night market in Duong Dong (about 30–40 minutes north) or the pristine beaches on the north shore – but you may be perfectly content staying put.
Dining Highlights:
Dining at the JW Marriott Phu Quoc is another highlight, with several venues each following the resort’s university theme in creative ways. Tempus Fugit (“Time flies” in Latin) is the main restaurant, serving an extravagant breakfast buffet each morning that covers Vietnamese, Japanese, and Western options. From fresh tropical fruits and juice stations to made-to-order soup noodles and pastries, it’s a feast – you’ll want to allocate plenty of time (and appetite).
For lunch and dinner, Tempus Fugit offers beachfront Vietnamese and French cuisine – try the local Phu Quoc prawn curry or the bánh xèo crepes. Pink Pearl is the crown jewel of the resort’s dining: an opulent pink mansion by the sea that offers gourmet French fine dining. Not only is the setting glamorous (chandeliers, vintage gramophone, and a live pianist in the evenings), but the dishes – like foie gras, imported lamb, and delectable soufflés – make it a special-occasion favorite. Advance reservation is recommended at Pink Pearl, especially on weekends.
On the casual side, Red Rum is the beach grill where you can enjoy freshly caught seafood barbecued to your liking, along with ice-cold beer, right on the sand. And for creative cocktails, the Department of Chemistry Bar can’t be missed – bartenders in “lab coats” mix up concoctions in a space decorated with beakers and periodic tables. Their signature Phu Quoc Pepper Snap cocktail is a spicy-sweet nod to the island’s peppercorn farms.
Insider tip: Don’t skip dessert at the resort’s homemade ice cream parlor, French&Co., where you can get a scoop of artisanal ice cream or macarons (perfect for the island’s warm afternoons). Also, the resort often hosts a Sunday brunch event that is wildly popular for its spread of fresh seafood, roast carvings, and free-flow champagne – if your weekend includes a Sunday, consider indulging in this culinary extravaganza.
Finally, keep an eye out for the daily sunset ritual by the beach – the hotel staff bring out a giant gong to ceremonially “ring in” the sunset each evening, a charming tradition that pairs perfectly with a sundowner in hand.
