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PHU QUOC
A hotel review of JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort and Spa. Images courtesy of JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort and Spa and Jasmin Woolf | CSP Times.
Along the sun-kissed shores of Phu Quoc island’s Khem Beach sits the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort and Spa (JW Marriott Phu Quoc), where luxury and intriguing tales intertwine in the best way possible. Designed by acclaimed architect and hotel designer Bill Bensley, the 234-room and suite five-star resort has already won multiple accolades since opening in 2017, including first place in Travel + Leisure’s “Top 10 Best Resorts in Southeast Asia” and sixth place in the “Top 100 Best Resorts in the World” 2019 list. It was also recently named in The Times’ list of 16 of the best hotels in Vietnam for 2025. Read on for our first-hand account of this lavish hotel.
As we drove towards the hotel, the entrance is flanked by two enormous bronze Ridgeback dog statues, hinting at the fantastical opulence to come. Later on, during our hotel tour, the staff informs us that the Ridgeback dog is endemic to Phu Quoc and the hotel’s “mascot”.
As soon as we stepped foot into the lobby, we felt as though we were transported to a bygone era: our eyes were immediately drawn to a large floor mosaic depicting a seal of the fictional Lamarck University in which the hotel's concept is based on, a concierge desk holding dozens of vintage bells curated from all over the world, all beneath dramatic arches and vaulted ceilings, which we’re told is meant to be reminiscent of being inside a large briefcase. Adding to the atmosphere, the staff are dressed in a mix of 1920s flapper style and vintage prep school uniforms.
After checking in (and officially enrolled as a ‘student’ in Lamarck University), we’re taken in a golf cart to our Emerald Bay room in the Department of Zoology building, featuring large elephant statues and an elephant-shaped topiary out front and images of wildlife dotted throughout the hallways. Adding to the school motif, the elevator had a chalkboard covered with fun animal facts - did you know that mosquitos are the most dangerous animal in the world? We do now.
The room itself veers towards a more contemporary design, with hardwood floors and soothing white walls punctuated with a bright red bamboo print wallpaper behind the bed. The only indication of the zoology theme was a single giant bird print hanging on the wall.
The bathroom was utterly fabulous – boasting a spacious wet area consisting of an open shower and a freestanding tub, and a dual vanity arrangement.
Being on the fourth floor, our balcony had scenic views of the pool and ocean. It was a lovely spot to sit and admire the view, especially at sunrise when the sky turned a beautiful cotton candy pink and blue. We took this time to unpack and read through the Lamarck University Student Book pamphlet we were given during check in, which came with a "campus" map and activity calendar.
Having sufficiently rested in our room, we take a walk of JW Marriott Phu Quoc’s sprawling grounds. Arguably one of the most “Instagrammable” part of the hotel is their main street dubbed Rue de Lamarck, where colourful paper lanterns hang above the boutique lined walkway. As you stroll down the walkway which leads from the reception all the way down to the resort’s private beach, you’ll see most of the hotel’s facilities on either side, including the Department of Physical Education aka the gym, the spa and several little boutique stores.
It’s also along this walkway where you’ll find most of the hotel’s restaurants and bars. There’s Tempus Fugit, the all-day dining establishment where the breakfast buffet is served, French & Co., an adorable French-style café selling Vietnamese coffee and French pastries, The Department of Chemistry Bar and the famous Pink Pearl restaurant.
Dining at the two-story Pink Pearl restaurant was truly a highlight during our stay. The establishment is only open for dinner, serving up fine French cuisine in an elegant 1920s setting, complete with intimate private dining rooms for special occasions and an outdoor garden. The Pink Pearl’s tasting menu is updated every few months to make the most of the season’s best produce. During our visit, we sampled the delectable winter tasting menu, which consisted of pâté en croûte", Hokkaido scallop confit with black truffle and butternut squash mousse, Esturgeon Meunière, a beautifully cooked melt-in-your-mouth wagyu filet mignon and to finish, a dark chocolate crémeux with red wine poached pear.
Beyond eating and relaxing, there’s plenty of activities to keep you busy all day. The Alice-in-Wonderland themed Chanterelle Spa, a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation, offers a range of indulgent treatments in its suite and double treatment rooms, while the Lantern room hosts daily lantern-making classes and workshops like hat painting or candle making (for an additional price), as well as complimentary Ashtanga yoga and Zumba classes.
When the weather permits, soak up some sun at one of the resort’s three outdoor swimming pools or stunning private beach, or grab a paddleboard from the on-site SUP water sports centre and spend an hour or two in the ocean.
After having spent a few days at JW Marriott Phu Quoc, it’s clear that what really distinguishes the resort from other establishments is its unique narrative intricately woven into every facet of the resort – from the ‘Dean’s Library’ slash reception lobby complete with floor to ceiling wooden bookshelves housing antique books, globes and artifacts, a hallway lined with souvenirs of the alumni’s sporting achievements, buildings named after university departments such as the Department of Chemistry aka an oceanfront bar adorned with periodic tables on the walls and more — culminating in an immersive and enchanting experience that redefines traditional beachfront hospitality. These artistic details are more than mere decorations. They constitute an invitation to engage and immerse oneself fully in the narrative woven throughout the property. This bold and refreshing approach imbues the entire resort with a sense of continuous creativity, enhancing the guest experience with unexpected depth and enchantment.
We were delighted to hear that there are plans underway to elevate the guest experience even further in the coming years. In 2025, guests can look forward exciting four-hand culinary collaborations featuring overseas chefs. Moreover, the hotel has again engaged Bill Bensley to extend the hotel’s Department of Chemistry bar onto the beach. We for one can’t wait to return and see how this project turns out.
Address: Khem Beach, An Thới, Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang 922280, Vietnam | Phone: +84 297 3779 999 | Website: Marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pqcjw | Email: mhrs.pqcjw.reservations@marriotthotels.com | Instagram: @jwmarriottphuquoc | Facebook: JW Marriott Phu Quoc
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