Club Tropicana meets Hogwarts with Bill Bensley’s design
JW Marriott Emerald Bay, Phu Quoc
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When I originally visited Vietnam’s biggest cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Mihn, I honestly thought I’d gotten to know this South East Asian hotspot. However, if you grab a short flight over to the nation’s islands, you’ll discover a whole other side to Vietnam. One of the largest and most talked about islands is most definitely Phu Quoc. When you tell somebody in the UK you’re travelling to Phu Quoc, most correct you to ‘Phuket’, but this island is much more than your standard Thai tourist destination. Known for its white-sand beaches and luxury resorts, most of which are along the palm-lined southwest coast, it’s incredibly underrated by tourists. Its small reputation in the western world actually makes it more appealing – you wont be tripping over backpackers here - unheard of at most beach destinations in Asia.
Quickly becoming known as Vietnam’s answer to paradise, it’s not surprising that some of the more prestigious hotel and resort chains are moving in. JW Marriott has put their stamp on the island by opening their Emerald Bay Resort. Nestled on the beach of Bai Kem on Phu Quoc, surrounded by untouched white sand, crystal clear waters and stunning vistas waiting to be discovered, this is the first international luxury hotel brand in Phu Quoc and JW Marriott’s flagship resort in Vietnam. With JW Marriott’s legendary service and a mythical academy design concept by celebrated architect Bill Bensley, it’s a dreamy destination for groups or couples alike.
If you know anything about the fantastic Bill Bensley, there is always a fascinating story behind his designs. Themed around a fictitious academy of learning, the resort is decorated to immense detail with authentic artefacts and unique pieces that reflect the early 20th century style of the fictional Lamarck University. When you walk around the place, you have to remind yourself that this is a modern purpose built resort, not a restored university – it is honestly that authentic. It’s widely known that Bill is hugely involved in every single element of his designs and spends countless days scouring flea markets and antique shops to find the perfect mix of old and new.
As well as the lobby and outer buildings making a statement, JW Marriott Phu Quoc offers a selection of 234 artistically unique well-appointed rooms, suites, and villas where Bill Bensley's playful touches blend melodiously. Known for his kooky designs such as Shinta Mani WILD in Cambodia and The OUE Twin Peaks building in Singapore, the lines between fantasy and reality love to blur. At a 53 square meter minimum, all guestrooms provide plenty of space for chilling out and are equipped with high-end bathroom amenities and well thought out features for maximum relaxation. My personal favourite was the open plan bathroom where the rainfall shower cascades from the ceiling with no enclosure –creative bathrooms being a feature in many of Bill’s designs.
After a beautiful nights sleep and watching the sunrise over the bay, it was time to check out the dining experiences that the resort has to offer. Boasting of 4 themed restaurants and contemporary bars, the crafted range of options will satisfy even the most selective palate. With the main banqueting hall of Tempus Fugit, the beachfront bandstand of Red Rum, the illustrious Pink Pearl and the creative Department of Chemistry - it really is Disney World for adults. Speaking to Bensley after my visit, I was intrigued to how he convinces corporate chains to go for his kooky designs and he told me of how he really doesn’t mind his designs being compared to the famous themeparks…
“Ah the D word! I love it. It has such a great connotation for well done hospitality but so many look down their noses at the name Disneyland. I grew up next to the park. Born the same year it opened in 1959. My entire village worked there. There are thousands of theme parks around the world all Disneyland wannabe’s. But in the hotel world, the D word is still the D word. It should not be. I have been designing out of the box hotels for some time now so I know what buttons to push for to keep the corporate suits happy. If the hotel functions efficiently and is easy to maintain, that is half the battle. All hotel chains know we can tick that box, so it really up to me to convince the investor go the extra mile.” – Bill Bensley.
One of the newer editions, the Pink Pearl, is possibly the most interesting of them all. Drawing inspiration from the legend of Madame Pearl Collins, a previous resident of the Lamarck University in 1920, it is the ultimate sorority house with a well-travelled twist. As the myth of Madame Pearl goes, her luxurious pink mansion known as a secret society was known for lavish dinner parties and grand celebrations. The Pink Pearl continues this tradition of warm hospitality with a generous dash of glamour and live music. The dining area incorporates a bold mix of opulent furnishings, eye-catching patterns and bright splashes of pink. Dramatically high ceilings and a curated collection of sculptures pay tribute to Madame Collins’s eccentric, fun-loving spirit. Guests also have the option to dine alfresco in the outdoor garden, or in one of the five private rooms. An exclusive wine cellar conveys a darker mood, fitting for intimate gatherings and quiet conversations – perfect for a night drinking Champagne and swapping travel stories.
If you get a chance to sit down to a Taster Menu served by the Head Chef, you will get to enjoy a modern reinterpretation of classic French cuisine with an Asian twist. Devouring some of their signature dishes such as Phu Quoc Sea Urchin, Charolaise Beef Pithivier and Opera Pearl Marou Chocolate, we were immaculately looked after whilst being serenaded by a Parisian lounge singer. It was such an amalgamation of so many cultures, in such a stimulating environment that it was almost surreal. I couldn’t stop smiling.
Aside from the myths, the legends and the first class food – we need to remember that this is a beach destination. Taking full advantage of the idyllic views, all rooms and suites are ocean facing and include a spacious balcony with sofa seating, perfect for watching the sunset with a glass of Champagne. Guests staying on the ground level also have their own private garden and direct access to the three swimming pools of the resort and a 2-minute walk to the resort’s private beach. Whether you’d like to sunbathe, paddle board or swim in the sparkling ocean – Bai Kem beach is the perfect place to hangout after a busy morning exploring the resort.
If you’re more into spa treatments – you should definitely schedule a treatment at Chanterelle Spa by JW Marriott – arguably one of the best Spas in Vietnam. The French have long believed the therapeutic qualities of mushrooms and by playing on this idea; Bensley has created an unusual guest experience in Chanterelle by incorporating references from Alice in Wonderland where mushrooms played a key role. Bensley also took inspiration from the childhood fable for a hidden corridor, where asymmetric arches curve at mirroring angles to create a layering effect, echoing Alice falling down the rabbit hole. After wondering around this fascinating spa, I indulged in a full body scrub (not for the shy!) and one of their luxury pedicures – which left me feeling rather goddess like. Floating out of Chanterelle, it was almost time to say goodbye to this beautiful island and the transcendent atmosphere of JW Marriott Emerald Bay. Trust me, if you’re looking for a holiday destination, which is tropical yet stimulating, luxurious but not serious – you just have to go here.
Originally submitted to House of Coco Magazine.
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