This Phu Quoc resort has indeed proven its allure, earning numerous accolades and establishing itself as the first true luxury destination on this rapidly evolving Vietnamese island. My recent two-night stay at this unique property, playfully themed as Lamarck University, provided insights into its whimsical charm and revealed aspects that may have subtly faded since its debut nearly six years ago.
Booking Your Stay
Securing a weekend getaway in June, several months after Vietnam’s reopening to tourism, I opted for a standard Emerald Bay Room featuring a king bed and garden views. The total cost amounted to approximately $345, inclusive of taxes, with the Member Flexible Rate encompassing breakfast. Alternatively, the same room was available for 45,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, yielding a value slightly below TPG’s valuation. Utilizing my Chase Sapphire Reserve card for the paid booking allowed me to accrue 3 points per dollar on travel expenses. Upon arrival, a delightful upgrade to a deluxe king room with bay views on a higher floor, typically priced at $28 more per night, further enhanced our experience.
Notably, my booking confirmation included a notification regarding potential temporary unavailability of certain hotel facilities or services due to maintenance or renovation, the specifics of which remained undisclosed until our arrival.
Island Location and Arrival
Nestled along the protected southeastern coast of Phu Quoc island, the JW Marriott Phu Quoc benefits from a serene location amidst the island’s ongoing development. Phu Quoc, situated just 6 miles off the Cambodian coast in the Gulf of Thailand, is celebrated for its tranquil, clear waters and breathtaking sunrise and sunset vistas.
Alt text: Pristine white sand beach at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, perfect for a luxury Vietnam vacation.
The resort graces the white sands of Khem Beach, a picturesque bay shared with other hotels. Phu Quoc, beyond its burgeoning tourism, is also known for its distinctive fish sauce and rich fishing heritage, with a significant portion of the island designated as a UNESCO-protected biosphere.
A convenient 20-minute taxi ride from Phu Quoc International Airport, costing approximately 300,000 Vietnamese dong ($13), brings you to the resort. For guests opting to rent a car at the airport, which serves major Asian cities, complimentary self-parking is available.
Having already spent time at the Regent Phu Quoc, my family and I transitioned seamlessly via a short taxi journey to the JW Marriott. Our arrival at the resort’s entrance was immediately marked by two imposing bronze dog sculptures and the inscription “Bienvenue a tous Universite Lamarck,” instantly signaling our entry into Bensley’s imaginative world.
Check-in and the Grand Lobby
Stepping into the lobby of JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa felt like entering a whimsical university campus. A floor mosaic featuring the seal of the fictional Lamarck University Ridgebacks, a concierge desk adorned with vintage bells, and an array of official-looking portraits, antique globes, and scholarly paraphernalia set a tone of playful academia. The soaring arches and vaulted ceilings amplified the grandeur of the space.
Alt text: Grand lobby entrance of JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, showcasing unique Bill Bensley design with vintage decor.
The lobby’s decor, characterized by marble tables, imposing columns, graphic tiled floors, and antique cane chairs, struck a balance between quirky and collegiate sophistication.
Alt text: Stylish check-in area at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort, featuring vintage furniture and academic themed decorations.
Check-in was a smooth process, managed by staff impeccably dressed in uniforms reminiscent of 1920s flapper styles fused with vintage prep school attire. We were seated on a charming swinging daybed, absorbing the eclectic collection of curiosities that embellished the surroundings.
Refreshing cold towels and iced hibiscus tea, infused with Phu Quoc honey and mint from the resort garden and served with a card noting its origin from the “Department of Chemistry Bar,” were a welcoming touch. The library-esque lobby invited exploration, revealing displays of vintage sports equipment, photographs, and faux awards – quintessential Bensley details.
Alt text: Unique lobby decor details at JW Marriott Phu Quoc, antique sports equipment and library elements enhancing the university theme.
During check-in, we were informed of our upgrade to an ocean-view room, attributed to “appreciation for choosing this hotel.” This unexpected gesture, without any prior disclosure of my review intentions, suggested that perhaps the resort’s occupancy levels played a role. We also learned about Marriott Bonvoy member benefits, including a 10% discount on dining (excluding in-room and special promotions). A “Lamarck University Student Book” pamphlet, complete with a campus map and activity schedule, provided further orientation.
