A Vietnamese island, the paradise of Phu Quoc lies just off Cambodia’s southern coast, in the Gulf of Thailand. Over 50% of the island is National Park land, so between the palm-fringed tropical beaches, there are acres of dense jungle, mountains, caves, waterfalls and inland trails. It’s home to some exotic wildlife and known for producing an anchovy sauce and black pepper. The sea plays an integral role in the local community, both in its fishing and pearl diving (Phu Quoc is almost known as Pearl Island). Warm year-round, the island’s dry season runs between October and March.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc
Architect Bill Bensley designed this unusual property, with wrought-iron balconies, enormous bronzed statues, high curved ceilings and a fan-shaped infinity pool. The interiors are an eclectic mix of bright colours, contemporary furnishings, hand-painted walls, colonial style and antique French grandeur. The JW Marriott occupies a private, pristine section of Bai Khem Beach and there are three outdoor pools. Guests can dine in five restaurants and cafes and book treatments at the Alice in Wonderland-themed spa, while younger visitors are entertained in the kids’ club. This five-star hotel is just under half an hour from the airport and town of Duong Dong.
Regent Hotel Phu Quoc
Stay in one of the Regent Hotel’s stylish villas or suites and you can enjoy butler service, meals cooked by a private chef, high-end minibar treats and your own pool. There’s a breezy, modern and very upmarket vibe in this recently opened hotel, which was thoughtfully designed by the BLINK Group. Guests can eat in the all-day Rice Kitchen, sample Japanese-French fusion cuisine at the signature restaurant Oku and feast on Mediterranean and seafood dishes in the beachfront Ocean Club. Fu Bar, on the rooftop, has live jazz accompanying cocktails beside the infinity pool and Bar Jade, the Regent’s speakeasy is the place to linger after dark.
New World Phu Quoc Resort
375 pool villas accommodate guests at this expansive resort on a private stretch of Khem Beach. Some have up to four bedrooms, with ample living spaces and all are thatched, with luxe five-star furnishings and floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors, for an outside-in living experience. The decor has a fashionable boho edge, with accents of bright colour on a mostly neutral palette. There’s a spa, fitness centre, infinity pool and separate kids’ pool with water slides, as well as a club for children from 3 to 12 years old. Dining choices at New World include an airy Lounge cafe with cream sofa seating, a woodfired grill, a thatched pool bar and the international Bay Kitchen.
Vinpearl Discovery Wonderworld Phú Quốc
Just over half a mile from the attractions of Vinpearl Land and Vinpearl Discovery Wonderworld, this hotel is beside a beach, a golf course and an old forest. It has an almost Floridian style, with a grand white exterior, pillars and tiled roofs. While inside, it’s modern and airy. This resort has three bars serving drinks and snacks, two international buffet restaurants and one a la carte restaurant. Offering privacy for families, Vinpearl Discovery Wonderworld offers large villas (up to four bedrooms), movies on the beach, alfresco barbecues, connected paths for walks or cycling and a kids’ club.
Mövenpick Resort Waverly Phu Quoc
Perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway, this Mövenpick Resort has rattan cabana love seats beside the infinity pool, a spa, ocean-view balcony suites, in-bar swing seats for two and a decadent daily chocolate hour. It’s found on the west coast, on a private stretch of Ong Lang beach, with 305 rooms accessed via external always for a tropical feel. The resort also features a golf course, five outdoor swimming pools, two eateries, watersports amenities, fitness and yoga classes and a kids’ club.