As our room was not yet ready, a buggy was offered to transport us to lunch. The brief ride immediately conveyed a sense of being on a film set, passing vibrant, theatrical facades and glimpses of the sea, culminating at Tempus Fugit, the “Department of Architecture” restaurant.
Deluxe King Room with Bay View
Our room keys were delivered to us at the restaurant at precisely 3 p.m. A buggy ride later, we were dropped off at the “Department of Zoology” building, marked in blue and supposedly “circa 1924,” with playful animal sculptures and an elephant topiary at its entrance.
Alt text: Exterior of the Zoology building at JW Marriott Phu Quoc, showcasing the resort’s whimsical university architecture and design.
An elevator ride, featuring animal facts on its chalkboard interior, led to a bright blue hallway adorned with wildlife images. Our room opened into a hallway decorated with framed animal drawings, a full-length mirror, and a bulbous silk lantern.
Alt text: Luxurious hotel room hallway at JW Marriott Phu Quoc, decorated with animal artwork and a silk lantern, enhancing the resort’s theme.
The room itself featured a king bed, a vibrant red loveseat, a small desk, and a minibar. Hubcap-like mirrors added playful reflections throughout the space, complemented by lighthearted fixtures, high coffered ceilings, bamboo-print wallpaper, and large bird prints that captivated our daughter.
Alt text: Elegant king bedroom at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, showcasing stylish decor and bay view.
A red, Asian-style armoire with tassels housed JW-branded bathrobes, slippers, hangers, and other amenities. Bensley-fied non la hats, adorned with large pearl-like balls, added a local touch.
The balcony, offering scenic bay views, was positioned slightly below the room level to maximize vistas from the bed and featured a mirrored wall reflecting the azure waters.
Alt text: Private balcony with ocean view at JW Marriott Phu Quoc, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the bay panorama.
Waking up to the spectacular cotton-candy sunrises with curtains open was a daily delight.
The marble bathroom, bathed in natural light and styled in black and white, featured hanging pendant lights with tassels and ferns.
Alt text: Luxurious bathroom interior at JW Marriott Phu Quoc, featuring marble finishes, vintage tub and Aromatherapy Associates amenities.
A spacious open shower with a rainfall head, Aromatherapy Associates products, a vintage-style tub, and dual vanities completed the space. While the tub was comfortable, its slow and noisy draining was a minor inconvenience.
A playful nod to the university theme was the inclusion of condoms in the bedside table. Minibar offerings were standard, with snacks, beverages, and a Krups coffee maker. Complimentary water, in refillable glass bottles, was promptly replenished upon request. Wi-Fi was reliable, and the TV featured Miracast for screen mirroring.
Despite the room’s vibrant decor, signs of age were noticeable. Cracks in the blackout curtains, a faded outdoor sofa cushion, scuffed desk items, and malfunctioning lamps indicated some wear. The fruit offering, while appreciated, was less generous compared to our recent stay at the Regent.
Alt text: Comfortable king bed and room details at JW Marriott Phu Quoc, showcasing the blend of luxury and whimsical design.
Dining Experiences
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa advertises five dining venues, though during our visit, options were somewhat limited. Pink Pearl, the French fine-dining restaurant, was closed for renovations. French & Co. café, while charming, seemed better suited for coffee and pastries than full meals. We skipped Red Rum bar, which also offered a limited menu of casual fare.
The Department of Chemistry Bar became a favorite, embodying a laboratory theme with pink accents, apothecary drawers, and the periodic table on the walls.
Alt text: Stylish Chemistry Bar at JW Marriott Phu Quoc, featuring lab-themed decor and creative cocktails.
Bartenders in lab coats mixed inventive cocktails incorporating Vietnamese herbs and flavors. The happy hour, offering two-for-one deals on select cocktails like the calamansi lemongrass mojito, was a highlight. The “Same-Same But Different” cocktail, served in a beaker, was particularly memorable. Classic bar food was also available.
Tempus Fugit, the “Department of Architecture,” served as the main all-day dining restaurant and the only full-service option during our stay. Its dining hall ambiance, with architectural models and drawings, evoked a school cafeteria setting.
Alt text: Tempus Fugit restaurant at JW Marriott Phu Quoc, themed as the Department of Architecture with scholarly decor.
Service at lunch was slow, with delays in ordering and food delivery. The menu, identical for lunch and dinner, featured a mix of Vietnamese and Western dishes. While all dishes were satisfactory, none were exceptional. The Hanoi-style bun cha was a standout. Dinner on the patio, featuring Quang-style chicken noodles and clay pot Phu Quoc cobia, was less impressive. A mango basil gin cocktail arrived as a blended smoothie, an unexpected and filling combination.
Alt text: Outdoor dining area at Tempus Fugit, JW Marriott Phu Quoc, offering views and a relaxed ambiance.
The breakfast buffet was extensive and gourmet, featuring Asian specialties like Vietnamese noodle soups, sushi, bibimbap, and congee, alongside Western options, an egg station, pancake and waffle station, and even ice cream. Vietnamese iced coffees with lemongrass straws were a thoughtful, sustainable touch.
In-room dining was underwhelming, with a limited menu and basic presentation. Compared to the Regent’s thoughtful in-room dining experience, the JW Marriott’s felt lackluster.
Alt text: Beachfront setting at JW Marriott Phu Quoc, showcasing pristine sands and calm turquoise waters.
Resort Amenities
The JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa truly excels in its amenities. Khem Bay’s setting is idyllic, with mirror-like waters reflecting sunrises and sunsets. Complimentary lounge chairs, hammocks, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks enhance the beach experience. Water shoes are available due to potential sea urchins. The beach was often sparsely populated, offering tranquility.
Alt text: Shell Pool at JW Marriott Phu Quoc, iconic design with scalloped edges and lush tropical landscaping.
The resort features three pools, though the Sun pool was closed for renovations. The iconic Shell pool and the larger Sand pool were open, offering ample space for relaxation. Cartoonish wave-shaped showers added a playful touch to the pool areas.
Alt text: Sand Pool area at JW Marriott Phu Quoc, featuring multiple sections and bridges amidst lush greenery.
The “Department of Physical Education,” a well-equipped 24-hour fitness center, continued the university theme with sports banners and boxing equipment. Complimentary jogging and bike tours were offered. A running track surrounded a soccer field with stadium seating.
Alt text: Fitness center at JW Marriott Phu Quoc, themed as Department of Physical Education with sports equipment and decor.
The Lantern Room, adorned with Hoi An-style silk lanterns, hosted daily activities like lantern-making and yoga classes.
Alt text: Lantern Room at JW Marriott Phu Quoc, decorated with colorful Hoi An lanterns, used for activities and events.
Spa Chanterelle, with its mushroom theme, offered treatments like the Mushroom Herbal Mycology massage. A kids club provided a variety of toys and activities. Rue Lamarck, the resort’s main street, felt somewhat deserted, with many storefronts appearing as empty facades.
Alt text: Rue Lamarck street at JW Marriott Phu Quoc, colorful street with lantern decorations and shop facades, evoking a charming town atmosphere.
Service and Staff
Staff interactions were consistently kind, though English proficiency varied, occasionally leading to communication challenges. Some staff members were particularly attentive, remembering our daughter’s name and offering toys. The food and beverage manager was welcoming and remembered my name.
Alt text: Courteous staff member at JW Marriott Phu Quoc, providing excellent service and hospitality to guests.
Room cleaning was efficient, and turndown service was minimal. Concierge staff was helpful in managing flight changes and granted a late checkout. Upon departure, a coloring book and crayons for our daughter and a Polaroid souvenir were thoughtful parting gifts.
Alt text: Welcoming concierge service at JW Marriott Phu Quoc, assisting guests with travel arrangements and requests.
Final Thoughts
The JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, while fantastical and uniquely designed, exhibits some signs of age. However, this weathered charm arguably aligns with its collegiate theme. While priced similarly to newer five-star resorts like the Regent, the overall experience felt less consistently luxurious and detail-oriented. Resort navigation could be confusing, and limited dining options and underwhelming in-room dining were drawbacks.
Alt text: Cobblestone pathways at JW Marriott Phu Quoc, part of the resort’s unique architectural design and landscape.
The Department of Chemistry Bar and the theatrical staff uniforms were notable highlights. The resort’s idyllic beach location and distinctive Bensley design are undeniable strengths. Discovering hidden details throughout the property added to the whimsical charm. While the resort retains its magic, some refreshing updates would further enhance the enchanting experience at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa.